Compared to the likes of Colorado, Missouri’s hiking scene isn’t too difficult. But that’s what makes our trails even more inviting. If you’re looking for some of the best hikes in Missouri, you’ve just found them. While they may be short on distance, they’re certainly not short on beauty.

1. Trail Through Time Trail - 1.9 miles
Eric R./TripAdvisor
While hiking on this trail, you'll actually be hiking the grounds of a national natural landmark. Pickle Springs Conservation Area is a geological wonderland that features over 250 vascular plant species. Read more about the Trail Through Time.

Address: Hwy 32
Sainte Genevieve, MO 63670
2. Spring Branch Trail - 2 miles
John H./Yelp
This packed gravel trail follows a small stream flowing from the Bollefer Spring past remains of the Bollefer springhouse. It clocks in at just .80 of a mile but packs a whole lot of scenic beauty in that short time. View a trail map of Spring Branch Trail.

Address:
1050 Charles J Becker Dr.
Imperial, MO 63052
3. Long Trail - 1.6 miles
TLBpsyD/TripAdvisor
While visiting the Springfield Nature Center, take a hike on the Long Trail. You'll cross quite a few bridges to get through Galloway Creek and Lake Springfield. Learn more on the official website of Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

Address:
4601 S. Nature Center Way
Springfield, MO 65804
4. Devil's Icebox Trail - 3.75 miles
Vanessa Righeimer/OnlyInMissouri
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park would have to be my favorite state park near the Katy Trail. While hiking Devil's Icebox, you'll get to see the 63-foot high natural tunnel known as the rock bridge and the double sinkhole entrance to Devil’s Icebox and Connor’s Cave. This trail is predominately wood planked, so you don't have to worry about tripping over tree roots as much. Find more information on Devil's Ice Box.

Address:
5901 South Highway 163
Columbia, MO 65203
5. Cave Spring Trail - 1 mile
Colport/TripAdvisor
William Klein Park serves as a little oasis for city dwellers in Kansas City. This is the largest and longest standing privately run park in Jackson County. Explore various old stone structures while hiking around this park. Stop by the official website of William Klein Park (Cave Spring Park) for more information.

Address:
8701 E Gregory Blvd.
Raytown, MO 64133
6. Old Kate Trail - .9 miles
Bala K./Yelp
Some days, I wish every waterfall trail only required less than a mile of hiking. Luckily, Old Kate is that kind of trail. Short and sweet, but gorgeous nonetheless. Get all of the details on the Old Kate Trail.

Address:
100-198 E. 12 St.
Parkville, MO 64152
7. Drover's Trail - 3 miles
Bev R./TripAdvisor
Take in the fresh air and aroma of preserved tallgrass prairies at Prairie State Park while hiking Drover's Trail. You'll also run into some new friends along the way. I'm talking herds of wild buffalo. View a trail map and more photos of Drover's Trail.

Address:
128 NW 150th Ln. Mindenmines, MO 64769
8. Hickory Ridge Trail - 1.2 miles
Bob Harris/TripAdvisor
This easy trail at Powder Nature Center is perfect for the whole family. It's paved, so feel free to bring the stroller or anyone who utilizes a wheelchair. Carve out time to explore the rest of the nature center, too. Here's the official website of Powder Nature Center.

Address:
11715 Cragwold Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
9. Spring Trail - 1.5 miles
Missouri State Parks
Along this trail you'll get to take in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the spring at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. After you've visited the spring, make sure you stop by the remnants of the regal Ha Ha Tonka Castle, after which the park is named. Get all of the details on the Spring Trail.

Address:
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, MO 65020
10. Maple Hollow Trail - .5 miles
butterflydays/TripAdvisor
This half-mile paved trail features some of the most beautiful wildflowers you'll ever see in Cape Girardeau. It only takes around 15 minutes to complete, too, making it one of the shortest and sweetest trails in Missouri. Find a trail map of Maple Hollow Trail.

Address:
2400 County Park Dr.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
11. Bethany Falls Trail - 1.3 miles
ewachtler/TripAdvisor
Bethany Falls Trail is located at the Burr Oaks Nature Center. This 1,071-acre property located in Blue Springs, is known for its beautiful forested hillsides and limestone boulders and outcrops. View a trail map and more photos of Bethany Falls Trail.

Address:
1401 NW Park Rd.
Blue Springs, MO 64015

What do you think are the best hikes in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Then, if you’re a fan of fairy tales, set off on this beautiful Missouri hikes that lead to fairy tale footbridges.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | April 07, 2022

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Missouri?

Nothing beats spending time outdoors in the fresh air, exploring all that Missouri has to offer. Hiking just might be the perfect family activity, and we’re so fortunate to have a full menu of easy hikes in Missouri that are also kid-friendly. The whole family’s sure to have a blast along the Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail in St. Louis. Tallying 1.4 miles, the easy Missouri trail is dotted with interactive art pieces that just might inspire a love of art in the kiddos. Make sure everyone wears waterproof shoes, or shoes you don’t mind getting wet, when you follow the Old Kate Trail at Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The kids can frolic in the cool stream water, and you’ll pass a beautiful, unnamed waterfall. Clocking in at less than a mile, the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area Trail in Fredericktown promises a ton of fun for the little ones. The trail is dotted with rocks that are perfect for climbing, streams to splash in, and even waterfalls.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Missouri?

Our English teachers may have cautioned us against using old clichés, but some just ring true. Like that old saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, we can probably agree that we’ve got some beautiful hikes in Missouri – like the Hawk Ridge Trail in Ballwin. Stroll along the four-mile path that’s brimming with colorful wildflowers, lush wooded areas, and meadows. The Tower Grove Park Trail spans 3.5 miles, and every step is absolutely beautiful. The trail features gardens, fountains, and an abundance of photo-worthy moments. Get a taste of yesteryear on the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail in Hillsboro, which leads to one of the four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. The trail tallies less than a mile. Don’t forget your camera, because you can still walk through this picturesque bridge.

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Featured Addresses
5901 South Highway 163 Columbia, MO 65203
128 NW 150th Ln. Mindenmines, MO 64769
1491 State Road D Camdenton, MO 65020
4601 S. Nature Center Way Springfield, MO 65804
1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015
100-198 E. 12 St. Parkville, MO 64152
8701 E Gregory Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133
1050 Charles J Becker Dr. Imperial, MO 63052