This 6-Mile Missouri Trail Will Tire You Out, but It’s Absolutely Worth It

If you’re like me, the monotony of modern life can sometimes get to you. The constant need to stay connected to the entire planet, jobs that require you to stare at screens for hours, and the endless FOMO that comes with scrolling through social media can really take a toll on a person. Personally, I find that going on hikes helps combat this. Challenging hikes. The more miles the better, as that means more time away from the computer. Now, I’m not talking about a hundred-mile trek through the mountains where all you have to eat is freeze-dried, bagged meals; no, I’m talking less than 10 miles, which can be done in a few hours. Challenging, but not death-defying, and always worth the effort. If you’re in Missouri, this hike is one of my favorites and perfect for a little digital detox.

The Gans Creek Wild Area Trail is a solid 6.6-mile trek that takes around three hours to complete. It’s a loop, so you won’t have to suffer through seeing all the same sights twice, though there are plenty of examples on this trail that you may find yourself thinking about revisiting sometime down the line. The trail is a part of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which is known for its cave systems, sinkholes, springs, underground streams, and, true to its name, its rock bridges.

The park contains some of the state's finest examples of restored grasslands, forests, and streams, all of which make for a pretty picture. With many small trails to choose from, this is a perfect little weekend retreat if you’re looking for a longer getaway. 

However, we’re talking about trails of significant mileage, those on which you have to work for the good stuff. The Gans Creek Wild Area Trail serves as a sample platter for the park, passing through fantastic examples of all its notable features. The challenge comes from all the elevation changes. You’ll find yourself cresting bluff after bluff, which, while tiring, will be absolutely worth it as every peak will contain a view that you’ll swear can’t be topped, and then you’ll be wowed by the following overlook. 

This trail is also what you might call a “rustic” trail, meaning that it might not have the freshest gravel for stomping across. Pants, long sleeves, and a good pair of boots are heartily recommended, as well as a good bottle of bug spray in the summer months. Overall, if you’re looking for an outdoor activity to get your mind off modern life and you aren’t afraid of a bit of a challenge, the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail is an excellent choice.

If you plan to do any hiking, download the AllTrails app on your phone so that you can have easy access to maps, trail information, and curated lists on the best hikes in your area.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.