There are a number of different hiking trails in St. Louis, including the Grant’s Trail, Hawk Ridge Trail, and the Pere Marquette Outer Loop. Each trail offers a different type of scenery. To learn more about these different trails, read on. If you’re new to hiking, you might be wondering where to start. The good news is that there’s something for everyone.
Grant’s Trail
The 8-mile Grant’s Trail is a great urban hiking trail that’s completely paved. This former railroad trail is flat and perfect for running, biking, or walking. It also has restrooms along the way. The trail passes through historic sites, such as Grants Farm, which is now a 10-acre National Historic Site.
The Grant’s Trail is a great option for those who are new to hiking. Located 10 miles south of the Gateway Arch, the trail follows an abandoned rail line that had an ambitious goal to reach the Pacific Ocean. This trail is flat and non-technical, making it ideal for first-timers and families looking for a low-key workout.
White Bison Trail
If you’re a hiker looking to take in the surrounding wildlife, White Bison Trail in the Forest Park is a great place to start. The trail winds through hilly deciduous forest and forms a circular circuit, with a pond in the center. If you’re looking for bison, elk, or deer, you’re likely to find them here, and you can also watch for waterfowl.
If you’re looking for a shorter trail, Queeny Park offers several options. The Hawk Ridge Trail, for example, features four miles of terrain with forest, lakes, and creeks. The trails’ natural beauty makes them a great option for people of all levels. Once you’ve finished your hike, you’ll have an uphill trek back to the trailhead.
Hawk Ridge Trail
Hawk Ridge Trail is a popular hike within an hour’s drive of the city. It follows the perimeter of Queeny Park and offers a mixture of shade and open space. It’s also home to a variety of birds and deer. It’s a fun family hike for people of all skill levels.
This 4.4-mile trail is accessible from the Weidman Road or Mason Road side of the park. It’s a multi-use trail that is paved in parts and gravel in others. It starts in an open field and then heads into the woods. The trail winds through the park’s lush forest, passing by mature oak trees that grow to 70 feet tall. The trail also features redbud trees and spicebush in the valleys.
Pere Marquette Outer Loop
The 8,050-acre Pere Marquette State Park is situated near Grafton, Illinois, at the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River. This park is a popular hiking destination because of its many hiking trails and the scenic beauty that surrounds it.
The 12-mile Pere Marquette Loop is home to three hiking trails. The first one, Goat Cliff Trail, begins at the visitors center and rises alongside exposed rock walls. The steep cliffs are peppered with boulders and are an excellent spot to take in the views of the Illinois River Valley. After a half-mile, you can turn around to visit the McAdams Peak lookout platform, which offers panoramic views of St. Louis and the surrounding region.
Creve Coeur Lakeview Loop
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is a 2,145-acre park located in Maryland Heights, Missouri. This is one of the largest parks in the St. Louis County Parks system. The park surrounds the lake, which is an oxbow lake and one of the largest natural lakes in the state.
You can walk or bike along the Lakeview Loop Trail, which wraps around Creve Coeur Lake. This trail is great for families, as it has beautiful lake views. There are also playgrounds and a sandy beach at the end of the loop. The trail then splits into two other trails, the Meadows Loop and the Mallard Lake Loop.
Elephant Rocks State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park is a public recreation area and state-owned geologic reserve located in the Saint Francois Mountains. It is named for a long string of pink circus elephant-shaped granite boulders. Visitors can hike up to these rocks and admire the natural beauty of the area.
The park is located about 80 miles south of St. Louis County. It takes around one hour to drive there. The route is mostly on small, state roads and two-lane country roads. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, check out the park’s website for directions. You can also use your GPS to help you find the park.