In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Missouri Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Here’s to 2021! While we don’t really have any idea what the next 12 months will bring us, we can still count on one thing. We have plenty of gorgeous spots to explore all across our beautiful state. Whether you’re a seasoned or a novice hiker, you might want to lace up those hiking shoes all year long for some outdoor adventure. Here are 12 incredible Missouri hikes certainly worth checking out.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Natural Tunnel Trail – Lebanon
Bennett Springs State Park is the perfect spot to kick off a new year. Set off on the Natural Tunnel Trail, which will lead you to a jaw-dropping natural tunnel. The trail, which is rated easy, is quite long at 7.7 miles. However, you’ll be treated to an abundance of natural beauty along the way. Find more about the Natural Tunnel Trail on All Trails.
2. Bell Mountain Loop Trail – Belleview
At just over 11.5 miles, Bell Mountain Loop Trail has earned a moderate rating (depending on your skill level). You’ll journey through the forest and might even run into some wild animals, including feral hogs, along the way. Read more about the Bell Mountain Loop Trail on All Trails.
3. Drover’s Trail – Mindenmines
If you love wildlife and bison, in particular, you’ll love Drover’s Trail no matter what time of the year you visit. It’s just as pretty sprinkled in snow as it is brimming with blossoming wildflowers. The hike is rated easy and spans 2.6 miles, making it a fun trail for all ages and skill levels. Here’s the official Facebook page of Prairie State Park.
4. Old Kate Trail – Parkville
If you’re in the mood for a short, sweet, and easy trail, you’re looking at it. Old Kate Trail clocks in at just .08 of a mile, and it’s considered easy. The highlight of the trail, that winds through a wooded area, is the waterfall. Here’s the official website of Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
5. Wildflower Trail – Imperial
Stroll along the .06-mile Wildflower Trail, at Mastodon State Historic Site, a picturesque trail that’s especially pretty in the spring when the flowers are blooming. The trail is easy, but you will have to walk up and down wooden stairs, so just be prepared for that. Stop by the official website of Mastodon State Historic Site.
6. Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail – Foristell
Scores of brightly-colored wildflowers dot the Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail, which winds through Indian Camp Creek Park. The easy trail clocks in at just under seven miles and boasts such natural beauty as local wildlife, prairies, and forest. Find more information on the Indian Camp Creek Park Loop Trail on All Trails.
7. Shady Ridge Trail – Osage Beach
Spellbinding lake views await along the Shady Ridge Trail in Osage Beach. The trail, which is rated easy, is predominately flat and is an out and back trail. Definitely make sure you have the camera for this one. Here’s more info on Shady Ridge Trail from All Trails.
8. Al Foster Trail – Glencoe
Follow an old railroad route on the Al Foster Trail, which tallies 8.6 miles in Sherman Beach Park. Although it’s a long trail, it’s predominately flat and is considered easy for all ages and all skill levels. Here’s more info from All Trails on the Al Foster Trail.
9. Grindstone Nature Trail – Columbia
At just about two miles, the Grindstone Nature Trail is an idyllic backdrop for an autumn hike. The gravel trail is well-maintained, one of the reasons it has earned an easy rating. Learn more about the Grindstone Nature Area.
10. Mina Sauk Falls Trail – Ironton
Mina Sauk Falls Trail promises glorious views no matter what time of the year you hike the 2.9-mile trail. The moderately-rated trail leads straight to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Mina Sauk Falls drops 132 feet. Stop by the official website of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
11. Grotpeter Trail – Ballwin
Stroll through a canopy of trees along the Grotpeter Trail. The 4.2-mile trail is rated moderate, so you should be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The elevation changes several times, and you just might run into local wildlife, including deer. Find more about the Grotpeter Trail on All Trails.
12. Mooner’s Hollow Trail – Bonne Terre
Carve out at least a few hours for your trek along Mooner’s Hollow Trail in St. Francois Park. The moderately-rated trail spans just three miles and boasts an abundance of natural beauty, making it a must hike any time of the year. Along your journey, you’ll hike over a picturesque footbridge, past a cascading waterfall, and along a winding path that’s flanked by trees. Find more information on Mooner’s Hollow Trail.
What are your favorite Missouri hikes? Are any included on this list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls and hiking, how about spending a day trekking the trails that lead to these four gorgeous waterfalls in Missouri?
Address: 26250 MO-64A, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA
Address: 1373 Hwy O, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Address: Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
Address: Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100-198 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Address: 1050 Charles J Becker Dr, Imperial, MO 63052, USA
Address: 2679 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, MO 63348, USA
Address: Osage Beach, MO, USA
Address: 1582 St Paul Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Address: Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
Address: 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Address: Coonville Creek,, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA