Bundle up! It’s time to take in the fresh air on these beautiful trails this winter. Here are some of the best winter hikes in Missouri that stay open, no matter how cold it gets outside. These 10 trails are guaranteed to get your moving, even if the temperature dips below freezing!

1. Shaw Nature Reserve - Gray Summit
Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039, USA
Shaw Nature Reserve/Facebook
This beautiful nature reserve is an extension of the Missouri Botanical Gardens and is home to 14 miles of hiking trails. These winter hikes in Missouri are great for the whole family, as it is not a challenging or difficult place to hike. Address:
307 Pinetum Loop Rd.
Gray Summit, MO 63039
2. Prairie State Park - Mindenmines
Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
Prairie State Park/Facebook
Hike with the buffalo while navigating through Prairie State Park. I recommend hiking Drover's Trail, where you can decide between the .25-mile small loop or the 2.75-mile large loop. If you’re putting together your Missouri winter bucket list, make sure Prairie State Park makes the cut! Address:
128 NW 150th Ln.
Mindenmines, MO 64769
3. Katy Trail - Rochport
Rocheport, MO 65279, USA
Heath Cajandig/flickr
This 264-mile rail trail runs from Machens to Clinton. Rocheport is one of the more popular trail heads and features a beautiful bridge-tunnel, views of the Missouri River and towering limestone bluffs. For backpacking in Missouri, it doesn’t get much better than this! But we also like to hike small sections of it to keep it manageable. Address:
700 1st St.
Rocheport, MO 65279
4. Klondike Lake Park - Augusta
Augusta, MO 63332, USA
George Shao/flickr
Explore 4 miles of natural and paved hiking trails as you wander through wooded trails, a small lake and a sand quarry. Address:
4600 S. Missouri 94
Augusta, MO 63332
5. Taum Sauk Mountain - Ironton
Ironton, MO 63650, USA
Randy Watson/flickr
See the tallest waterfall in Missouri when you hike the Mina Sauk Falls Trail. After a freeze, you might even see it frozen in place. Address:
Hwy. CC
Ironton, MO 63656

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6. Sam A. Baker State Park - Patterson
Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA
DukeNewport Photography/flickr
Wooded trails wind through this park that has both the St. Francis River and Big Creek running through. Address:
Rt. 1 Patterson, MO 63956
7. Onondaga Cave State Park - Leasburg
Onondaga Cave State Park, 7556 Missouri H, Leasburg, MO 65535, USA
MHarrisW/TripAdvisor
If it's too cold to hike outside, head inside Onondaga Caves to learn about its geologic wonders such as the King's Canopy, the Twins, and other unusual speleothems. The temperature stays about 57ºF year-round, so still be sure to bring a light coat inside. Winter in Missouri is far more enjoyable when you can get outside but keep the temperature above freezing! Address:
7556 Hwy H
Leasburg, MO 65535
8. Crowder State Park - Trenton
Crowder State Park, 8598, 76 MO-128, Trenton, MO 64683, USA
Crowder State Park/Facebook
There are over 17 miles of trails to hike at this beautiful state park in northern Missouri. Some of the trails will pass by its beautiful frozen lake. Address:
76 MO-128
Trenton, MO 64683
9. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area - St. Louis
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, 801 Strodtman Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138, USA
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area/Facebook
This 4,318-acre area features a view of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, more than 6.5 miles of river frontage, 800 acres of bottomland forest and a 110-acre island. Address:
801 Strodtman Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63138
10. Castlewood State Park - Ballwin
Castlewood State Park, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Dave Clark/flickr
To catch sweeping, panoramic views of the Meramec River, take the 1.5-mile River Scene Trail at Castlewood State Park. Address:
1401 Kiefer Creek Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63021
11. Clifty Creek Natural Area - Dixon
Clifty Creek Natural Area, Co Rd 511, Dixon, MO 65459, USA
Flickr/henskechristine
Clifty Creek Natural Area was the first designated natural area in Missouri and features a beautiful natural bridge as well as dry glades and lush stream bottoms. This gorgeous area is a wonderful place to enjoy winter hikes in Missouri. We love all of the natural features that come alive when the temperature drops!

Where’s your favorite winter hike in Missouri? Did it make our list of best winter hikes in Missouri? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more great hiking trails in Missouri? We’ve rounded up the 10 best hiking trails in Missouri that you need to hike this year!

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More to Explore

Winter Hikes In Missouri

Megan McDonald | November 17, 2022

What are the best hikes in Missouri?

The best hikes in Missouri are located all over the state. We love the Cave Spring Loop Trail, which is a waterfall staircase hike located in Van Buren.

But there are lots of other great hikes, including:

 

What is the most beautiful state park in Missouri?

The most beautiful state park in Missouri is Castlewood State Park. Located near St. Louis, this often underrated park has lots to offer, including hiking trails, river access, great fishing, and plenty of beautiful views. It is also considered to be one of the best places to go mountain biking in the state.

What is the most visited state park in Missouri?

The most visited state park in Missouri is the Roaring River State Park. In 2021, it drew more than 1.9 million visitors. The park offers many different attractions, including:

  • World-Famous trout fishing 
  • Scenic trails
  • Interesting caves to explore
  • Lodge 
  • Restaurant

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Featured Addresses
307 Pinetum Loop Rd. Gray Summit, MO 63039
128 NW 150th Ln. Mindenmines, MO 64769
700 1st St. Rocheport, MO 65279
1401 Kiefer Creek Rd. Ballwin, MO 63021
76 MO-128 Trenton, MO 64683
801 Strodtman Rd. St. Louis, MO 63138
7556 Hwy H Leasburg, MO 65535
4600 S. Missouri 94 Augusta, MO 63332