Missouri has some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain which makes for an amazing hike. Hike high above the treeline on river bluff trails or along the creek beds with towering limestone cliffs above all in one awesome state. Discover some of the best hiking trails in Missouri where beginner and expert hikers can enjoy the trails.
- Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails One of the most stunning features of the Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail is the natural bridge that sits 40 feet above the creek bed. This 2.5-mile loop trail is considered a moderate hike due to the rugged and rocky terrain. Find features like stunning foliage, beautiful limestone rock formations, and a rocky creek along this amazing trail. Click here for the website of Clifty Creek Nature Area.
- Klondike Park Trail
Glyn Dix/AllTrails Stunning scenery awaits you on the well maintained Klondike Park Trail which makes it a can’t miss hiking experience. This former quarry has been re-purposed into the most beautiful park that offers scenic views of the Missouri River with access to the iconic Katy Trail. Take this easy 1.7-mile loop for a great hike that is perfect even for a beginner. Click here for the website of Klondike Park.
- Bell Mountain Loop Trail
Brian Metteer/AllTrails If you are looking for breathtaking views of the Missouri landscape, you must take the Bell Mountain Loop Trail. From the top of this amazing lookout point, hikers can see for miles and revel in the beauty of the vast oak forested hills. While this trail is long at 11.6 miles, the view from Bell Mountain is certainly worth the effort. Click here for the official website of the Mark Twain National Forest.
- Mina Sauk Falls Trail
Carol Turner/AllTrails Mina Sauk Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Missouri. This impressive fall cascades over 132 feet over a series of ledges into Taum Sauk Creek. The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is a 3.8-mile loop that meets the fall at the halfway point of the trail. Another great aspect of the Mina Sauk Trail is that is also provides access to the highest point in Missouri, the Taum Sauk Mountain. Click here for the website of Mina Sauk Falls.
- Pickle Springs Natural Area
Carol Turner/AllTrails Unusual rock formations and wet weather waterfalls await you along the trail in the Pickle Springs Natural Area. The 1.9-mile loop trail is a moderate level hike though this National Natural Landmark. The trail is well maintained, but there are steep climbs that can be challenging. Click here for the website of Pickle Springs Natural Area.
- Lost Valley Trail
Joseph Storkan/AllTrails The Weldon Spring Conservation Area has many wonderful trails, but one of the local favorites is the Lost Valley Trail. This 10.5-mile trail travels through woods, along old roads, and across streams. The 8,398-acre Weldon Spring Conservation Area, which is also home to the amazing Lewis and Clark Trails, is one of the best places to challenge your hiking skills. Click here for the website of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.
- River Scene Trail Loop
Kimberly Mcinnish/AllTrails Castlewood State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. This trail climbs across the bluffs of the Meramec River and offers stunning spectacular views. The trail is well maintained. You’ll definitely want to visit in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. Click here for the website of Castlewood State Park.
- Coy Bald Trail
Debbie Block/Alltrails Located in rural Missouri, the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is home to the 6.7-mile Coy Bald Trail. The area can be hard to find so a map or stable GPS is necessary for a fun hike. The Coy Bald Trail is considered a great fall and winter hiking trail and offers views of the most unique countryside in the Midwest. Click here for the website of Mark Twain National Forest.
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Trail
Victoria Winn/AllTrails One of the most impressive features of this trail is the ADA paved portion that allows people of all abilities to enjoy nature. After the first half mile, the trail become more rugged and follows the natural tread through woods and rocky glades. While the Shut-Ins remain a popular summer attraction in Missouri, the trail is equally as impressive throughout the year. Click here for the website of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
- White Tail Trail
Rick Malone/AllTrails Just minutes from Kansas City, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary has beautiful trails surrounded by dense woods, a small river, and a waterfall. The three-mile loop trail is partially ADA accessible and is an easy hike that can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here for the website of Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
What do you think are the best hiking trails in Missouri? Which trail on this list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Then check out six of the best hiking trails in Missouri for beginners.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
One of the most stunning features of the Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail is the natural bridge that sits 40 feet above the creek bed. This 2.5-mile loop trail is considered a moderate hike due to the rugged and rocky terrain. Find features like stunning foliage, beautiful limestone rock formations, and a rocky creek along this amazing trail. Click here for the website of Clifty Creek Nature Area.
