For hiking enthusiasts, the city’s natural beauty provides a multitude of options. Several trails are available in Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. They range in length from 3 to 10 miles, and offer a variety of ups and downs. The Lewis and Clark Trail is one of the most popular in the area.
Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail is a 5.2 mile hike that starts from Highway 94. It winds its way up a moderate bluff before ending at an overlook of the Missouri River. The trail is marked well and is one of the most popular hiking trails in St. Louis.
If you want to hike the trail, be sure to check the weather first. The trail is best hiked in the early spring or late fall, when the weather is warm and not too hot. It is also the least likely time to encounter snow in mountain passes.
Sandstone Canyon Trail
The Sandstone Canyon Trail is a paved path that leads to a picnic area. From there, the hiking trail continues through a natural surface, taking hikers through a Missouri forest with a variety of deciduous trees. They will also pass through cliffs and glades. The landscape is one of the most spectacular in the region, with sandstone canyons and scenic views.
Hiking the Sandstone Canyon Trail is a great way to get some fresh air and get in touch with the surrounding environment. The trails are easy to follow and are great for people of all skill levels. Some of them are also family-friendly and suitable for hikers with dogs.
Clydesdale Trail loop
If you want to spend a day exploring the outdoors, St. Louis has several hiking trails for the entire family. From beginner to expert hikers, St. Louis trails are a great way to see the sights and feel the breeze. The city is also known as the “Gateway to the West” and is filled with beautiful green spaces. There are several hiking trails in the surrounding area that are great for first-timers, families, and dogs.
The Clydesdale Trail loop, a loop of hiking trails in Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park, is an excellent destination for beginners and experienced hikers alike. This scenic loop includes three hikes in different terrains: Twin Bridge, Fox Run, and Bottomland. The trails are flat for much of the journey, but do have a few short climbs to spice up the scenery. The loop has an overall secluded feel that makes it a family favorite.
Pere Marquette Outer Loop
The Pere Marquette State Park is an 8,050-acre protected area near Grafton, Illinois, at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. This area is a popular hiking spot for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that can be enjoyed by families and individuals of all ages.
The Pere Marquette Loop is a 12-mile system that connects three hiking trails, including Goat Cliff Trail. It begins at the visitor center and leads hikers to a lookout platform at mile 0.8. From here, you can view the ridge, the Mississippi River, and the St. Louis skyline.
Bee Tree Lake Loop
If you want to try out something new on your next hiking trip, consider the Bee Tree Lake Loop. This 0.8 mile, 2,000-step hike is located near St. Louis, Missouri, and is rated easy. The hike will take you along Bee Tree Lake, which is home to large populations of bass, catfish, carp, and sunfish.
The trail itself is beautiful and very wheelchair-friendly. You’ll pass by fields of vibrant greenery and wildflowers as you hike along the trail. The trail is also a favorite among families and dogs, and you’ll likely see some deer and cackling geese as you stroll along the paths.
Mina Sauk Falls waterfall hike
The hike to the waterfall starts from the parking lot. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and can be challenging at times. The waterfall is best seen in spring and fall. To enjoy the best views, hike the trail counter-clockwise. The fall foliage is especially beautiful here.
The Mina Sauk Falls waterfall hike is located in the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, the highest natural point in Missouri. The waterfall itself is incredibly picturesque and offers spectacular views of the St. Francois Mountains. You can also visit Devil’s Tollgate, a massive rock formation located near the end of the trail.