The best walks and hikes in St. Louis County

St. Louis County offers a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by riverine environments, extensive forests, and unique geological formations. You'll find scenic limestone bluffs overlooking the Meramec and Mississippi Rivers, varied woodlands including old-growth and bottomland forests, and restored prairies. Some trails feature interesting geological formations like springs and rock formations, and even hand-built stone switchbacks.

Yes, St. Louis County is very accommodating for beginners, with over 60 easy routes available. For example, the Lone Wolf Trail loop — Castlewood State Park is an easy 1.8-mile path. Another great option is the Lime Kiln Trail in Rockwoods Reservation, which is an easy 2.8-mile hike through beautiful scenery.

Many trails in St. Louis County are suitable for families. Parks like Forest Park offer numerous paths through diverse landscapes, including wetlands and prairies, perfect for a leisurely walk. The White Buffalo Trail loop — Lone Elk Park is an easy 3.0-mile path that offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, which can be exciting for children. Creve Coeur Lake Park also features a 3.8-mile asphalt trail around its large lake, ideal for families.

Most state and county parks in St. Louis County welcome leashed dogs on their trails. It's always best to check specific park regulations before you go, but generally, you'll find plenty of options to explore with your canine companion. Trails like the Grotpeter Trail loop — Castlewood State Park are popular choices for hikers with dogs.

For scenic views, the Riverscene Trail loop — Castlewood State Park offers stunning vistas from limestone bluffs overlooking the Meramec River. Cliff Cave Park also features trails like the Spring Valley Trail with views along the Mississippi River bluffs. For landmarks, the Lime Kiln Trail in Rockwoods Reservation leads to a historic lime kiln. You can also explore highlights like Mallard Lake or the Sunset View of Creve Coeur Lake.

Yes, many trails in St. Louis County are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the Hawk Ridge Trail loop, which leads through varied woodlands, and the Bluff View Trail loop via Rock Hollow Greenway. The Creve Coeur Lake and Mallard Lake loop is another popular option.

St. Louis County offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer is popular, but be mindful of heat and humidity. Winter hiking can be beautiful, especially after a fresh snowfall, and some areas like Lone Elk Park offer opportunities to spot wildlife more easily. Always check weather conditions before heading out.

The hiking routes in St. Louis County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from river bluffs to dense woodlands, and the well-maintained trail systems that cater to various skill levels. The opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in parks like Lone Elk, are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Several parks in St. Louis County are known for their wildlife. Lone Elk Park is famous for its elk and bison, which you can often see along trails like the White Buffalo Trail loop. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is excellent for bird watching, including bald eagles in winter. White-tailed deer and various bird species are common sightings in many forested areas like Rockwoods Reservation.

There are over 90 hiking routes available in St. Louis County, offering a wide range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging treks. This includes 68 easy routes, 26 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

While many trails are easy to moderate, there are options for longer hikes. The Zombie Trail loop — Sherman Beach Park is a moderate 9.4-mile route that features varied terrain and hand-built stone switchbacks. Another moderate option is the Rockwoods Reservation loop trails, which covers 6.3 miles and offers a taste of the Ozarks with diverse plant life and geological features.