These 4 Trails In Missouri Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ruins
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Beth Price-Williams
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Hiking promises so many adventures, whether we expect them or not. We never know who we’re going to meet or what we’re going to experience along the many hiking trails in Missouri. For a peek at the past, lace up your hiking boots for a journey along one or all of these trails that lead to castle ruins in Missouri.
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, Natural Bridge Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Explore the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle when you set off on the Castle Trail in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. At under a mile, the Castle Trail is rated easy and is handicap accessible. Begin your castle ruins hike at one of the castle's parking lots.
With construction completed in 1920, the majestic castle served as a residence of the Snyder family for several years before being converted into a hotel. However, tragedy struck when a fire ripped through the castle. Today, visitors visit the remnants of the castle and the park named after it. Learn more about the fascinating Ha Ha Tonka Castle.
With construction completed in 1920, the majestic castle served as a residence of the Snyder family for several years before being converted into a hotel. However, tragedy struck when a fire ripped through the castle. Today, visitors visit the remnants of the castle and the park named after it. Learn more about the fascinating Ha Ha Tonka Castle.
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Fort Belle Fontaine, 13002 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138, USA
Expect plenty of company when you set off on the Fort Belle Fontaine Loop Trail near St. Louis. With a rating of moderate, the trail spans nearly three miles. The terrain along the trail can get muddy, especially after a rainfall. Fort Belle Fontaine Park, established in 1986, pays homage to the United States' first military installation west of the Mississippi, which opened in 1805. You'll see the remnants of stone buildings constructed by St. Louis' Works Progress Administration. Some also say that the spirit of a former soldier haunts the trail. The hike to see them is one of the best hikes to ruins in Missouri. Discover more about the Fort Belle Fontaine Loop.
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Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Another great choice for seeing castle ruins in Missouri, tucked in Elephant Rocks State Park, the Engine House Ruins Trail stretches just a mile and a half. The paved trail, rated easy, is also handicap accessible. Stroll along the paved path that will lead you to an abandoned 1902 train engine house. During the early part of the 20th century, the engine house was built in what is now Elephant Rocks State Park. It served as a place to repair trains that hauled granite. Read more about Engine House Ruins Trail.
Welch Spring, Newton Township, MO 65501, USA
At just one mile, the Welch Spring Trail is rated easy. And despite its rating, it's usually quite quiet on the trail. Meander along the trail that will lead you to the ruins of a hospital from the early 1900s. Dr. C.H. Diehl oversaw the construction of the hospital, built at the opening of a cave. The cave, he believed, had air that was free of pollen, making it ideal for those with respiratory problems such as asthma. What would now be considered a "health spa," the hospital closed upon the doctor's death. A great hike to abandoned ruins in Missouri, just please do not wade in or try to swim in the spring, as it is prohibited. Learn more about Welch Spring Trail.
Make sure that you have sturdy, good footwear for hiking. If you need something new, check out the hiking footwear at REI.
Do you have favorite hikes to abandoned ruins in Missouri? Tell us about them in the comments!
Love waterfalls? If you love waterfalls and hiking, get your fill of both along the Ultimate Road Trip To The Best Waterfalls in Missouri.
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More to Explore
Hiking in Missouri
What are the most beautiful hikes in Missouri?
Love those hikes to abandoned ruins in Missouri? Take further advantage of the beauty of the Show-Me State by heading out on some of the most beautiful hikes in Missouri:
- Whispering Pines North Loop: Located in New Offenburg's Hawn State Park, this trail is six miles. You'll head through forest scenes, get views of granite and sandstone, and be able to take in Pickle Creek. There are also some other great hiking trails in this 4,952-acre park if you are up for more adventuring.
- River Scene Trail: This 3.4-mile loop trail is located in Castlewood State Park in Ballwin. As you meander along the bluffs, you’ll get outstanding views of the 229-mile Meramec River. The trail also features ruins from the 1920s and 1930s resorts, a boardwalk, and other treasures.
What are the best parks in Missouri?
There are 92 parks in Missouri. Here are a few of my top picks for the best parks in Missouri:
- Montauk State Park: Located in Salem, this 2,920-acre park is located on the Current River, making it a great spot for fishing, most especially rainbow trout. You can also hike and bike several trails as well as camp and picnic here.
- Katy Trail State Park: This park is located in Calhoun. It lies on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, giving visitors great opportunities for hiking the 240-mile Katy Trail. It is also close to the Missouri River, which provides a great backdrop.
- Dogwood Canyon Nature Park: You’ll find this 10,000-acre park over in Lampe. Established by the founder of Bass Pro Shops, there is a lot to do here. From viewing extraordinary wildlife like elk and bison to taking in the waterfalls and bluffs to Jeep and tram tours to horseback riding and hiking, you will certainly never run out of fun ideas here.
Which hikes in Missouri are short and sweet?
Long hikes to ruins in Missouri are a ton of fun, but when you don’t have a lot of time for a hike, check out these short and sweet Missouri hikes:
- Spring Branch Trail: Located in Imperial at the Mastodon State Historic Site, this .7-mile loop features a small stream that comes out of Bollefer Spring as well as some ruins.
- Devil’s Icebook Trail: Head to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia for this .6-mile loop trail. Highlights and sights here include a 63-foot-high natural tunnel, a sinkhole, and a cave. While you are at the park, you can also bike, horseback ride, picnic, or set off on other trails.
- Old Kate Trail: At only .9 miles, this trail is one of the easiest ways to see a waterfall. The trail is located within Parkville Nature Sanctuary where you can also take in several other lovely little trails.