While we never know what the year will bring us, we can always count on one thing: here in Missouri, we have always have plenty of gorgeous spots to explore all across our beautiful, wondrous state. Whether you’re a seasoned or a novice hiker, you might want to lace up those hiking shoes all year long for some outdoor adventure. We’ve put together a list of 12 of the very best hikes in Missouri, designed to be taken once each month, with each feature destination and trail correlating with peak seasonal splendor and enjoyment. Get ready for the hiking adventure of your life, and a resolution you’ll surely have no problem keeping.
- Natural Tunnel Trail – Lebanon
All Trails/Barry Linville Bennett Springs State Park is the perfect spot to kick off a new year. Set off on the Natural Tunnel Trail, which will lead you to a jaw-dropping natural tunnel. The trail, which is rated easy, is quite long at 7.7 miles. However, you’ll be treated to an abundance of natural beauty along the way. Find more about the Natural Tunnel Trail in this feature article. Natural Tunnel Trail Head, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA
- Bell Mountain Loop Trail – Belleview
All Trails/Mike Barnes At just over 11.5 miles, Bell Mountain Loop Trail has earned a moderate rating (depending on your skill level). You’ll journey through the forest and might even run into some wild animals, including feral hogs, along the way. Don’t be deterred by the length; Bell Mountain Loop Trail can be done in a single day, or you can make it an overnighter! Bell Mountain Wilderness, 1373 Hwy O, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
- Drover’s Trail – Mindenmines
Facebook/Prairie State Park If you enjoy wildlife and bison, in particular, you’ll love Drover’s Trail no matter what time of the year you visit. One of the best hikes in Missouri, this trail is just as pretty sprinkled in snow as it is brimming with blossoming wildflowers. The hike is rated easy and spans 2.6 miles, making it a fun trail for all ages and skill levels. It’s one of our favorite short-and-sweet hikes in Missouri! Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
- Old Kate Trail – Parkville
All Trails/Sandy Kohrs If you’re in the mood for a short, sweet, and easy trail, you’re looking at it. Old Kate Trail clocks in at just .08 of a mile, making it more of a tiny stroll than a trek; as such, it’s considered easy. The highlight of the trail, that winds through a wooded area, is the waterfall. 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
- Wildflower Trail – Imperial
All Trails/Doug Neidholdt Stroll along the .06-mile Wildflower Trail, at Mastodon State Historic Site, a hike that, true to its name, is picturesque trail that’s especially pretty in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. The trail is rated as easy, but you will have to walk up and down wooden stairs, so just be prepared for that. Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J Becker Dr, Imperial, MO 63052, USA
- Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail – Foristell
All Trails/Doug Standish Scores of brightly-colored wildflowers dot the Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail, which winds through Indian Camp Creek Park. The easy trail clocks in at just under seven miles and boasts such natural beauty as local wildlife, prairies, and forest. Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, MO 63348, USA
- Shady Ridge Trail – Osage Beach
All Trails/Christine Maresh Spellbinding lake views await along the Shady Ridge Trail in Osage Beach, one of the best hikes in Missouri. The trail, which is rated easy, is predominately flat and is an out and back trail. Definitely make sure you have the camera for this one. Osage Beach, MO, USA
- Al Foster Trail – Glencoe
All Trails/Kevin Stock Just outside of St. Louis, you will follow an old railroad route on the Al Foster Trail, which tallies 8.6 miles in Sherman Beach Park. Although it’s a long trail, it’s predominately flat and is considered easy for all ages and all skill levels. We love lots of the hikes at Rock Hollow Park! Al Foster Trail, Wildwood, MO 63025, USA
- Grindstone Nature Trail – Columbia
All Trails/Vicky Roberts At just about two miles, the Grindstone Nature Trail is an idyllic backdrop for an autumn hike. The gravel trail is well-maintained, one of the reasons it has earned an easy rating. One of the focal points of the trail is the beautiful pedestrian bridge. It’s a lovely backdrop for photos and looks even more beautiful when surrounded by the colors of fall. Running through the nature area is Grindstone Creek. It’s a nice spot to let your dog take a dip, as leashed pups are allowed on this trail, one of the best hikes in Missouri! Grindstone Nature Trail, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Mina Sauk Falls Trail – Ironton
All Trails/Gideon Moody Mina Sauk Falls Trail promises glorious views no matter what time of the year you hike the 2.9-mile trail. The moderately-rated trail leads straight to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Mina Sauk Falls drops 132 feet, and is quite the spectacle! Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
- Grotpeter Trail – Ballwin
All Trails/Tink Johnson Stroll through a canopy of trees along the Grotpeter Trail, a gorgeous hike near St. Louis. The 4.2-mile trail is rated moderate, so you should be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The elevation changes several times, and you just might run into local wildlife, including deer. Grotpeter Trailhead, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
- Mooner’s Hollow Trail – Bonne Terre
All Trails / Brian Johanan Nature always seems to find a way to surprise us, especially when we’re hiking. We might run across a sleeping fawn, pass a tiny waterfall, or even catch an unexpectedly brilliant sunrise or sunset. Natural surprises await just about everywhere you turn on this scenic hike in Missouri that’s picture-perfect no matter what time of the year you hike it. Carve out at least a few hours for your trek along Mooner’s Hollow Trail in St. Francois Park. The moderately-rated trail spans just three miles and boasts an abundance of natural beauty, making it a must hike any time of the year. Along your journey, you’ll hike over a picturesque footbridge, past a cascading waterfall, and along a winding path that’s flanked by trees. Mooner’s Hollow, Desloge, MO 63628, USA
What are your picks for the best hikes in Missouri? Are any included on this list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls and hiking, how about spending a day trekking the trails that lead to these four gorgeous waterfalls in Missouri?
All Trails/Barry Linville
Bennett Springs State Park is the perfect spot to kick off a new year. Set off on the Natural Tunnel Trail, which will lead you to a jaw-dropping natural tunnel. The trail, which is rated easy, is quite long at 7.7 miles. However, you’ll be treated to an abundance of natural beauty along the way. Find more about the Natural Tunnel Trail in this feature article.
Natural Tunnel Trail Head, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA
All Trails/Mike Barnes
At just over 11.5 miles, Bell Mountain Loop Trail has earned a moderate rating (depending on your skill level). You’ll journey through the forest and might even run into some wild animals, including feral hogs, along the way. Don’t be deterred by the length; Bell Mountain Loop Trail can be done in a single day, or you can make it an overnighter!
Bell Mountain Wilderness, 1373 Hwy O, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Facebook/Prairie State Park
If you enjoy wildlife and bison, in particular, you’ll love Drover’s Trail no matter what time of the year you visit. One of the best hikes in Missouri, this trail is just as pretty sprinkled in snow as it is brimming with blossoming wildflowers. The hike is rated easy and spans 2.6 miles, making it a fun trail for all ages and skill levels. It’s one of our favorite short-and-sweet hikes in Missouri!
Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
All Trails/Sandy Kohrs
If you’re in the mood for a short, sweet, and easy trail, you’re looking at it. Old Kate Trail clocks in at just .08 of a mile, making it more of a tiny stroll than a trek; as such, it’s considered easy. The highlight of the trail, that winds through a wooded area, is the waterfall.
100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
All Trails/Doug Neidholdt
Stroll along the .06-mile Wildflower Trail, at Mastodon State Historic Site, a hike that, true to its name, is picturesque trail that’s especially pretty in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. The trail is rated as easy, but you will have to walk up and down wooden stairs, so just be prepared for that.
Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J Becker Dr, Imperial, MO 63052, USA
All Trails/Doug Standish
Scores of brightly-colored wildflowers dot the Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail, which winds through Indian Camp Creek Park. The easy trail clocks in at just under seven miles and boasts such natural beauty as local wildlife, prairies, and forest.
Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, MO 63348, USA
All Trails/Christine Maresh
Spellbinding lake views await along the Shady Ridge Trail in Osage Beach, one of the best hikes in Missouri. The trail, which is rated easy, is predominately flat and is an out and back trail. Definitely make sure you have the camera for this one.
Osage Beach, MO, USA
All Trails/Kevin Stock
Just outside of St. Louis, you will follow an old railroad route on the Al Foster Trail, which tallies 8.6 miles in Sherman Beach Park. Although it’s a long trail, it’s predominately flat and is considered easy for all ages and all skill levels. We love lots of the hikes at Rock Hollow Park!
Al Foster Trail, Wildwood, MO 63025, USA
All Trails/Vicky Roberts
At just about two miles, the Grindstone Nature Trail is an idyllic backdrop for an autumn hike. The gravel trail is well-maintained, one of the reasons it has earned an easy rating. One of the focal points of the trail is the beautiful pedestrian bridge. It’s a lovely backdrop for photos and looks even more beautiful when surrounded by the colors of fall. Running through the nature area is Grindstone Creek. It’s a nice spot to let your dog take a dip, as leashed pups are allowed on this trail, one of the best hikes in Missouri!
Grindstone Nature Trail, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
All Trails/Gideon Moody
Mina Sauk Falls Trail promises glorious views no matter what time of the year you hike the 2.9-mile trail. The moderately-rated trail leads straight to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Mina Sauk Falls drops 132 feet, and is quite the spectacle!
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
All Trails/Tink Johnson
Stroll through a canopy of trees along the Grotpeter Trail, a gorgeous hike near St. Louis. The 4.2-mile trail is rated moderate, so you should be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The elevation changes several times, and you just might run into local wildlife, including deer.
Grotpeter Trailhead, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
All Trails / Brian Johanan
Nature always seems to find a way to surprise us, especially when we’re hiking. We might run across a sleeping fawn, pass a tiny waterfall, or even catch an unexpectedly brilliant sunrise or sunset. Natural surprises await just about everywhere you turn on this scenic hike in Missouri that’s picture-perfect no matter what time of the year you hike it. Carve out at least a few hours for your trek along Mooner’s Hollow Trail in St. Francois Park. The moderately-rated trail spans just three miles and boasts an abundance of natural beauty, making it a must hike any time of the year. Along your journey, you’ll hike over a picturesque footbridge, past a cascading waterfall, and along a winding path that’s flanked by trees.
