st louis hiking trails

St. Louis is home to a plethora of hiking trails that offer a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From the serene Forest Park Trails to the rugged Castlewood State Park Trails, there’s a hike for every fitness level and preference. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging day hike, St. Louis has something to offer. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the many trails that this vibrant city has to offer!

Forest Park Trails

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Forest Park is a sprawling urban oasis that offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. From the easy, paved River des Peres Greenway Trail to the more challenging Valley View Trail, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy. The park’s most popular trail is the 6.5-mile Grand Basin Trail, which loops around the park’s iconic Grand Basin. Along the way, hikers will pass by the Jewel Box, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. For a shorter hike, try the 1.5-mile World’s Fair Pavilion Trail, which takes hikers past the remnants of the 1904 World’s Fair.

Forest Park is also home to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. So, after your hike, you can easily spend the rest of the day exploring these other attractions. With its beautiful scenery, convenient location, and variety of trails, Forest Park is a great place to enjoy a hike in St. Louis.

Here are some tips for hiking in Forest Park⁚

• The park is open from 6am to 10pm, but it’s best to hike during daylight hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring water and snacks.
• Stay on the marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful of other hikers and wildlife.
• Leave no trace by packing out everything you pack in.

Meramec River Greenway Trail

The Meramec River Greenway Trail is a 12.5-mile paved trail that follows the scenic Meramec River. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a great option for families with young children or hikers of all fitness levels. Along the way, hikers will pass through forests, meadows, and wetlands. There are also several overlooks that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

The Meramec River Greenway Trail is a great place to hike, bike, or rollerblade. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The trail is open year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the spring and fall when the leaves are changing color.

Here are some tips for hiking the Meramec River Greenway Trail⁚

• The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring water and snacks.
• Stay on the marked trail and be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful of other trail users and wildlife.
• Leave no trace by packing out everything you pack in.

The Meramec River Greenway Trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Louis area. With its paved surface, easy terrain, and stunning scenery, it’s a great option for hikers of all ages and abilities.

Shaw Nature Reserve Trails

Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre nature sanctuary located in Gray Summit, Missouri. The reserve features a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and glades. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through these habitats, offering hikers a chance to see a variety of plants and animals.

The Shaw Nature Reserve Trails are well-maintained and range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Some of the most popular trails include the Butterfly Garden Trail, the Riverfront Trail, and the Woodland Trail. The Butterfly Garden Trail is a short, easy trail that is perfect for families with young children. The Riverfront Trail follows the Meramec River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. The Woodland Trail is a more challenging trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands.

Here are some tips for hiking the Shaw Nature Reserve Trails⁚

• The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring water and snacks.
• Stay on the marked trail and be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful of other trail users and wildlife.
• Leave no trace by packing out everything you pack in.

The Shaw Nature Reserve Trails are a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Louis area. With their variety of habitats and well-maintained trails, they offer hikers of all ages and abilities a chance to experience the beauty of the outdoors.

Castlewood State Park Trails

Castlewood State Park is a 1,784-acre park located in Ballwin, Missouri. The park features a variety of natural features, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and bluffs. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through these habitats, offering hikers a chance to see a variety of plants and animals.

The Castlewood State Park Trails are well-maintained and range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Some of the most popular trails include the Bluebird Trail, the Castlewood Trail, and the Meramec River Trail. The Bluebird Trail is a short, easy trail that is perfect for families with young children. The Castlewood Trail is a more challenging trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands. The Meramec River Trail follows the Meramec River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Here are some tips for hiking the Castlewood State Park Trails⁚

• The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring water and snacks.
• Stay on the marked trail and be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful of other trail users and wildlife.
• Leave no trace by packing out everything you pack in.

The Castlewood State Park Trails are a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Louis area. With their variety of habitats and well-maintained trails, they offer hikers of all ages and abilities a chance to experience the beauty of the outdoors.

Creve Coeur Lake Trail

The Creve Coeur Lake Trail is a 3.5-mile paved trail that circles Creve Coeur Lake in Creve Coeur Park. The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk, making it a great option for families with young children or people with limited mobility. The trail is also popular with runners, cyclists, and dog walkers.

The Creve Coeur Lake Trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding parkland. Along the trail, you’ll see a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. You may also see some of the park’s wildlife, such as deer, turtles, and birds.

Here are some tips for hiking the Creve Coeur Lake Trail⁚

• The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring water and snacks.
• Stay on the marked trail and be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful of other trail users and wildlife.
• Leave no trace by packing out everything you pack in.

The Creve Coeur Lake Trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Creve Coeur Park. With its paved surface and relatively flat terrain, it’s a great option for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, the Creve Coeur Lake Trail has something to offer everyone.