Moon Loop Trailhead (On Barnes Chapel Rd.)
The Moon Loop Trailhead (on Barnes Chapel Rd.) leads to the Moon Loop of the Cedar Creek Trail.
The Moon Loop portion is approximately 6.2-miles in length and is named for the moon-like appearance of the area caused by soil erosion in the 1930s. The area has since been restored. This loop boasts beautiful wildflowers, much of it crosses pasture and travels along gravel roads. It is located near Columbia and can be pretty busy on a nice weekend. This section is marked with yellow diamonds. There are two stream crossings going over the Big Branch Creek, there are no bridges. It is relatively flat.
General Information
Camping
Camping amenities at Dry Fork Recreation Area include 8 primitive camp sites each with table, fire ring, and lantern post that can accommodate up to 30 foot RV’s or smaller vehicles pulling a trailer. Other amenities include pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, picnic area, and hitching posts. No camping fees, but donations are encouraged.
Dispersed Camping
You can dispersed camp along the trail.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
On the Trail
- Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding is permitted.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted.
- No horses on the 1 mile Pine Ridge Section, use alternate route.
At the Trailheads
- Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.86127
Longitude: -92.167015
Directions
from Ginlet
- Take E Highway AB for .8 miles
- Continue straight onto East Barnes Chapel Road for another .7 miles to the trailhead.
Parking
All trailheads have a registry board. This lets us know when trails are being used and how so we can better manage the trails.
Most parking areas can fit 3 vehicles.
Horses
Pine Ridge – horse trailers will not fit
All other trailheads can fit horse trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Backpacking Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Day Hikes Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Horseback Riding Info
Cedar Creek Trail is approximately 36 miles long and offers a great opportunity to view over 16,000 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District with various wildlife habitats. The trail meanders through the oak hickory forests and tallgrass prairies, with the equestrian trailhead located at Dry Fork Recreation Area. Access to trail can also be found on many county roads in the area.
Camping amenities at Dry Fork Recreation Area include 8 primitive camp sites each with table, fire ring, and lantern post that can accommodate up to 30 foot RV’s or smaller vehicles pulling a trailer. Other amenities include pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, picnic area, and hitching posts. No camping fees, but donations are encouraged.
No horses allowed on Pine Ridge Section of Cedar Creek Trail, alternative route available.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website.
Viewing Plants Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils. Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home. Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
Within this wide and varied landscape there exists a diverse array of plants. Of the roughly 2800 species of plant in Missouri, about two-thirds can be found on the Forest. While most can be found commonly throughout the Forest, less common species can be found in specific natural communities such as calcareous fens, acid seeps, and glades (limestone, dolomite and igneous).
What to look for
- Native - MDC Field Guide
- Non-Native - Mark Twain NNIS | MDC Problem Plant Control
- Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species
Viewing Scenery Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.