Mooner’s Hollow, Desloge, MO 63628, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Missouri July 27, 2022 Sarah M. Are there many waterfall hikes in Missouri? Waterfall chasing is a beloved pastime in the Show-Me State, with some truly lovely waterfall hikes in Missouri for adventure seekers. If you’ve got a hiking bucket list, add these seven waterfall hikes in Missouri – each offers beautiful scenery, capped off with a breathtaking waterfall. Some of our favorite treks on the list include the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail, and Trail Through Time in Ste. Genevieve. On this last hike, you’ll spend a day at Pickle Springs Natural Area, home to the picturesque Trail Through Time Loop. The 1.9-mile loop trail, rated between easy and moderate, promises beautiful views of unique rock formations and a small but enchanting waterfall sure to make you swoon! Where are the most scenic hikes in Missouri? While the above list of best hikes in Missouri certainly all qualify as scenic, some of the most scenic hikes in Missouri are definitely in Elephant Rocks State Park. On the park’s eponymous one-mile trail, the Elephant Rocks Loop Trail, a picturesque, tree-lined path that leads to the ruins of a historic engine house. The path is perfect for a leisurely stroll any time of the year. However, the highlight of any visit to the park is, arguably, Elephant Rocks. Created from granite more than 1.5 billion years old, the boulders are popular with visitors of all ages, including the kiddos who often climb on the so-called elephant train. And in fact, these boulders are big and sturdy enough to climb; the largest elephant, dubbed “Dumbo,” stands 27 feet tall and weighs 680 tons. For those not into climbing and squeezing between the pack’s tight spaces, there is an ADA-accessible interpretive trail that offers an equally wonderful way to experience this natural marvel.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Missouri
July 27, 2022
Sarah M.
Are there many waterfall hikes in Missouri? Waterfall chasing is a beloved pastime in the Show-Me State, with some truly lovely waterfall hikes in Missouri for adventure seekers. If you’ve got a hiking bucket list, add these seven waterfall hikes in Missouri – each offers beautiful scenery, capped off with a breathtaking waterfall. Some of our favorite treks on the list include the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail, and Trail Through Time in Ste. Genevieve. On this last hike, you’ll spend a day at Pickle Springs Natural Area, home to the picturesque Trail Through Time Loop. The 1.9-mile loop trail, rated between easy and moderate, promises beautiful views of unique rock formations and a small but enchanting waterfall sure to make you swoon! Where are the most scenic hikes in Missouri? While the above list of best hikes in Missouri certainly all qualify as scenic, some of the most scenic hikes in Missouri are definitely in Elephant Rocks State Park. On the park’s eponymous one-mile trail, the Elephant Rocks Loop Trail, a picturesque, tree-lined path that leads to the ruins of a historic engine house. The path is perfect for a leisurely stroll any time of the year. However, the highlight of any visit to the park is, arguably, Elephant Rocks. Created from granite more than 1.5 billion years old, the boulders are popular with visitors of all ages, including the kiddos who often climb on the so-called elephant train. And in fact, these boulders are big and sturdy enough to climb; the largest elephant, dubbed “Dumbo,” stands 27 feet tall and weighs 680 tons. For those not into climbing and squeezing between the pack’s tight spaces, there is an ADA-accessible interpretive trail that offers an equally wonderful way to experience this natural marvel.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall chasing is a beloved pastime in the Show-Me State, with some truly lovely waterfall hikes in Missouri for adventure seekers. If you’ve got a hiking bucket list, add these seven waterfall hikes in Missouri – each offers beautiful scenery, capped off with a breathtaking waterfall. Some of our favorite treks on the list include the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail, and Trail Through Time in Ste. Genevieve. On this last hike, you’ll spend a day at Pickle Springs Natural Area, home to the picturesque Trail Through Time Loop. The 1.9-mile loop trail, rated between easy and moderate, promises beautiful views of unique rock formations and a small but enchanting waterfall sure to make you swoon!
Where are the most scenic hikes in Missouri?
While the above list of best hikes in Missouri certainly all qualify as scenic, some of the most scenic hikes in Missouri are definitely in Elephant Rocks State Park. On the park’s eponymous one-mile trail, the Elephant Rocks Loop Trail, a picturesque, tree-lined path that leads to the ruins of a historic engine house. The path is perfect for a leisurely stroll any time of the year. However, the highlight of any visit to the park is, arguably, Elephant Rocks. Created from granite more than 1.5 billion years old, the boulders are popular with visitors of all ages, including the kiddos who often climb on the so-called elephant train. And in fact, these boulders are big and sturdy enough to climb; the largest elephant, dubbed “Dumbo,” stands 27 feet tall and weighs 680 tons. For those not into climbing and squeezing between the pack’s tight spaces, there is an ADA-accessible interpretive trail that offers an equally wonderful way to experience this natural marvel.
