Come take a scenic tour of the Show-Me State’s diverse and breathtaking beauty with a delightful day hike. From the rugged cliffs and dense forests of the Ozark Mountains to the rolling hills and tranquil waterways near the Mississippi River, Missouri offers a rich variety of terrains for outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are some of the most enjoyable, easy day hikes — and fun activities to savor once you’ve gone the distance:
1. Katy Trail. This 29-mile walk will take you from St. Charles to Augusta. Though an easy route, you’ll need a full day to complete it. It’s a popular walk for birders and mountain bikers, so you’re bound to run into other like-minded folks along the way. Afterwards, you can rest your weary bones while enjoying a vintage selection at one of Augusta’s many fine wineries, such as the Augusta Winery, Montelle Winery or Balducci Vineyards, all of which David Hoffmann and his family have invested in as part of their effort to make Augusta a premier tourist destination.
2. Lewis and Clark Trail at Klondike Park. Want to try something a little easier on the lower extremities? Give the Lewis and Clark Trail a try: it’s just 2.6 miles and takes under an hour to complete. Which will leave you plenty of time for a picnic or paddle-boat rental, since your legs should still have lots of pep left.
3. Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Cave. Doesn’t this sound intrepid? You can’t really get too lost on this Ridgedale hiking trail, however, as it’s part of the Top of the Rocks Ozarks Heritage Preserve, replete with world-class recreational activities and attractions. So after your hike, you can explore the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, enjoy a fine dining experience, or participate in the Big Cedar Lodge Sunset Ceremony, complete with Civil War canyon during the toast. We’ve been assured they aren’t using real gunpowder.
4. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area. For the sustainably minded, this glorious hiking preserve offers over 1500 acres of oak and hickory trees providing welcoming shade for Branson hikers, joggers and bikers. If the trail name sounds tantalizingly familiar, it’s because it’s named for the brains behind some well-loved country television shows of yesteryear, such as The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction. And Paul put his money where his heart was, donating the land to be used as a public space. After your time in nature, you can indulge the kids’ desire for thrills and chills at Silver Dollar City, which boasts 40 rides and attractions, dozens of unique shops and tasty restaurants, and even 100 demonstrating craftsmen. (After all this excitement, you may yearn for some wide-open nature space again.)
5. Nathaneal Greene/Close Memorial Park. You can hike and bike along this 8-mile trail, though you may be tempted off the trail by all the other features this park has to offer, such as the Springfield Botanical Gardens, a butterfly house, a solar tram, a lake, and, of course, play areas for the kids. Did we mention the talks to educate visitors about the life cycle of plants?
6. Weston Bend State Park. Spread across more than 1100 acres, this lovely state park, located off Highway 45 in Weston, is nestled on the banks of the Missouri River. After an energizing hike, you can relax knowing you’re going to spend the night in your tent so there’s no driving necessary. Of course, there’s an abundance of places to picnic, and all sorts of birds for the avian aficionado: wood duck, mallard, horned lark, Canada goose, and many others.
7. Rock Hollow Trail. This family friendly trail is beautifully shaded for hiking or biking, offering sturdy bridges over small creeks for a well-rounded walk children will love (there’s so much nature to be found in water and dirt!). Afterwards, why not drive into St. Louis for the evening? It’s less than 25 miles away, and you’ll have an unlimited choice of fine meals and entertainment as you rest those hard-working feet. Enjoy!
