Adventure lurks around just about every corner here in Missouri, so we might as well take advantage of it! Channel your inner explorer all year long and discover just a taste of what our beautiful state has to offer by hitting the hiking trails. Here are 12 of the best hikes in Missouri to get you started – one for each month of the year.

  1. January – Mina Sauk Falls Trail

All Trails/Leila User Mina Sauk Falls Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri, and it’s definitely one you want to hike in each season. The nearly three-mile trail offers somewhat of a challenge; some call it easy while others deem it moderate. Just make sure you’re wearing sturdy hiking boots, because you’ll have some rocky terrain. If you’re not up for all three miles, turn back once you see the waterfall. (It’s at about the halfway point of the trail.) This is, hands down, one of the prettiest hiking trails in Missouri. Learn more about this waterfall hike in our previous article. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA

  1. February – Interpretive Loop Trail

All Trails/Haley Mullaney Did you know that Missouri has its very own Grand Canyon? Yep, it’s the gorge at Grand Gulf State Park, and it’s picture-perfect all year around. Follow the 1.2-mile Intepretive Loop Trail for gorgeous views of the gorge, which looks like a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall. If you’re looking for one of the best scenic hikes in Missouri, you’ve found it. Grand Gulf State Park, State Highway W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA

  1. March – Greer Spring Trail

All Trails/Teri Vermillion A trek through Mark Twain National Forest always promises an abundance of beauty. When you follow the Greer Spring Trail, you’ll get to see the second largest spring in Missouri. The less than two-mile trail winds through lush forested area, particularly pretty in the spring and summer months. Get a peek at one of the best hikes in Missouri in our previous article. Greer Spring, Woodside Township, MO 65606, USA

  1. April – Wilderness Trail

All Trails/Joshua Salley Spring is in full swing, and that means the landscape transforms into a colorful masterpiece. Dotted with vibrant wildflowers, the Wilderness Trail meanders just over eight miles through Meramec State Park. It’s a lengthy hike, but it’s packed with scenic beauty. You might even want to bring a picnic along. Find out why this is one of the most beautiful Missouri hiking trails in our previous article. Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA

  1. May – Shut-In Trail

All Trails/Good Game Summer will be here before we know it, but we might already need to cool down in May. The two-mile Shut-In Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park leads to a gorgeous swimming hole, so bring your gear along. Before you arrive at the water, however, you’ll stroll along a forested path and over a fairy tale footbridge. Take a peek at the coolness that awaits along this swimming hole trail in Missouri. Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA

  1. June – Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail

All Trails/Robert Elliot Summer can be a scorcher in Missouri. Fortunately, we have quite a few swimming holes in which to cool off. The Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail, which tallies just .01 of a mile, takes you straight to the waterfall, perfect for cooling off on those simmering hot days. Just be prepared for crowds if you’re going when it’s really hot out. Read more about this breathtaking waterfall trail in Missouri. Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA

  1. July – Mooner’s Hollow Trail

All Trails/Susan Tellmann Our next hike takes us through the varied scenery at St. Francois State Park. Mooner’s Hollow Trail, in fact, is brimming with beauty - waterfalls, wildflowers, and an adorable footbridge. Follow the blue blazes of this easy trail that offers some much-needed shade in the summer; towering trees line much of the path. Learn more about one of the easiest hikes in Missouri. St. Francois State Park, 8920 US Highway 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA

  1. August – Smithville Lake Trails

All Trails/Kevin Moore Smithville Lake is a prime destination in the summer for both beachgoers and hikers. Do a bit of both during your visit. The best way to see all the beauty the lake has to offer is to hit the Smithville Lake Trails, which measure 7.3 miles. During the hike, you’ll be treated to views of gorgeous wildflowers, the shimmering lake, and lush trees. Plan your journey along one of the best scenic trails in Missouri. Smithville Lake, Missouri, USA

  1. September – Locust Creek Covered Bridge Trail

All Trails/Scott Long Welcome fall with a trip back in time to Locust Creek Covered Bridge, which features a trail of the same name. The covered bridge dates back to 1868 and takes on an enchanting aura when flanked by fall’s colors. Follow the trail that is just a quarter of a mile long but offers a beautiful glimpse back in time. See why this is one of the best fall hikes in Missouri in our previous article. Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site, 16597 Dart Rd, Laclede, MO 64651, USA

  1. October – Grindstone Nature Trail

All Trails/Tricia Duff Bring your camera along on your jaunt on the 1.9-mile Grindstone Nature Trail. The winding trail, which is rated easy, is perfect for families with babies, kiddos, and pooches. Don’t forget your camera, so you can stop and take photos of the pedestrian bridge. Read more about this picturesque Missouri hiking trail in our previous article. Grindstone Nature Trail, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

