First Day Hike and Bird-Watching on Grassland Trail

at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

1/1/2026 | Rock Bridge Memorial State Park | Columbia, MO.

First Day Hikes are promoted by America's State Parks and are held at parks across the country at the start of each year. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is once again hosting several different First Day Hikes.

First Day Hike and Bird-Watching on Grassland Trail

Join on us New Year's Day to hike and look for birds along Grassland Trail. This area provides views of a restored prairie, open sky and sinkholes. Members of the Columbia Audubon Society will lead this 2-mile hike with the plan to look in the mixed grassland, shrub, and forest-edge habitats for sparrows, raptors, and any other fauna or flora of interest. This will be a fairly easy hike with a leisurely pace along relatively flat terrain.

Around dusk, hike leaders will return to the parking lot for an optional extra half hour of watching and listening for a last pulse of daytime bird activity, as well as possible evening birds, including owls. This is also a good opportunity to watch the sun go down on the first day of the new year.

This event is for ages 8 and up. We prefer that dogs do not join us. Participants should bring water, dress for the weather, and wear shoes that are suitable for muddy or snowy conditions.

We will meet at the Grassland Trail trailhead at 2:30 p.m. Parking is available at the trailhead and along Rock Bridge Lane, a wide gravel road that leads to the trailhead parking lot. Restrooms are not available in this area.

This event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Please register using the link provided here. If the hike is canceled, an announcement will be emailed to registrants and posted on the park's Facebook page and the Park and Site Status Map.

For more information about First Day Hikes at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, please call the park office at 573-449-7402.

When and Where:

  • Start time: 2:30 p.m.
  • End time: 4:30 p.m.
  • Meet at the Grassland Trail trailhead (GPS coordinates: 38.865618, -92.321497).

Rock BRidge Memorial State Park contact information:

  • Address: 5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia, Mo.
  • Phone number: 573-449-7402

Related Links:

Associated Activities

Hiking and walking