Many of the state parks across Missouri open at dawn and close at dusk. However, several times a year many of the state parks are opening up after sunset to show you a whole new side of Missouri. If you love hiking Missouri State Parks, you’re going to love taking one of the night hikes they’re offering seasonally. This is an opportunity to see some of the best State Parks in Missouri in a completely new light (or lack thereof). If you’re looking for state parks to visit in Missouri, consider this unconventional but beautiful approach to a nature experience.

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Have you taken a night hike at a Missouri State Park? Tell us about your hiking experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how the experience was different from a day hike and which version you like best. Perhaps an impossible question!

Love exploring Missouri’s wild spaces? You’re in luck — we’ve compiled a list of some of the best state parks in Missouri.

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Benefits Of Night Hiking In Missouri State Parks

What are the benefits of a night hike?

Night hiking allows you to experience Missouri’s beautiful state parks in a completely new way. Because you’re walking with a certified state park trail guide, there’s little risk of getting lost or running into dangerous situations, which can sometimes be a concern with night hiking.

In addition to seeing the scenery bathed in beautiful moonlight, you’ll encounter completely different animals and insects than you would during the daytime. Your trail guide will educate you about these different organisms and how they thrive in the nighttime environment.

Whether you’re relatively new to hiking and don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, or you’re a seasoned pro who’s looking for a more informative and social experience, taking one of these guided night hikes is a great way to gain a new perspective on the stunning Missouri state parks.

Another benefit of night hiking is that it’s much less crowded than during the day. You won’t have to fight for trail space or for views!

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