
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Hayes Arboretum
Explore over 300 acres of forested trails and unique tree species.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the forest, meadows, and various wildlife.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs about trees and their importance to the environment.
2. Castlewood State Park
Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding at this beautiful state park.
- Historic Ruins: Features the remains of a historic iron furnace from the 19th century.
- Scenic Cliffs: Offers stunning views of the Meramec River and surrounding hills.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides a variety of activities, including fishing and canoeing.
3. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Visit the highest point in Missouri and hike scenic trails through the forest.
- Highest Point in Missouri: Features the highest natural point in Missouri at 1,772 feet.
- Waterfall Viewing: Offers a chance to see one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot various wildlife, including deer and turkey.
4. Merkland Conservation Area
Explore over 10 miles of trails through the Meramec River floodplain.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including beavers and bald eagles.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Meramec River and its surrounding hills.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
5. Thorpe Meadows Conservation Area
Hike through a wetlands area teeming with wildlife and plant life.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe various waterfowl, including herons and egrets.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful views of the wetlands, meadows, and surrounding woods.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about wetland conservation and wildlife.
6. Tyson Research Center
Explore over 2,000 acres of forested trails and learn about scientific research.
- Scientific Research: Features ongoing ecological research conducted by the University of Missouri.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the forest, fields, and various wildlife.
7. Craigmuir Nature Preserve
Hike through a serene nature preserve with beautiful woodland trails.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the forest, fields, and various wildlife.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including deer and foxes.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
8. Blue Valley Park
Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding at this beautiful park.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Meramec River and its surrounding hills.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides a variety of activities, including fishing and canoeing.
- Historic Ruins: Features the remains of an old iron furnace from the 19th century.
9. Gray Summit Conservation Area
Hike through scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the Meramec River valley.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful views of the Meramec River valley, meadows, and surrounding hills.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe various wildlife, including deer and turkey.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
10. Iron Mountain State Park
Hike scenic trails through this beautiful park with stunning views of the Meramec River.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the Meramec River and its surrounding hills.
- Historic Ruins: Features the remains of an old iron furnace from the 19th century.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides a variety of activities, including fishing and horseback riding.
11. Watson Trail - Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Hike or bike along this scenic trail with beautiful views of Creve Coeur Lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of Creve Coeur Lake and its surrounding hills.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
12. Shaw Nature Reserve
Explore over 2,000 acres of forested trails with stunning views of the Missouri River.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the Missouri River and its surrounding hills.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Scientific Research: Features ongoing ecological research conducted by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
13. Forest Park
Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at this beautiful urban park.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful views of the city, lakes, and forests.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, golfing, and boating.
- Historic Ruins: Features the remains of the World's Fair of 1904.
14. Macon Brook Conservation Area
Hike through scenic trails and observe various wildlife in this conservation area.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including deer and foxes.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful views of the woodlands, fields, and meadows.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
15. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Explore beautiful riverside trails in this national park, featuring breathtaking views and wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe various wildlife, including bears and bobcats.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers activities such as canoeing, camping, and hiking.