The Best Hiking in Missouri

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located near Columbia, Missouri and has over 2,000 acres to explore. The park is known for its unique rock formations, including the rock bridge, sinkholes, and an underground stream at the Devil's Icebox cave.To reach the Devil's Icebox cave, start at the Devil...

This park is best known for its castle ruins, which are also worth a visit. On the Colosseum Trail, you will hike down through a large 150ft deep sinkhole (the Colosseum) and under a natural stone bridge. After climbing out of the sinkhole you will reach a ridge with nice views. In spring, you wi...

The area is preserved for these amazing geological wonders. Huge boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants fill the park. You can hike through the area and even boulder on top of the rocks. Short trails are found between and around the 'elephants!'

A short day trip from Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers a nice getaway for those seeking the outdoors.How to get there: Weston Bend State Park is approximately 35 miles northwest of Kansas City. From Kansas City take I-29 N to exit 20 for Weston. Turn left on MO-371 N. Continue onto MO-...

An offshoot from the Ozark Trail, the Bell Mountain Loop trail offers a 12 mile loop (when starting from the HWY A trail head) that works perfectly as a beginner backpacking trip. The Ozark Trail website offers excellent maps for all sections of the trail (for free!), click here.Day 1: Hike 7.5 m...

Rocky Falls are located only a short hike away from the parking lot. The swimming hole is also popular, and the adventurous can climb up to the rock face to reach the top of the falls.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located near Columbia, Missouri and has over 2,000 acres to explore. The Shooting Star Bluffs are roughly a 1/2 of a mile into the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail System. There's a fork in the trail, so stay to the left to see the bluffs. You will see an opening in t...

This hike in Castlewood State Park gives you multiple vantage points on the Meramec River. Follow the red arrows as the trail heads out on the bluffs. You will then descend a staircase into the valley, leading to the river and a floodplain forest.

Large rock formations, picturesque creeks, and wildflowers are all found along this trail. The full day hike can be either split in half via a connector trail, or lengthened into a multi-day backpacking trip, as there are three camping sites off the trail.

Located in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, this hike links together the Lewis and Clark Trails. At first the two trails overlap one another. When the trails split, for a shorter, 5.2 mile hike, you can stay on Clark Trail for the entire loop. For a longer hike take the 2.3 mile Lewis Trail l...

This hike starts out on a half mile of paved trail. From here you will climb a ton of steps to the top, which when the leaves are off the tress can offer a pretty good view. The trail connects with a few other trails on the way but is well marked so you will know what way to go. Parts of this tra...

The Shut-Ins Trailhead is located located next to the River Store in the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park day use area.   Simply follow the paved trail for 0.3 miles to the boardwalk and viewing deck.  Here you’ll find stairs accessing the Shut-Ins.   Take your time exploring the unique rock formation...

Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of Mound City in northwest Missouri. The refuge is approximately 100 miles northwest of Kansas City off I-29. It’s headquarters/visitors center are on the east side of Hwy 159. The visitors center is open weekdays 7:30-4:30 and on se...

This hike or bike ride in Castlewood State Park is rated as moderate and starts out with pleasant views on the bluffs. Follow the orange blazes as the trail descends into Kiefer Creek Valley, where you will hike alongside Kiefer Creek. The trail was originally built so that bicyclists could acc...

This well maintained trail is open to hiking, trail running, and biking. As it loops around the park, the trail passes through forest and meadows. Signs along the way distinguish some of Queeny Park's oldest trees.

Located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the Rocky Top Trail (yellow blazes) starts out with a climb to the top of a large glade. After passing through woods and a ravine, you will reach dolomite cliffs that offer views of the lake below. This trail does include stream crossings. At the half mil...