Local Guide
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Some of the best hiking in the greater St. Louis area is within easy reach — from easy family strolls to full-day bluff-top adventures.
Natural Surface Trails
~20 mi
~20 mi
~30 mi
~30 mi
~45 mi
~30 mi
~30 mi
~25 mi
~25 mi
~35 mi
Bluffs, canyons & forests
Weldon Spring Conservation Area ~20 miles
Lewis & Clark Trail ★ 4.8
One of the best trails near St. Louis. Stunning bluff-top overlooks of the Missouri River and Katy Trail below. Rocky and hilly — some mud after rain. Hikers only, dogs on leash. Open daily 4 AM–10 PM.
Lost Valley Trail ★ 4.7
Rich in history — winds past the ghost town of Hamburg, abandoned homesteads, "Haunted Hollow" cemetery, and remnants of a Cold War uranium processing site. Shared with mountain bikers — stay alert. Download a map before you go. Open daily 4 AM–10 PM.
Klondike Park ~30 miles
Klondike Park Trails ★ 4.8
Built inside an old sandstone quarry — stunning white sand beaches around a crystal-clear quarry lake, dramatic bluffs, and a young forest. Hogsback Trail (~3.5 mi) is the standout. Connects directly to the Katy Trail. Campground on site.
Castlewood State Park ~30 miles
Castlewood State Park Trails ★ 4.8
One of the most beautiful state parks in the St. Louis metro, set along the Meramec River. Bluff-top trails deliver breathtaking views with steep climbs; river-level trails are peaceful and easy. Multiple parking lots let you choose difficulty. Dogs welcome on leash. Free park — no gate fee.
Don Robinson State Park ~45 miles
Sandstone Canyon Trail ★ 4.8
Features the deepest canyon in Missouri — dramatic sandstone palisades, rock shelters, creek crossings, and wildflowers in spring. Beautiful frozen waterfalls after winter cold snaps. A bucket-list hike for the area. Open daily 7 AM–9 PM.
Lone Elk Park ~30 miles
White Bison Trail ★ 4.8
A completely unique experience — the trail winds through an enclosed wildlife park where elk, bison, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey roam freely alongside the path. Wildlife encounters are common and extraordinary. Avoid during elk rut in fall (Sept–Oct) when bulls can be aggressive.
More Great Parks
Greensfelder County Park ★ 4.7
A surprisingly wild 1,600+ acre park tucked right behind Six Flags. Shared with horseback riders and mountain bikers. Beulah Trail and Scenic Overlook Trail are especially popular. Download the map — trail signage can be inconsistent. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM.
Babler State Park ★ 4.7
A classic Missouri state park built by the CCC in the 1930s — stately old-growth forest, shaded trails, abundant wildlife. Campground available. Great for families and dogs. Open daily 7 AM–6 PM.
Rockwoods Reservation ★ 4.7
Something for everyone — Trail Among the Trees descends into an old mossy quarry with a beautiful creek. Lime Kiln Circuit adds historic ruins. Connects to Rockwoods Range for 14+ miles of backcountry trail. Dogs welcome. Open daily 9 AM–5 PM.
Young Conservation Area ★ 4.5
A hidden gem — beautiful Shortleaf Pine forests, Labarque Creek with swimming holes, scenic ponds, and rarely crowded trails. Great for dogs. Wear blaze orange in fall during bow hunting season. Open daily 4 AM–10 PM.
Paved & Urban Trails
~8 mi
~5 mi
~20 mi
~20 mi
Greenways, rail-trails & lake loops
Katy Trail State Park ~8 miles to nearest trailhead
Katy Trail ★ 4.8
One of the longest rail-trails in the US, converted from the old MKT railroad corridor. Hugs Missouri River bluffs for much of its length — some of the most scenic riding and walking in the state. From St. Charles you can head west through Defiance and Augusta wine country. Dogs welcome on leash. Free to use. Check conditions after heavy rain. More at bikekatytrail.com.
Centennial Greenway ~5 miles to nearest access
Centennial Greenway ★ 5.0
A Great Rivers Greenway project connecting St. Charles County to St. Louis County on dedicated pedestrian and bike bridges — completely separated from traffic. Head east to connect to the Katy Trail and historic downtown St. Charles. Continue further via the Creve Coeur Connector Trail (4.7 mi, paved) across the Missouri River to Creve Coeur Lake Park. One of the best urban trail experiences in the area. More at greatriversgreenway.org.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park ~20 miles
Creve Coeur Lake Loop & Upper Trails ★ 4.8
A beloved St. Louis County park on a beautiful oxbow lake. The flat lakeside loop is perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The famous park staircase is a serious fitness challenge — locals use it for cardio. Upper park has playgrounds, kayak and bike rentals in summer, and a new arboretum. Connects to the Centennial Greenway and Katy Trail.
Bootlegger's Run ★ 4.5
A beloved natural-surface trail winding through wooded hills above Creve Coeur Lake — ravine crossings, banked turns, rolling terrain, and peekaboo lake views. Named for 1930s Prohibition bootleggers who used these wooded river hills. Look for moonshine jug trail markers. Popular with hikers and mountain bikers — stay alert. Connect to the 220-step staircase for a full-park loop. Open 8 AM to 30 min past sunset.
Explore more nearby
Questions before booking, or comments about your recent stay?
Contact Bobby & Marie