If you're looking for some great hiking options around St. Louis, Missouri, you're in luck! The area has a number of excellent trails to choose from, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. Here are five trails to add to your list:
Katy Trail State Park
Katy Trail State Park is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and runners located in Missouri. The trail stretches for over 240 miles across the state and passes through St. Louis. It follows the route of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, also known as the "Katy." The trail is paved and relatively flat, making it suitable for a variety of activities. Along the way, you'll pass through small towns, rural areas, and forests, and you may even spot some wildlife. Katy Trail State Park offers a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise, all while taking in the sights and sounds of Missouri.
Castlewood State Park
Castlewood State Park is a beautiful natural area located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The park features over 15 miles of trails that wind through forests, along rivers, and past scenic overlooks. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, so there's something for hikers of all abilities. In addition to the trails, Castlewood State Park also has a number of other amenities, including picnic areas, a fishing lake, and a playground. The park is a great place to spend a day exploring the outdoors, whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature.
Shaw Nature Reserve
Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre nature reserve located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The reserve is home to a variety of ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, and features over 20 miles of trails that allow visitors to explore these diverse habitats. The trails at Shaw Nature Reserve offer a range of difficulty levels, so whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you'll find a trail that's right for you. In addition to the trails, the reserve also has a number of other amenities, such as a visitors center, picnic areas, and educational programs. Shaw Nature Reserve is a great place to connect with nature and learn about the plants and animals that call this area home.
Babler State Park
Babler State Park is a natural area located in Wildwood, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis. The park has over 10 miles of trails that pass through oak-hickory forests, glades, and along the Meramec River. The trails offer a mix of easy and moderate hiking, so there's something for hikers of all abilities. In addition to the trails, Babler State Park also has a number of other amenities, including picnic areas, a playground, and a visitors center. The park is a great place to spend a day enjoying the outdoors, whether you're looking to hike, have a picnic, or just relax in nature.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is a large park located in west St. Louis County, Missouri. The park has over 10 miles of trails that offer a mix of easy and moderate hiking through wooded areas, along the lake, and past wetlands. The trails at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park are well-maintained and offer a chance to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. In addition to the trails, the park also has a number of other amenities, such as a fishing lake, picnic areas, and a playground. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park has something for everyone.
Conclusion
No matter which trail you choose, you'll be able to experience the beauty and peacefulness of the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking through forests, along rivers, or past wetlands, you'll be able to connect with nature and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. So why wait? Start planning your next outdoor adventure today! Happy hiking!