There are many hiking trails in the St. Louis area, with hundreds of miles of scenic natural areas surrounding them. Many are designated for different activities and interests. For example, you might prefer hiking in the Dogwood Trail, or you might want to go for a jog through Emerson Grand Basin Loop. You’ll also find a variety of parks and trails within the city, including Prairie Boardwalk and Grand Center Park.
Grant’s Trail
If you’re interested in hiking or mountain biking in the area, Grant’s Trail is a great choice. This paved path, which honors Ulysses S. Grant, connects several historic sites. It also features a bike path and restrooms.
This paved trail connects several neighborhoods, parks, and schools. It also connects to the River Des Peres Greenway. The trail is a great place to get your heart pumping on a brisk walk. If you prefer more leisurely activities, you may also want to visit the nearby Gravois Greenway.
The Grant’s Trail runs through a scenic park, where you can find plenty of sculptures. This trail is also easy to access, with restrooms and benches located along the way. It is also located near the Laumeier Sculpture Park, which offers a nice open-air museum and sculptures.
Another great trail is the Missouri Trail, which is 237 miles long. It starts in Machens and ends in Clinton. You can find plenty of shops and restaurants along the way.
Emerson Grand Basin Loop
Located in Forest Park, Emerson Grand Basin Loop is a popular hiking trail that connects other trails in the area. It passes scenic footbridges and leads to the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum. Along the way, you can also check out the Wildlife Park and Picnic Park. The Emerson Grand Basin Loop is also known for its matrimonial gazebo, which has hosted many wedding ceremonies over the years.
Located in Forest Park, Picnic Island is a picturesque spot, complete with a suspension bridge that spans the lake between the Emerson Grand Basin and the Post-Dispatch Lake. The bridge connects the island to the rest of the park. A playground, basketball court, and vintage rocket slide are some of the activities popular with families.
Located just west of downtown St. Louis, this trail is easy to find. To get there, take I-70 West to exit at MO-367 N. Go east for 0.6 miles to Lusher Road, then right for 0.4 miles and continue to Bellefontaine Road, where you will find the trailhead.
Prairie Boardwalk
There are a number of hiking trails in St. Louis. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, the Prairie Boardwalk is one of them. You’ll find yourself walking through fields full of vibrant greenery and wildflowers. You might even spot some wildlife along the way.
If you like walking along a river, you might want to hike along the Mississippi River. The trail is paved and will one day connect to the Mississippi River Greenway Trail. You’ll also cross several old bridges as you walk along the trail. The trail is located west of downtown St. Louis, near S Brentwood Boulevard and Hanley Road. You can also start your hike from Lorraine Davis Park, which is 3.5 miles away.
The Fort Belle Fontaine Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in St. Louis. The trail follows the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and leads to the abandoned Fort Belle. It was completed in 1805, but is now covered with overgrown greenery. Hiking along the trail will allow you to see a historic overlook of St. Louis and the surrounding area.