It’s not always easy finding a waterfall in a big city, let alone waterfall hikes near St. Louis. Waterfalls are awesome to look at, though. The sound of water as it hits the pool below is very peaceful and relaxing. When you don’t want to drive far from home but you crave the serenity a good waterfall brings, you may not have to go as far as you think. Here are nine breathtaking waterfalls in St. Louis to help you escape the hustle and bustle of city living; looking for something to the effect of waterfalls near me? If you’re in the St. Louis area, these are some of the best hidden waterfalls, as well as some that are right out in the open – and even some of the best waterfall hikes you’ll find in the area.

1. Cascades/Flegal Falls
5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Melissa/Flickr
The Cascades were built in 1937 and designed to mimic the World’s Fair Cascades that once flowed down Art Hill. The Cascades are located in Forest Park.
2. Kiener Plaza Waterfall
500 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Dave Herholz/Flickr
Kiener Plaza is a 1.9-acre park located between the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Mall. It is an enormous waterfall and fountain that is dyed different colors for special events. It is named after the amateur boxer, wrestler, and swimmer, Harry J. Kiener.
3. Missouri Botanical Garden Waterfall
4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
dustinphillips/Flickr
This waterfall is located in Missouri Botanical Gardens, one of the three largest botanical gardens in the United States. The Gardens occupy 75 acres in the heart of the city and are truly a beautiful and amazing place to visit.
4. Citygarden Waterfall
801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
katie wheeler/Flickr
The Citygarden Waterfall is a beautiful six-foot waterfall dumping into a 180-foot-long pool. It is located on 2.9 acres right in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
5. Dripping Springs Waterfall
13219 Streetcar Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, USA
Dave Clark/Flickr
Dripping Springs Waterfall is in Creve Coeur Lake Park. It is a beautiful waterfall close to the lake. The lake was named after the Indian girl who jumped from the top of the waterfall to her death. She was distraught because she was not allowed to marry the boy she loved. In French, Creve Coeur means "Broken Heart."
6. Climatron Waterfall at Botanical Gardens
4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Tom Bastin/Flickr
This waterfall is at the Botanical Gardens in a tropical dome covering a half-acre in the heart of the city. The Climatron Conservancy houses more than 160,000 tropical plants.
7. St. Louis Zoo South Entrance Waterfall
STL Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Phil Thomas/Flickr
The best waterfalls in St. Louis are at our amazing St. Louis Zoo - so much so that they take up the rest of the list! The zoo is in Forest Park and is free to visit. It is definitely worth the visit. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best in the country.
8. St. Louis Zoo Animal Habitats
STL Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Annie Chartrand/Flickr
Many of the exhibits include beautiful waterfalls to help the animals feel more at home. The animals are an added bonus and they make the St. Louis Zoo waterfalls better than the rest!
9. St. Louis Zoo Waterfalls
STL Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Phil Thomas/Flickr
There are amazing waterfalls around every corner of the St. Louis Zoo. Housing 18,000 animals, many spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful scenery, the zoo is the best place to see a great waterfall in St. Louis.

Hopefully, you’ll find some time to take one of these waterfall hikes near St. Louis. We hope our list of the best hidden waterfalls – and not so hidden waterfalls – in St. Louis will help take your mind off of things and enjoy nature for a while. Did we miss any? If so, leave a comment and let us know! Speaking of waterfalls, this waterfall swimming hole in Missouri is perfect for a hot summer day.

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More to Explore

Waterfall Hikes In And Around St. Louis

Tori Jane | July 13, 2022

Where are the best waterfall hikes in St. Louis?  

Who says you can’t go on amazing adventures in or near the city? St. Louis sure doesn’t; it’s a city jam-packed with things to do for nature lovers, and we can’t help but brag about it. Some of the most amazing hiking trails in Missouri just so happen to be in the vicinity of St. Louis (and by “vicinity” we mean within about two hours). Some of our favorite waterfall hikes near St. Louis include amazing gems like those at Don Robinson State Park. Here you’ll find a wonder-filled, four-mile round-trip loop trail that’s filled with amazing forestry, gorges, fascinating geology, and more. Another favorite waterfall hike in Missouri and near St. Louis is at the Glassberg Conservation Area; it’s a stunning three-mile-long loop that takes you past a sparkling lake and a breathtaking overlook.  

What are some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in St. Louis?  

The list goes on! Another favorite hiking trail with waterfalls near St. Louis is the amazing hike within Hickory Canyons Natural Area. There are two, actually: one’s a quarter mile long and the other is one mile long, so pick your fighter and stick with it. We’re also fond of hiking the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area, where you can discover the majesty of its many different cascades. That one’s best reserved for after a good rainstorm, when all the waterfalls will be at their best.  

Are there any waterfalls in St. Louis?  

There aren’t any natural waterfalls physically in St. Louis, but there are a few small man-made ones worth mentioning. There’s “The Cascades,” which can be found within Forest Park. It’s a family favorite and the kids are sure to love it! We also can’t forget to mention the incredible Missouri Botanical Garden, which is so breathtaking you’ll want to come back again and again. Sure, a lot of these waterfalls require a little bit of traveling, but we promise they’re worth the effort!  

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