Best Hiking Trails Around the World in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

St. Louis, United States, St. Louis, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Best Hiking Trails Around the World

Best Hiking Trails Around the World in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

1. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

A unique natural rock formation with pools perfect for swimming and hiking trails along the East Fork Black River.
  • Swimming Pools: Offers refreshing swimming spots amidst stunning rock formations.
  • Rock Formations: Features intriguing geological features that create a one-of-a-kind hiking experience.
  • East Fork Black River: Provides scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the river.

2. Meramec State Park

Offers numerous hiking trails with diverse landscapes, including forests, prairies, and bluffs overlooking the Meramec River.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Provides a variety of terrain for hikers to explore.
  • Meramec River Views: Features stunning views of the Meramec River from scenic bluffs.
  • Wildlife Opportunities: Offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, turkey, and other forest creatures.

3. Hawn State Park and Historic Site

Features the scenic Ozark National Scenic Riverways with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
  • Ozark Riverways: Provides access to the beautiful and tranquil Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Offers opportunities for paddling on the pristine Current and Jacks Fork rivers.
  • Hiking Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails that take you through forests, meadows, and along riverbanks.

4. Mark Twain National Forest

One of the largest national forests in the lower 48 states with numerous hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Size: Covers a vast area, providing endless exploration opportunities.
  • Scenic Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the Missouri Ozarks from various overlooks.
  • Wildlife Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bear, turkey, and white-tailed deer.

5. Castlewood State Park

Features hiking trails, picnic areas, and the historic ruins of a hydroelectric power plant.
  • Historic Ruins: Allows visitors to explore the remains of a former hydroelectric power plant.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers diverse hiking trails through forests and along Meramec River.
  • Picnic Areas: Provides scenic picnic areas for a relaxing break during the hike.

6. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

A haven for wildlife with diverse habitats and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
  • Wildlife Diversity: Provides a home to numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through various habitats, such as forests and marshes.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 260 species documented.

7. Busch Wildlife Reserve

A unique opportunity to hike through a protected wildlife reserve and observe native Missouri animals in their natural habitat.
  • Native Missouri Animals: Allows visitors to observe native Missouri wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for a more immersive experience with the animals.
  • Scenic Views: Provides beautiful views of the Missouri River Valley and the surrounding forests.

8. Taum Sauk Trail

A challenging hike leading to the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
  • Challenging Hike: Features a steep, challenging hike with multiple elevation changes.
  • Taum Sauk Mountain: Located within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, providing opportunities for other activities such as camping and fishing.
  • Tallest Waterfall: Leads to the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, a stunning natural wonder.

9. Blueberry Hill Trail

A relatively easy hike through forests and meadows with beautiful views of St. Louis Cityscape.
  • Cityscape Views: Provides stunning panoramic views of the St. Louis cityscape.
  • Easy Hike: Offers a relatively easy hiking experience, suitable for beginners.
  • Forests and Meadows: Takes hikers through forests and meadows filled with wildflowers and wildlife.

10. Ozark Trail

A long-distance trail that traverses the Missouri Ozarks with varying levels of difficulty and opportunities for camping.
  • Long-Distance Trail: Covers a vast distance, making it suitable for multi-day or section hikes.
  • Varying Levels of Difficulty: Features sections with different levels of difficulty, catering to hikers of various abilities.
  • Camping Opportunities: Provides opportunities for camping along the trail, immersing hikers in the Ozark wilderness.

11. Southern Missouri Rail-Trail

A flat and easy hike on a converted railroad bed with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
  • Flat and Easy Hike: Offers a relatively flat and easy hiking experience.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching along the trail.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Allows hikers to observe various species of wildlife, such as deer and turkey.

12. Trail of Tears State Park

A historic park with hiking trails that follow the route of Native American tribes forced to relocate during the Trail of Tears.
  • Historic Significance: Highlights the tragic history of the Trail of Tears.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails that provide a unique perspective on history.
  • Natural Beauty: Features beautiful natural scenery, including forests and rivers.

13. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

A campground within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offering easy access to hiking trails and the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies.
  • Easy Access to Hiking Trails: Provides convenient access to numerous hiking trails.
  • Tallest Waterfall: Allows easy access to the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies.
  • Camping Opportunities: Offers camping opportunities for an immersive hiking experience.

14. Wilson's Serenity Valley Conservation Area

A peaceful conservation area with diverse habitats and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
  • Diverse Habitats: Features a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 200 species documented.
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning landscapes and wildlife for photography enthusiasts.

15. Hermann Farm Conservation Area

A conservation area with hiking trails through forests and fields, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Forests and Fields: Offers a mix of hiking through forests and open fields.
  • Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, turkey, and various bird species.
  • Historic Hermann Farm: Adjacent to the historic Hermann Farm, offering a glimpse into Missouri's German heritage.