3.3
(30)
46
riders
3M Wetlands Overlook – MKT Trail loop from Columbia
00:59
18.8km
80m
Gravel riding
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.04 km
3M Wetlands Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.32 km
MKT Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
9.76 km
Brushwood Lake
Lake
14.0 km
Wooden Bridge in Hinkson Woods Conservation Area
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
14.7 km
Fishing Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
18.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.22 km
8.78 km
484 m
326 m
Surfaces
9.05 km
8.75 km
988 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Friday 12 June
29°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, high-reward gravel biking route near Columbia, the 3M Wetlands Overlook – MKT Trail loop delivers. This 11.7-mile (18.8 km) ride, with a gentle 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and can be completed in about 59 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, scenic escape that combines urban accessibility with natural beauty.
What to expect on 3M Wetlands Overlook – MKT Trail loop from Columbia
The route starts on the MKT Trail, a former railbed with a smooth, crushed limestone surface that winds through varied scenery, from rural stretches alongside Perche and Hinkson Creeks to fully canopied sections with old wooden bridges. The real highlight is the 3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands loop, a paved 1.25-mile detour where you'll pedal past open water and marshes, spotting birds from the repurposed pumphouse viewing platform. This easy ride is accessible for most cyclists, offering a pleasant blend of natural beauty without significant effort.
Planning your visit
The MKT Trail is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains at various trailheads, making planning easy. It's also dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join. Since the trail is generally accessible and well-maintained, it's a great option year-round, though spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The MKT Trail maintains its entire 8.9-mile length without crossing a single road, utilizing tunnels instead, which provides a smooth and uninterrupted ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.7 miles (18.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 254 feet (77 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 59 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free