  1. November – Chimney’s Loop Trail

All Trails/Tim Ackelmire Journey back through time - and to some pretty unique ruins - along the short but sweet .08-mile Chimney’s Loop Trail at Cave Spring Park. While the trail is considered easy, even for little ones, you will have to climb some stairs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too, on this path that’s brimming with lush greenery and a tiny waterfall. Learn more about this scenic hike in Missouri in our previous article. Cave Spring Park, 8701 E Gregory Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133, USA

  1. December – Sandstone Canyon Trail

All Trails/Tom Sims Gorgeous scenery awaits along the Sandstone Canyon Trail, which tallies 3.9 miles. Winding through Don Robinson State Park, the scenic trail in Missouri is rated moderate, so prepare for a challenge. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, too, because you’ll have to cross a few streams that don’t have bridges. Take a peek at the natural beauty along this Missouri hiking trail. Don Robinson State Park, 9275 Byrnesville Rd, Cedar Hill, MO 63016, USA

What are your favorite scenic trails in Missouri? Do you think these are the best hikes in Missouri? Did any of your favorite  Missouri hikes make the list? Let us know in the comments! Up for some more adventures? Head over to Big Oak Tree State Park in East Prairie.

All Trails/Leila User

Mina Sauk Falls Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri, and it’s definitely one you want to hike in each season. The nearly three-mile trail offers somewhat of a challenge; some call it easy while others deem it moderate. Just make sure you’re wearing sturdy hiking boots, because you’ll have some rocky terrain. If you’re not up for all three miles, turn back once you see the waterfall. (It’s at about the halfway point of the trail.) This is, hands down, one of the prettiest hiking trails in Missouri. Learn more about this waterfall hike in our previous article.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA

All Trails/Haley Mullaney

Did you know that Missouri has its very own Grand Canyon? Yep, it’s the gorge at Grand Gulf State Park, and it’s picture-perfect all year around. Follow the 1.2-mile Intepretive Loop Trail for gorgeous views of the gorge, which looks like a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall. If you’re looking for one of the best scenic hikes in Missouri, you’ve found it.

Grand Gulf State Park, State Highway W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA

All Trails/Teri Vermillion

A trek through Mark Twain National Forest always promises an abundance of beauty. When you follow the Greer Spring Trail, you’ll get to see the second largest spring in Missouri. The less than two-mile trail winds through lush forested area, particularly pretty in the spring and summer months. Get a peek at one of the best hikes in Missouri in our previous article.

Greer Spring, Woodside Township, MO 65606, USA

All Trails/Joshua Salley

Spring is in full swing, and that means the landscape transforms into a colorful masterpiece. Dotted with vibrant wildflowers, the Wilderness Trail meanders just over eight miles through Meramec State Park. It’s a lengthy hike, but it’s packed with scenic beauty. You might even want to bring a picnic along. Find out why this is one of the most beautiful Missouri hiking trails in our previous article.

Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA

All Trails/Good Game

Summer will be here before we know it, but we might already need to cool down in May. The two-mile Shut-In Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park leads to a gorgeous swimming hole, so bring your gear along. Before you arrive at the water, however, you’ll stroll along a forested path and over a fairy tale footbridge. Take a peek at the coolness that awaits along this swimming hole trail in Missouri.

Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA

All Trails/Robert Elliot

Summer can be a scorcher in Missouri. Fortunately, we have quite a few swimming holes in which to cool off. The Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail, which tallies just .01 of a mile, takes you straight to the waterfall, perfect for cooling off on those simmering hot days. Just be prepared for crowds if you’re going when it’s really hot out. Read more about this breathtaking waterfall trail in Missouri.

Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA

All Trails/Susan Tellmann

Our next hike takes us through the varied scenery at St. Francois State Park. Mooner’s Hollow Trail, in fact, is brimming with beauty - waterfalls, wildflowers, and an adorable footbridge. Follow the blue blazes of this easy trail that offers some much-needed shade in the summer; towering trees line much of the path. Learn more about one of the easiest hikes in Missouri.

St. Francois State Park, 8920 US Highway 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA

All Trails/Kevin Moore

Smithville Lake is a prime destination in the summer for both beachgoers and hikers. Do a bit of both during your visit. The best way to see all the beauty the lake has to offer is to hit the Smithville Lake Trails, which measure 7.3 miles. During the hike, you’ll be treated to views of gorgeous wildflowers, the shimmering lake, and lush trees. Plan your journey along one of the best scenic trails in Missouri.

Smithville Lake, Missouri, USA

All Trails/Scott Long

Welcome fall with a trip back in time to Locust Creek Covered Bridge, which features a trail of the same name. The covered bridge dates back to 1868 and takes on an enchanting aura when flanked by fall’s colors. Follow the trail that is just a quarter of a mile long but offers a beautiful glimpse back in time. See why this is one of the best fall hikes in Missouri in our previous article.

Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site, 16597 Dart Rd, Laclede, MO 64651, USA

All Trails/Tricia Duff

Bring your camera along on your jaunt on the 1.9-mile Grindstone Nature Trail. The winding trail, which is rated easy, is perfect for families with babies, kiddos, and pooches. Don’t forget your camera, so you can stop and take photos of the pedestrian bridge. Read more about this picturesque Missouri hiking trail in our previous article.

Grindstone Nature Trail, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

All Trails/Tim Ackelmire

Journey back through time - and to some pretty unique ruins - along the short but sweet .08-mile Chimney’s Loop Trail at Cave Spring Park. While the trail is considered easy, even for little ones, you will have to climb some stairs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too, on this path that’s brimming with lush greenery and a tiny waterfall. Learn more about this scenic hike in Missouri in our previous article.

Cave Spring Park, 8701 E Gregory Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133, USA

All Trails/Tom Sims

Gorgeous scenery awaits along the Sandstone Canyon Trail, which tallies 3.9 miles. Winding through Don Robinson State Park, the scenic trail in Missouri is rated moderate, so prepare for a challenge. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, too, because you’ll have to cross a few streams that don’t have bridges. Take a peek at the natural beauty along this Missouri hiking trail.

Don Robinson State Park, 9275 Byrnesville Rd, Cedar Hill, MO 63016, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails In Missouri December 15, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What are the best hiking trails in Missouri? Hiking in Missouri is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Missouri that deserve a spot on your bucket list:

Set off on the Bell Mountain Loop Trail in Bellview, which spans 11.5 miles. Complete it in a single day, or make an overnight adventure of it. The 2.6-mile Drover’s Trail in Mindenmines offers a close-up look at the resident bison at Prairie State Park. Follow the .08-mile Old Kate Trail in Parkville, which leads to a tiny but beautiful waterfall. Springtime is the best time to take the .06-mile Wildflower Trail at Mastodon State Historic Site. Al Foster Trail in Glencoe is lengthy at 8.6 miles. It is predominately flat and is ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

  Are there any-kid friendly hikes in Missouri? Hiking in Missouri is fun for the whole family, including the kiddos. Most clock in at a mile or less, too. Bring everyone along on the best kid-friendly hikes in Missouri, including:

Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail tallies 1.4 miles and passes fascinating and fun art installations. The 1.3-mile Bethany Falls Trail passes unique rock formations that are popular with climbers, including kids. Follow the Engine House Ruins Trail at Elephant Rocks State Park, which leads to the remnants of a former engine house. Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City leads to several caves. The Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park will take you to the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails In Missouri

December 15, 2022

Beth Price-Williams

What are the best hiking trails in Missouri? Hiking in Missouri is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Missouri that deserve a spot on your bucket list:

Set off on the Bell Mountain Loop Trail in Bellview, which spans 11.5 miles. Complete it in a single day, or make an overnight adventure of it. The 2.6-mile Drover’s Trail in Mindenmines offers a close-up look at the resident bison at Prairie State Park. Follow the .08-mile Old Kate Trail in Parkville, which leads to a tiny but beautiful waterfall. Springtime is the best time to take the .06-mile Wildflower Trail at Mastodon State Historic Site. Al Foster Trail in Glencoe is lengthy at 8.6 miles. It is predominately flat and is ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

  Are there any-kid friendly hikes in Missouri? Hiking in Missouri is fun for the whole family, including the kiddos. Most clock in at a mile or less, too. Bring everyone along on the best kid-friendly hikes in Missouri, including:

Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail tallies 1.4 miles and passes fascinating and fun art installations. The 1.3-mile Bethany Falls Trail passes unique rock formations that are popular with climbers, including kids. Follow the Engine House Ruins Trail at Elephant Rocks State Park, which leads to the remnants of a former engine house. Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City leads to several caves. The Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park will take you to the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking in Missouri is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Missouri that deserve a spot on your bucket list:

  • Set off on the Bell Mountain Loop Trail in Bellview, which spans 11.5 miles. Complete it in a single day, or make an overnight adventure of it.
  • The 2.6-mile Drover’s Trail in Mindenmines offers a close-up look at the resident bison at Prairie State Park.
  • Follow the .08-mile Old Kate Trail in Parkville, which leads to a tiny but beautiful waterfall.
  • Springtime is the best time to take the .06-mile Wildflower Trail at Mastodon State Historic Site.
  • Al Foster Trail in Glencoe is lengthy at 8.6 miles. It is predominately flat and is ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

 

Are there any-kid friendly hikes in Missouri?

Hiking in Missouri is fun for the whole family, including the kiddos. Most clock in at a mile or less, too. Bring everyone along on the best kid-friendly hikes in Missouri, including:

  • Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail tallies 1.4 miles and passes fascinating and fun art installations.
  • The 1.3-mile Bethany Falls Trail passes unique rock formations that are popular with climbers, including kids.
  • Follow the Engine House Ruins Trail at Elephant Rocks State Park, which leads to the remnants of a former engine house.
  • Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City leads to several caves.
  • The Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park will take you to the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle.