We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Oddest Hiking Trail Name in Missouri

Aside from having one of the oddest hiking trail names in Missouri, the Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has one of the oddest geological formations in the state. Whether you’re a Missourian looking for a day-trip-worthy hike or a traveler passing through the state on I-70 looking for a place to stretch your legs, the Devil’s Icebox is a trail that’s as fascinating as its name.

While the Devil’s Icebox does indeed have an unusual name, I must acknowledge a couple of other “devil” trails in Missouri. I’ve also visited the Devil’s Kitchen at Roaring River State Park and have noticed there’s another Devil’s Kitchen at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. All of this makes me wonder what the devil is cooking around here. Deviled eggs? Devil’s food cake? All corny puns aside, it does seem odd that the devil appears in the names of so many trails and geographic features.

It turns out there is a reason for this. Often, these trails and features are thought to be challenging and unusual, so much so that they seem, perhaps, a little evil. Of course, modern science helps us understand why a cool breeze blows up from underground or why giant rocks might form a roomlike enclosure. Science explains, but it doesn’t take away the magic from visiting a feature like the Devil’s Icebox.

The Devil’s Icebox Trail is located at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which is centrally located in Missouri, just 15 minutes south of Columbia. I often stop when I'm passing through and enjoy a quick respite in this natural wonderland. Whether you want to hike, bike, or horseback ride through the woodlands, you can do it on one of the park’s eight marked trails. The wonderfully diverse terrain includes the namesake rock bridge, a natural tunnel, a spring, caves, and the double sinkhole and underground stream that create the feature called the Devil’s Icebox.

The Devil’s Icebox Trail is astoundingly short, considering all that you can see along its half-mile loop. You will want to allow considerable time to gawk at the geography and to read the accompanying signs. Also, while the trail is short and mostly on a boardwalk, you can still expect a good challenge thanks to the number of stairs. There are also spots where you can leave the boardwalk, but you may find yourself shuffling through wet leaves, hidden streams, and squishy mud that will leave its mark on your shoes. Go in knowing this isn’t a simple stroll, especially if you want to get up close and personal with geology.

Along the loop, you’ll encounter the 63-foot-tall rock bridge that gives Rock Bridge Memorial State Park its name. From afar, it might not look like much, but as you head down under the ginormous rock overhang, you realize just how massive it is. Depending on the weather, you may find a waterfall under the tunnel. Take some time to look out at the woodlands with the arch of the rocks framing your view. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to get a picture-perfect snapshot here.

Continue along the trail to find the namesake Devil’s Icebox. This unusual formation includes a double sinkhole and an underground stream that flows through a cave and emerges as a spring. As you stand near it, you’re greeted by refreshingly cool air emanating from below. Those who named it might have thought the devil himself created this enigmatic spot, but on a hot day, it seems more like a blessing than a curse.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can navigate into the 166-foot Connor’s Cave. However, I have never tried this since I prefer to keep my hikes above ground. If spelunking is your idea of a good time, take along headlamps, solid shoes, and helmets to increase your safety in the dark, slippery cave. While once open for wild cave tours, the Devil’s Icebox Cave, located upstream, is now closed to the public to protect a population of bats from white nose syndrome. 

Despite its name, you will not find any food in the Devil’s Icebox. I recommend heading to Columbia to explore this charming college town. Grab a bite at my favorite, Shakespeare’s Pizza, to refuel for more adventures in mid-Missouri. If you want to make it a "double devil day," head 90 minutes south to Ha Ha State Park to find the Devil's Kitchen Trail!