Bicycle Path | Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Follow the paved 1.75-mile bicycle path at Babler State Park to a Civilian Conservation Corps tunnel. Several other trails spur off from this trail, allowing you to add mileage if you're traveling with older hikers. Note: Some sections of the trail are steep. Babler State Park is located at 800 Guy Park Dr., Wildwood, MO.
Gravois Greenway (Grant's Trail) | South St. Louis County
For a trip through St. Louis history follow Grant's Trail, a flat, paved trail that passes alongside Grant's Farm and the notorious Clydesdales. Visit the Great Rivers Greenway website for more information.
Indian Camp Creek Park | Foristell, MO
Enjoy the paved trail and boardwalk around the lake, then make a trip to the top of an observation tower. Indian Camp Creek Park is located at 2679 Dietrich Rd., Foristell, MO.
Rotary Riverfront Trail | Washington, MO
Enjoy views of the Missouri River as you meander along its banks on this flat, paved trail, which was renovated in late 2020 after completion of the new Hwy. 47 bridge. The Riverfront Trail is located at #1 Elbert Dr., Washington, MO.
Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail | Along the Great River Road
The 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is flat and paved and runs alongside the Great River Road, offering amazing views of the Mississippi River. This trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, walkers and rollerbladers. Park at Piasa Park on IL Rte. 100, Alton, IL.
Wildflower Trail | Mastodon State Historic Site
For an Ice Age-inspired expedition, visit Mastodon State Historic Site. Visitors can follow the .40-mile Wildflower Trail, which leads down a series of stairs to the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Dr., Imperial, MO.
Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park
Follow a quarter-mile path from a parking area to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This is the only place where you can stand with one toe in the Mighty Mississippi and one in the Big Muddy. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, but skip this trail when the river is flooded. If you'd like to add more mileage to your day, explore the trails of the neighboring Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Confluence Point State Park is located at 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO.
Klondike Park
If you're in need of fresh air and wide open spaces, Klondike Park is the place to go for both. This former silica sand quarry offers spectacular river views and several miles of natural and paved trails for hiking and biking. Klondike Park is located at 4600 Hwy. 94 S., Augusta, MO.
Trail Among the Trees or Lime Kiln Loop Trail | Rockwoods Reservation
Rockwoods offers several trails ranging in difficulty from the moderate Trail Among the Trees, which is less than 2 miles, to the more challenging Lime Kiln Loop Trail, which is a little more than 3 miles. Families with strollers or toddlers will enjoy the short Wildlife Habitat Discovery Trail, which is fully accessible. Rockwoods Reservation is located on Glencoe Road off Hwy. 109 in western St. Louis County.
Tanglevine Trail | Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Hit one of the area's three short, easy trails. Families with strollers and young children can start with the accessible Tanglevine Trail. It's a third of a mile around and provides opportunities to see native plants and maybe a few furry creatures. Expand your hiking distance with the Broken Ridge Trail and the Hickory Ridge Trail. Powder Valley is located at 11715 Cragwold Rd., Kirkwood, MO.
The Nature Institute
Families can explore the trails at The Nature Institute, which offer views of tallgrass prairie, limestone bluffs, unique geological features, small streams, a waterfall and more. Note that trails at The Nature Institute are open seasonally. The Nature Institute is located at 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey, IL.
Nature-Culture Trail | Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
For a trek into the past explore the ruins of one of the greatest prehistoric cities of the world along a 6.2-mile nature hike. Intimidated by the length? Don't be. The trail is mostly flat and there are various opportunities to cut the hike short and head back to the interpretive center. Be sure to download the Cahokia AR Tour to learn more while you're there. Cahokia Mounds is located at 30 Ramey St., Collinsville, IL. Note that the Interpretive Center at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is currently closed for a capital improvement project.
Shaw Nature Reserve
Featuring 14 miles of hiking trails that lead visitors through glades, prairie, woodlands and forests, there is something for everyone with paved, unpaved and riverwalk trails in varying degrees of difficulty. An outpost of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the reserve is dedicated to environmental and conservation education. The Visitor Center offers trail maps, information and access to its family-friendly programming. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up (free for members). Shaw Nature Reserve is located at 307 Pinetum Loop Rd., Gray Summit, MO.
Blazing new trails
Though St. Louis offers plenty of hiking for adventure seekers, if your family is ready to blaze new trails, consider making a trip to Echo Bluff State Park, located near Eminence, Missouri, where meandering trails take explorers across ladder bridges, through forests and past waterfalls. Pickle Springs Natural Area, located near Ste. Genevieve, offers 12 unique geological features along its 2-mile trail. About 225 miles north of St. Louis, Starved Rock State Park, located near North Utica, Illinois, offers great views and a look into the region's history. Visitors to Ha Ha Tonka State Park will enjoy scenic views of the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as a sparkling blue spring and the ruins of a stone castle.
Be sure to check trail status in advance, as some are subject to flooding.
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Tyne Benesek contributed to this article.
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