Exploring Missouri is so much fun and so easy, especially with the hundreds of hiking trails across the state. An abundance of hiking trails means it can pose a challenge when it comes to deciding where to hike next. That choice might just be a whole lot easier next time – thanks to our readers. We polled readers of our Only In Missouri Facebook page and our Missouri Nature Lovers page to see what they thought. (If you’re not a member of those pages, head on over and join!) Here are 11 of the best hiking trails in Missouri, according to our readers.
- Whispering Pines Trail – Hawn State Park
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Steve Ingram A challenging trek awaits on the 12.4-mile Whispering Pines Trail, which meanders through Hawn State Park. However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views - unique rock formations, flowing streams, and local wildlife. The rocky terrain makes the trail difficult, although it can still get quite crowded. If you’ve got the time, make a night of it by backpacking. (You must pay a fee.) Read more about this beautiful hike in Missouri in our previous article. Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr #8121, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
- Greer Spring Trail – Mark Twain National Forest
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Brian Grube Tallying just under 1.5 miles, Greer Spring Trail meanders through old growth forest and leads to the second largest spring in Missouri. Because of its rough terrain and stairs, it scores a moderate rating. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about local wildlife from the educational markers that are dotted along the path. Find more on this beautiful Missouri trail by reading our previous article. Mark Twain National Forest, Birch Tree Township, MO 65438, USA
- Silver Mine Recreation Area
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Rosanna Metcalf Stroll along the 1.9-mile Silver Mine Trail, a picturesque path that earns a moderate rating. The trail runs along the St. Francis River, boasting stunning views of the water, of unique rock formations, and of colorful wildflowers. Expect surprises around just about every corner. Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
- Castle Ruins Trail – Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Mala Bora Boara Follow the yellow blaze that will take you along the ADA-accessible Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The easy trail spans just .08 of a mile and features plenty of benches along the way. Stop for a breather or just to admire the views before you arrive at the castle ruins. Read more about this one-of-a-kind castle trail in Missouri. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
- Laumeier Sculpture Park – Sappington
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Amber Dunayer Meander through Laumeier Sculpture Park, a free park that’s open all year around and is home to fascinating artwork. The path is considered easy, although there may be a few inclines along the way. Don’t forget your camera! Find out why this is the most unique park in Missouri. Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127, USA
- White Bison Trail – Lone Elk Park
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Brian Hoag If you love wildlife, you’ll fall head over heels along the White Bison Trail. Wear comfy shoes on this 3.2-mile trail that does not allow pets. You’ll likely run into a range of wildlife - elk, bison, turkey, and deer. Some inclines and muddy terrain make the trail a bit difficult. Discover the natural beauty that awaits on this wildlife trail in Missouri by checking out our previous article. Lone Elk Park Road, Lone Elk Park Rd, Meramec Township, MO, USA
- Grand Gulf State Park – Koshkonong
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Ryan Gillespie Drink in absolutely sensational views of Missouri’s own Grand Canyon along the 1.2-mile Interpretative Loop Trail. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. While you can’t go to the canyon floor, you will be treated to sensational canyon views. Learn more about the Little Grand Canyon of Missouri. Grand Gulf State Park – Koshkonong
- Mina Sauk Falls Trail – Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Chris Wilson Wandering three miles through Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Mina Sauk Falls Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. The trek is considered moderately challenging. You can hike just to the waterfall, which sits at the halfway point, then turn around. Take a peek at the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
- Rock Hollow Trail/Zombie Road – Wildwood
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Steve Larson Rock Hollow Trail is perhaps best known as Zombie Trail and is known for its eerie tales of the paranormal. Winding just 2.3 miles, the path is absolutely breathtaking during the day but once the sun goes down? Well, it takes on a whole new spooky aura. Read more about why this is the most haunted trail in Missouri. Rock Hollow Trail, Wildwood, MO, USA
- Wolf Creek Trail – Mark Twain National Forest
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Sandi Hannig Popular with both hikers and bikers, Wolf Creek Trail tallies around five miles and is considered easy. The path is usually brimming with wildlife, and many consider it a pleasant walk through the woods. Mark Twain National Forest, Birch Tree Township, MO 65438, USA
- Lewis & Clark Trail – Saint Charles
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Amy Unnerstall Journey along Missouri’s portion of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Coming in at just over eight miles, the scenic trail features breathtaking bluffs and creek crossings. Be prepared for a moderate challenge, and keep an eye out for downed trees. Lewis and Clark Trail, Boone Township, MO 63332, USA
Do you agree that these are the best hiking trails in Missouri? What trails would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments! Up for more exploration? Plan a visit to this hidden gem park in Missouri.
