12 Easy Spring Hikes in Missouri With Beautiful Views

Missouri is a fantastic state for hiking. We have many spectacular trails that you could easily spend a while exploring all of the best hikes in Missouri. If you're looking for a few easy hikes to tackle as the season starts to get warmer and winter turns to spring in Missouri, we've got you covered. We've selected some of the best spots across the state for enjoying this time of year in the Show Me State. Here are a few of our favorite spring hikes in Missouri.

1. Osage Bluff Scenic Trail - Westphalia

Osage Bluff is a stunning scenic trail south of Jefferson City. The trail is an easy 1.9-mile loop that features lovely river views. Find the conservation area at Route 133, Westphalia.

2. Quail Ridge Park Loop - Wentzville

For a lovely trail among wildflowers, woods, and streams, visit Quail Ridge Park. The trail is a 3.3-mile loop that is popular among locals. Much of the trail is paved, which makes for an easy hike. Find Quail Ridge Park at 5501 Quail Ridge Trail, Wentzville.

3. Zombie Trail - Wildwood

The Zombie Trail is an easy, out-and-back trail. It is a 3.8-mile hike that provides beautiful views of the wooded countryside. The hike can be made longer, and you can eventually connect to the Al Foster Trail. Find Zombie Trail at 777 Ridge Rd., Wildwood.

4. Matson Hill and Oxen Trail Loop - Defiance

Although this hike is 5 miles in length, it's still a great choice for beginners. You'll love the lush wooded surroundings. This trail can also be used for biking, but it's a bit more strenuous. Find the trail at 670 Matson Hill Rd., Defiance.

5. Hawk Ridge Trail - Ballwin

Hawk Ridge is a stunning park filled with meadows and woods. You can even find a few state champion trees in the park. The trail is a 4-mile loop that is mostly paved. Find the park at 50 Weidman Rd., Ballwin.

6. Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail - St. Louis

For a unique hike, visit Laumeier Sculpture Park and walk among the art. This 1.4-mile loop wanders through the park and passes around, and sometimes through, changing art installations. You fall in love with this quirky trail. Find the park at 12580 Rott Rd., St. Louis.

7. Kaintuck Trail: Oak Leaf Section - Newburg

Tucked away in Mark Twain National Forest is the Mill Creek Recreation Area. You'll find a lovely little trail that leads to a small cave. The Oak Leaf section of Kaintuck Trail is only 2.6 mile out and back trail. After exploring the cave, you can loop into another long trail or head back to the trail head for a nice, easy hike. Find the trailhead about 3 miles down County Road 7550, Newburg.

8. Tower Grove Park Trail - St. Louis

If you're looking for the "best spring hikes near me," there may be no better place than Tower Grover Park. Follow this paved trail around the perimeter of the park. Tour all the most beautiful pavilions, fountains, and gardens as you stroll along this 3.5-mile trail. Find Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis.

9. Bethany Falls Trail - Blue Springs

This little trail shows off the splendor of Missouri's nature. The limestone outcroppings are simply stunning, and in the summer months, the small prairie is bursting with flowers. Find this 1.3-mile trail in the Burr Oak Woods Nature Area located at 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs.

10. Grant's Trail - St. Louis

Overall, Grant's Trail is nearly 15 miles long. However, it is completely paved and mostly flat, making it popular among walkers, bikers, and inline skaters. The trail includes awesome views of Grant's Park and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale stables. You can find the trailhead at 3900 Reavis Barracks Rd., St. Louis.

11. Mississippi River Greenway - St. Louis

This new trail is popular among walkers and is ADA-accessible. The trail is 2.6 miles long and starts at the north end of Jefferson Barracks County Park. It runs along the Mississippi but ends at the River Des Peres. Find the trail at 345 North Rd, St Louis.

12. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail - Hillsboro

If you're looking for a picturesque hike, take the trail to the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge. This easy hike is less than a mile, a leisurely trail down to the red barn bridge and back. The bridge was built in 1872 and has been preserved as a pedestrian bridge and state historic site. Find this trail at 2545, 9001 Old Lemay Ferry Rd., Hillsboro.

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