If you’re looking for a hike near St. Louis, there are many hiking trails that you can choose from. These include Grant’s Trail, Heels Path, Prairie Boardwalk, and Klondike Park Trail. While all of these are beautiful, you should be aware that some of them can get pretty crowded. So, the best time to visit is on a weekday or early in the morning.
Grant’s Trail
The trail is about 12 miles long and honors former president Ulysses S. Grant. This popular trail is paved and is a good choice for walking, running, and cycling. It is also easy to access from downtown St. Louis. However, users should be aware of the many street crossings and four-way stops along the trail.
The western end of the trail begins in the Kirkwood neighborhood, close to I-44. From there, the trail follows a gentle grade. It passes through a number of neighborhoods and by the US Grant Historical Site. The trail then becomes wooded for several miles and is shaded by a forest canopy.
Heels Path
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail in St. Louis, look no further than Forest Park. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is home to a six-mile loop called the Dual Recreation Path. This unique trail is characterized by two paths running side by side. Whether you want to walk, jog, or bike, this trail will provide you with the perfect scenery.
This trail follows the edge of a scenic pond, and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Mississippi River. The trail is technically challenging, so it’s best for hikers with a lot of experience. Hikers can look out at the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake as well as the surrounding mountains as they travel the length of the path. If you’re hiking this trail for the first time, it’s best to plan your trip and camp beforehand.
Prairie Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a short hike, the Prairie Boardwalk is a good choice. It winds along a creek and is a great place to take in the sights. The hike itself begins with a short hike along a loose gravel trail, which branches off into a dense greenway trail.
One of the most popular hiking trails in St. Louis is the Fort Belle Fontaine Trail, a 22-mile trail that follows the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail through scenic prairie. You’ll pass by an abandoned fort and a scenic overlook that offers sweeping views of the city skyline and open farmland. The trail is popular for hiking, biking, and walking, and is a popular place for bird watching.
Klondike Park Trail
A great place to hike in St. Louis is Klondike Park, which is located in St. Charles County. It offers a beautiful view of the Missouri River and a hike through deciduous woods. Another great hike in the area is the Lewis and Clark Trail. Both trails are about five miles long and offer many vistas.
The park has over three miles of paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails. While many of these trails are less than a mile long, you can combine a few of them to make a longer hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try climbing the rock faces of the area’s higher elevations.
Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail
The Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. The trail winds through a pristine natural area that covers 486 acres. The 1.7-mile trail is beginner-friendly and offers a view of the Missouri River. Visitors can also experience the natural arch that spans 40 feet and is 13 feet high.
The trail follows Clifty Creek, which features 60-foot-tall cascades down rock formations. There’s a short trail that winds through the woods, while a four-mile hike above the waterfall provides the opportunity to explore the creek’s many wildlife species. A restroom is available along the trail.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
This park features fourteen miles of hiking trails through geological wonderlands. Its trails offer panoramic views and pass through open glades and caves. Visitors can also explore the ruins of a historic stone castle. Other highlights of the park include a giant natural bridge and a picturesque fresh water spring.
The park’s longest hiking trail is the Lake Lincoln trail. It winds beside Big Sugar Creek and offers scenic views. Whether you are looking for a relaxing hike or a challenging challenge, this trail is for you.