Hiking is the perfect outdoor activity. Even if you’re a newbie, you’ll find a long list of beginner-friendly hiking trails in Missouri. Those hiking trails promise spectacular natural beauty – from shimmering lakes to lush woods. You can set off on a shorter hike that leads to an historic covered bridge or a long hike that passes through forested areas.
- Pickle Springs Natural Area – Ste. Genevieve
All Trails/Arthur Smith At just under two miles, the trail through Pickle Springs Natural Area can get pretty busy at times, especially during the warmer weather. However, it’s definitely worth the effort for its scenic beauty, which includes waterfalls and overlooks.
- Swimming Deer Trail – Bonne Terre
All Trails/Katie Berry You’ll be treated to an abundance of natural and man-made beauty – from fields of flowers to footbridges – along the Swimming Deer Trail. The trail spans just over 3.5 miles, and it can get pretty busy. While it’s predominately flat, you will have to climb uphill in some spots.
- Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail – Hillsboro
All Trails/Doug Neidholdt For a short but absolutely beautiful hike or more of a stroll if you prefer, head out on the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail. It’ll only take you around five minutes to walk the trail that leads right to the historic covered bridge, one of only four that remain in Missouri.
- Lakeside Park Loop – St. Peters
All Trails/Jason Hinchcliff Combine a beautiful lake with a paved trail, and you’ve got the perfect beginners hike. Lakeside Park Loop Trail spans 3.5 miles and appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. Fishing is allowed in the lake, if you’d like to spend a few relaxing hours by the water.
- Little Blue Trail – Independence
All Trails/Lady Arcane If you’re up for a beautiful hike that’s a bit challenging, you’ll definitely want to check out the Little Blue Trail. It’s long – at just over 16 miles – but it also appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The trail will pass by the river, bridges, and wooded areas, so you’ll get to see a little bit of everything.
- Fellows Lake Trail – Springfield
All Trails/Garry Williams If you’ve got a few hours to spare, follow the Fellows Lake Trail. The nearly five-mile trail promises plenty of peace and quiet. Although it’s an ideal trail for hikers of all skill levels and ages, it’s usually pretty quiet and boasts sensational views of the lake.
What are your favorite hiking trails in Missouri for beginners? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls, definitely check out Coy Bald Trail, tucked in Mark Twain National Forest.
All Trails/Arthur Smith
At just under two miles, the trail through Pickle Springs Natural Area can get pretty busy at times, especially during the warmer weather. However, it’s definitely worth the effort for its scenic beauty, which includes waterfalls and overlooks.
All Trails/Katie Berry
You’ll be treated to an abundance of natural and man-made beauty – from fields of flowers to footbridges – along the Swimming Deer Trail. The trail spans just over 3.5 miles, and it can get pretty busy. While it’s predominately flat, you will have to climb uphill in some spots.
All Trails/Doug Neidholdt
For a short but absolutely beautiful hike or more of a stroll if you prefer, head out on the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail. It’ll only take you around five minutes to walk the trail that leads right to the historic covered bridge, one of only four that remain in Missouri.
All Trails/Jason Hinchcliff
Combine a beautiful lake with a paved trail, and you’ve got the perfect beginners hike. Lakeside Park Loop Trail spans 3.5 miles and appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. Fishing is allowed in the lake, if you’d like to spend a few relaxing hours by the water.
All Trails/Lady Arcane
If you’re up for a beautiful hike that’s a bit challenging, you’ll definitely want to check out the Little Blue Trail. It’s long – at just over 16 miles – but it also appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The trail will pass by the river, bridges, and wooded areas, so you’ll get to see a little bit of everything.
All Trails/Garry Williams
If you’ve got a few hours to spare, follow the Fellows Lake Trail. The nearly five-mile trail promises plenty of peace and quiet. Although it’s an ideal trail for hikers of all skill levels and ages, it’s usually pretty quiet and boasts sensational views of the lake.
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Address: Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USAAddress: Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USAAddress: Lakeside Park Trail, St Peters, MO, USAAddress: Little Blue Trace Trail, Independence, MO, USAAddress: Fair Grove, MO 65648, USA
