Whether you just want a refreshing walk around your neighborhood, or a walk in the woods, these trails are perfect for a day spent outside. On these easy or moderate trails you won’t have to pack your hiking gear to have a great walk either. Some of these trails will take you deep into nature, with wooded paths, creeks to investigate, and many wild animals (but mostly you’ll see deer). Other trails will you give a glimpse of history or an outside view of modern art. Almost all have amazing views of our rivers. Check out this list and get outside today.
Bordered by the Meramac River and unpaved, the Bluff Creek Trail is perfect for a nature walk. It is a 1.4 mile loop trail that is dog friendly, and great for kids to explore too. The main park entrance is located at 11991 Stoneywood Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63122.
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2. Riverfront Walking Trail - St. Louis Riverfront Downtown
Explore the waterfront on this asphalt paved trail. It is great for biking or walking, and is wheelchair accessible. This trail offers views of the Mississippi River you can't see anywhere else. The Great River Greenway Project is 113 miles long and growing each year. The Riverfront Trail runs along the Jefferson Memorial Expansion, on the waterfront by the Gateway Arch. You can find information about a visit and pointers on the trailhead at The Old Courthouse, 11 N 4th St., St. Louis, Missouri 63102.
There are three trails within the Jefferson Barracks Park. They are the Dennis Schick North and South Trails, and the Mississippi River Greenway Trail. All the trails here are paved and offer scenic views near the Mississippi River. The South Trail is the shortest trail and both Dennis Schick trails are loops. The trailheads for each of these trails can found within the Jefferson Barracks Park area. The address is 345 North Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63125.
Created to add green space to the area and as a way to link neighborhoods, the Centennial Greenway is a great place to go for a walk around home. The greenway is three miles long, and links the neighborhoods of Clayton, University City, Ladue and Olivette. The trailhead for Shaw Park is near the intersection of I-170 and Forest Park Parkway in Clayton, Missouri.
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5. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail - Fort Belle Fontaine Park
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail in Fort Belle Fontaine Park is a three mile trail that guides visitors to all parts of the park. Included are many stonework buildings along the trail created by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. This is a great walking trail for any skill level and also a walk back in history. This historic site and trail can be found at 13002 Bellefontaine Rd., St. Louis, MO 63138.
The Little Creek Nature Area Trail is a 1.7 mile loop that is great for all skill levels. It is a perfect place for bird watching or just being in nature. This trail and nature area is managed by the Florissant School District and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but is not open to the public on weekends. The Little Creek Nature Area is in Florrisant, at 2295 Dunn Road.
The paved trail of Carondelet Park is perfect for walking or biking. The trail runs two miles through the park and is great for any skill level. The trail is wheelchair accessible, offers on-site restrooms, and leashed dogs are welcome too. The park address is 3900 Holly Hills Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63116.
The trail in Laumeier Sculpture Park offers both a walk with nature, and a view of modern art as you navigate the trails. The trail is both paved and gravel/earthen and is 1.4 miles on a loop. It is considered an easy trail, for all skill levels to enjoy. Laumeier Sculpture Park is conveniently located off of Highway 270 and South Geyer Road, at 12580 Rott Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63127.
Grotpeter Trail is a great trail for walking, biking, or horseback riding. It is 3.8 miles on a loop, and a more moderate trail than others on this list. It is one of six trails offered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Castlewood State Park. More information about this trail, and the other five, can be found in Castlewood State Park: 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd., Ballwin, Missouri 63021.
There are two trails offered here, the River's Edge Trail is a rugged hiking trail and the Confluence trail is a mostly paved trail, perfect for hiking or biking. These trails were impacted the greatest with the recent flooding, and while some parts of the Conservation Area are open, the clean-up on the trails still continues. You can see this amazing conservation area at 801 Strodtman Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63138.
The Soulard Trail is a 0.7 loop trail circling Lafayette Park in Soulard. The trail is paved, kid friendly, and a great choice when you want a shorter trail. Dedicated in 1851, Soulard Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the City of St. Louis. You can find the park at 2023 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63104.
With the summer heat starting to subside these trails are a great place to start planning an outside adventure. But some of the trails on this list are near our rivers and are still cleaning up from the damage caused by the recent flooding in the Greater St. Louis Area. Please check their websites for up-to-date information on the trail clean-up progress. The flood left a lot of debris everywhere, so extra caution is needed navigating the trails that are open.
Have you walked these trails? Share your story and pictures with us in the comments below.
Are looking for more great places to spend some time outside? Check out these state parks near St.Louis, Missouri.
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