Spring is a beautiful time of year for outdoor activities, especially hiking. The weather is warm and the trees are beginning to bloom, which encourages people to get outside. If you’re looking for a great hiking experience, check out these 10 areas around St. Louis where springtime shines. Most of the flowers are just starting to bloom, but in the coming weeks, these trails will be ablaze in color.
Grant’s Trail
The Grant’s Trail is a paved trail named for Ulysses S. Grant, president of the United States. The trail crosses over a former Missouri Pacific Railroad line and is popular for hiking, running, and cycling. It is open to the public and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
This 12-mile trail is easily accessible from downtown St. Louis and is part of the River Ring, an interconnected network of trails and bicycle routes. There are more than 100 miles of greenway trails in St. Louis. The trail is convenient to walk and cycle and is well maintained. The trail offers views of ponds and wooded areas. It also parallels Gravois Creek.
The trailhead is located at the intersection of Leffingwell and Holmes Roads. There are also other trailheads in the city.
Lime Kiln Loop Trail
Located about 40 minutes west of the city, the Lime Kiln Loop Trail is a great place to get away from the crowds. It’s a three-mile loop through a wooded area. It’s also an excellent place to see some wildlife. This trail is considered moderate in difficulty, but even the most inexperienced hikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Lime Kiln Loop Trail is the most popular hiking trail in St. Louis, and was constructed 150 years ago. It climbs steeply through a forest, and features scenic rock outcroppings. It’s a great place to catch a glimpse of the Rockwoods Range and bird watching.
This trail is a great option for families with kids, since it climbs steadily and offers distant views of the valleys below. The trail crosses a small stream and then parallels it on its way back to the trailhead. Children will love the shallow stream and the unique trees.
White Bison Trail
Hiking on the White Bison Trail is a great way to see wildlife and get outdoors. The trail winds through hilly deciduous forest and forms a large circular circuit with a pond at the center. You can expect to see bison, elk, deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
Another popular hiking trail in St. Louis is the White Bison Trail, a 3 mile single track trail that offers scenic views and moderate physical rating. It can be accessed from Dougherty Ferry Road and Big Bend Road in West St. Louis.
If you’re looking for a shorter hiking trail, you can visit Lone Elk Park. Located near Interstate 44, the park offers views of elk and bison. The park also features a beautiful lake and trails. The White Bison Trail is 3.2 miles long and can be accessed from the park’s entrance.
The trail begins with a mild elevation gain and continues to a steep path through the woods. From the trailhead, you will see the beautiful Belleview Valley and the St. Francois Mountains. This trail is long and technical, so you’ll need to have plenty of hiking experience to complete it safely.
Buford Mountain
Hikers can experience the natural beauty of the area by hiking Buford Mountain. The 1,740-foot mountain is located in the St. Francois Mountains, which are part of the Ozark Mountains. While there are no big vistas on the mountain, there are many side paths that lead to the summit.
Buford Mountain is one of the highest mountains in Missouri. The trail goes through glades, rocky outcroppings, and charcoal kilns. Once at the top, hikers will have a stunning view of southeast Missouri. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and trekking poles to make the hike easier and more enjoyable.
Another popular trail is the Whispering Pines Trail, which features wildlife, creek crossings, and tall pines. Hikers can also explore the Mina Sauk Falls trail, which is a waterfall that can be enjoyed in wet weather.