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Steve Ingram
A challenging trek awaits on the 12.4-mile Whispering Pines Trail, which meanders through Hawn State Park. However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views - unique rock formations, flowing streams, and local wildlife. The rocky terrain makes the trail difficult, although it can still get quite crowded. If you’ve got the time, make a night of it by backpacking. (You must pay a fee.) Read more about this beautiful hike in Missouri in our previous article.
Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr #8121, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Brian Grube
Tallying just under 1.5 miles, Greer Spring Trail meanders through old growth forest and leads to the second largest spring in Missouri. Because of its rough terrain and stairs, it scores a moderate rating. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about local wildlife from the educational markers that are dotted along the path. Find more on this beautiful Missouri trail by reading our previous article.
Mark Twain National Forest, Birch Tree Township, MO 65438, USA
Facebook/Only In Missouri/Rosanna Metcalf
Stroll along the 1.9-mile Silver Mine Trail, a picturesque path that earns a moderate rating. The trail runs along the St. Francis River, boasting stunning views of the water, of unique rock formations, and of colorful wildflowers. Expect surprises around just about every corner.
Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Mala Bora Boara
Follow the yellow blaze that will take you along the ADA-accessible Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The easy trail spans just .08 of a mile and features plenty of benches along the way. Stop for a breather or just to admire the views before you arrive at the castle ruins. Read more about this one-of-a-kind castle trail in Missouri.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Amber Dunayer
Meander through Laumeier Sculpture Park, a free park that’s open all year around and is home to fascinating artwork. The path is considered easy, although there may be a few inclines along the way. Don’t forget your camera! Find out why this is the most unique park in Missouri.
Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Brian Hoag
If you love wildlife, you’ll fall head over heels along the White Bison Trail. Wear comfy shoes on this 3.2-mile trail that does not allow pets. You’ll likely run into a range of wildlife - elk, bison, turkey, and deer. Some inclines and muddy terrain make the trail a bit difficult. Discover the natural beauty that awaits on this wildlife trail in Missouri by checking out our previous article.
Lone Elk Park Road, Lone Elk Park Rd, Meramec Township, MO, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Ryan Gillespie
Drink in absolutely sensational views of Missouri’s own Grand Canyon along the 1.2-mile Interpretative Loop Trail. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. While you can’t go to the canyon floor, you will be treated to sensational canyon views. Learn more about the Little Grand Canyon of Missouri.
Grand Gulf State Park – Koshkonong
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Chris Wilson
Wandering three miles through Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Mina Sauk Falls Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. The trek is considered moderately challenging. You can hike just to the waterfall, which sits at the halfway point, then turn around. Take a peek at the tallest waterfall in Missouri.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Steve Larson
Rock Hollow Trail is perhaps best known as Zombie Trail and is known for its eerie tales of the paranormal. Winding just 2.3 miles, the path is absolutely breathtaking during the day but once the sun goes down? Well, it takes on a whole new spooky aura. Read more about why this is the most haunted trail in Missouri.
Rock Hollow Trail, Wildwood, MO, USA
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Sandi Hannig
Popular with both hikers and bikers, Wolf Creek Trail tallies around five miles and is considered easy. The path is usually brimming with wildlife, and many consider it a pleasant walk through the woods.
Facebook/Missouri Nature Lovers/Amy Unnerstall
Journey along Missouri’s portion of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Coming in at just over eight miles, the scenic trail features breathtaking bluffs and creek crossings. Be prepared for a moderate challenge, and keep an eye out for downed trees.
Lewis and Clark Trail, Boone Township, MO 63332, USA
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