What to do Outside
Rockbrige Devil's Icebox Trail
Central MissouriActivities: Hiking
Nearby: Pierpont, MO
Length: .5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Spring Summer Fall Winter
Related Link:
http://www.mostateparks.com/ro…
The park's most impressive geologic features are revealed on this short walk that begins from the Devil's Icebox parking lot. A boardwalk trail makes it easier to climb the 63-foot-tall Rock Bridge and eventually loops around to bring you back through the natural tunnel. To protect the resource, please stay on the trail. Features visible along the way include the valley that formed when the cave roof collapsed to form the Rock Bridge, a glade in the process of being restored, and the double sinkhole entrance to Devil's Icebox Cave and Connor Spring.
The walk down the stairs to the cave entrance is refreshingly cool in summer months. Enough light enters the karst window to allow a short wade in the underground stream. Flashlights, helmets and good shoes are recommended for those brave enough to enter the darkness of Connor's Cave, which lies downstream or to the left of the entrance to Devil's Icebox Cave. Devil's Icebox Cave begins to the right or upstream from the cave entrance. Only those on park-led wild cave tours are permitted to enter Devil's Icebox Cave.
From the caves, the boardwalk meanders through the woods and keeps visitors' feet dry inches above the stream that flows through the Rock Bridge. Displays tell visitors more about the cave system and the area's history. Additional information can be gained from using the Devil's Icebox Self-Guiding Trail booklet, which is available for a small fee at the park office.
Directions
From St. Louis/Kansas City
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is approximately 130 miles from Kansas City and St. Louis and should take about two and one-half hours depending on traffic. From either location, take I-70 to Columbia, Exit 126 (Providence Road/Downtown). Go south through Columbia on Providence Road/Hwy. 163 approximately six miles. (Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site will be on the right between Stadium and Green Meadows blvds.) At the first traffic light after the road narrows to two lanes, turn left staying on Hwy. 163. Travel one mile; the park office and main park entrance will be on the right. The Devil's Icebox and Rock Bridge entrance is an additional mile and also on the right.