Glyn Dix/AllTrails
Stunning scenery awaits you on the well maintained Klondike Park Trail which makes it a can’t miss hiking experience. This former quarry has been re-purposed into the most beautiful park that offers scenic views of the Missouri River with access to the iconic Katy Trail. Take this easy 1.7-mile loop for a great hike that is perfect even for a beginner. Click here for the website of Klondike Park.
Brian Metteer/AllTrails
If you are looking for breathtaking views of the Missouri landscape, you must take the Bell Mountain Loop Trail. From the top of this amazing lookout point, hikers can see for miles and revel in the beauty of the vast oak forested hills. While this trail is long at 11.6 miles, the view from Bell Mountain is certainly worth the effort. Click here for the official website of the Mark Twain National Forest.
Carol Turner/AllTrails
Mina Sauk Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Missouri. This impressive fall cascades over 132 feet over a series of ledges into Taum Sauk Creek. The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is a 3.8-mile loop that meets the fall at the halfway point of the trail. Another great aspect of the Mina Sauk Trail is that is also provides access to the highest point in Missouri, the Taum Sauk Mountain. Click here for the website of Mina Sauk Falls.
Unusual rock formations and wet weather waterfalls await you along the trail in the Pickle Springs Natural Area. The 1.9-mile loop trail is a moderate level hike though this National Natural Landmark. The trail is well maintained, but there are steep climbs that can be challenging. Click here for the website of Pickle Springs Natural Area.
Joseph Storkan/AllTrails
The Weldon Spring Conservation Area has many wonderful trails, but one of the local favorites is the Lost Valley Trail. This 10.5-mile trail travels through woods, along old roads, and across streams. The 8,398-acre Weldon Spring Conservation Area, which is also home to the amazing Lewis and Clark Trails, is one of the best places to challenge your hiking skills. Click here for the website of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.
Kimberly Mcinnish/AllTrails
Castlewood State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. This trail climbs across the bluffs of the Meramec River and offers stunning spectacular views. The trail is well maintained. You’ll definitely want to visit in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. Click here for the website of Castlewood State Park.
Debbie Block/Alltrails
Located in rural Missouri, the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is home to the 6.7-mile Coy Bald Trail. The area can be hard to find so a map or stable GPS is necessary for a fun hike. The Coy Bald Trail is considered a great fall and winter hiking trail and offers views of the most unique countryside in the Midwest. Click here for the website of Mark Twain National Forest.
Victoria Winn/AllTrails
One of the most impressive features of this trail is the ADA paved portion that allows people of all abilities to enjoy nature. After the first half mile, the trail become more rugged and follows the natural tread through woods and rocky glades. While the Shut-Ins remain a popular summer attraction in Missouri, the trail is equally as impressive throughout the year. Click here for the website of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
Rick Malone/AllTrails
Just minutes from Kansas City, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary has beautiful trails surrounded by dense woods, a small river, and a waterfall. The three-mile loop trail is partially ADA accessible and is an easy hike that can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here for the website of Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
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Address: Clifty Creek Natural Area, Co Rd 511, Dixon, MO 65459, USAAddress: Klondike Rd, Hillsboro, MO, USAAddress: Bell Mountain, Kaolin Township, MO 63623, USAAddress: Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USAAddress: Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USAAddress: Weldon Spring Conservation Area, 6990 S Missouri 94, St Charles, MO 63304, USAAddress: Castlewood State Park, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USAAddress: Mark Twain National Forest, Birch Tree Township, MO 65438, USAAddress: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USAAddress: Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Missouri May 08, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Are there any other places I should go hiking in Missouri? You’ll find an abundance of amazing places to go hiking in Missouri. Follow the Lincoln Lakeside Trail, for example, that promises such natural beauty as a wooded area, wildflowers, and Lake Lincoln. The 3.5-mile trail hugs the lake, home to ducks, for most of the trail. After your hike, go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding on the lake. Set off on the Thousand Hills Trail if you’d like to get away from it all. The 7.6-mile trail is rated moderate and is popular with overnight backpackers. You don’t have to backpack, however, to drink in the beautiful scenery, including Forest Lake. What are the best outdoor adventures in Missouri? You can’t go far without finding some of the best outdoor adventures in Missouri – from river tubing to ziplining. Spend a leisurely day on the crystal clear Current River as you float on a tube. The Landing, in Van Buren, features both a half-day and a full-day float trip. You can also choose from one of six types of tubes, including the cooler tube. If you prefer kayaking or canoeing, you can do that, too. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced outdoor adventure in Missouri, head over to Zipline USA in the Ozarks. The three-mile zipline tour boasts nine ziplines that span more than 3,200 feet. What are the most remote places in Missouri? If you like exploring remote places in Missouri, consider hiking the Lower Rock Creek Trail. While you will feel a million miles away from it all, you’ll actually be in the lush Mark Twain Forest. The trail itself, which spans 5.5 miles, is challenging, although it’s usually pretty quiet, so you could have it all to yourself. You’ll pass such natural beauty as a flowing creek, waterfalls, and bluffs.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Missouri
May 08, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any other places I should go hiking in Missouri? You’ll find an abundance of amazing places to go hiking in Missouri. Follow the Lincoln Lakeside Trail, for example, that promises such natural beauty as a wooded area, wildflowers, and Lake Lincoln. The 3.5-mile trail hugs the lake, home to ducks, for most of the trail. After your hike, go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding on the lake. Set off on the Thousand Hills Trail if you’d like to get away from it all. The 7.6-mile trail is rated moderate and is popular with overnight backpackers. You don’t have to backpack, however, to drink in the beautiful scenery, including Forest Lake. What are the best outdoor adventures in Missouri? You can’t go far without finding some of the best outdoor adventures in Missouri – from river tubing to ziplining. Spend a leisurely day on the crystal clear Current River as you float on a tube. The Landing, in Van Buren, features both a half-day and a full-day float trip. You can also choose from one of six types of tubes, including the cooler tube. If you prefer kayaking or canoeing, you can do that, too. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced outdoor adventure in Missouri, head over to Zipline USA in the Ozarks. The three-mile zipline tour boasts nine ziplines that span more than 3,200 feet. What are the most remote places in Missouri? If you like exploring remote places in Missouri, consider hiking the Lower Rock Creek Trail. While you will feel a million miles away from it all, you’ll actually be in the lush Mark Twain Forest. The trail itself, which spans 5.5 miles, is challenging, although it’s usually pretty quiet, so you could have it all to yourself. You’ll pass such natural beauty as a flowing creek, waterfalls, and bluffs.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You’ll find an abundance of amazing places to go hiking in Missouri. Follow the Lincoln Lakeside Trail, for example, that promises such natural beauty as a wooded area, wildflowers, and Lake Lincoln. The 3.5-mile trail hugs the lake, home to ducks, for most of the trail. After your hike, go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding on the lake.
Set off on the Thousand Hills Trail if you’d like to get away from it all. The 7.6-mile trail is rated moderate and is popular with overnight backpackers. You don’t have to backpack, however, to drink in the beautiful scenery, including Forest Lake.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Missouri?
You can’t go far without finding some of the best outdoor adventures in Missouri – from river tubing to ziplining. Spend a leisurely day on the crystal clear Current River as you float on a tube. The Landing, in Van Buren, features both a half-day and a full-day float trip. You can also choose from one of six types of tubes, including the cooler tube. If you prefer kayaking or canoeing, you can do that, too.
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced outdoor adventure in Missouri, head over to Zipline USA in the Ozarks. The three-mile zipline tour boasts nine ziplines that span more than 3,200 feet.
What are the most remote places in Missouri?
If you like exploring remote places in Missouri, consider hiking the Lower Rock Creek Trail. While you will feel a million miles away from it all, you’ll actually be in the lush Mark Twain Forest. The trail itself, which spans 5.5 miles, is challenging, although it’s usually pretty quiet, so you could have it all to yourself. You’ll pass such natural beauty as a flowing creek, waterfalls, and bluffs.
