The best walks and hikes around Ballwin

The Bluebird Park Trail in Ellisville, Missouri, offers a delightful, easy hike through lush greenery and diverse natural landscapes. As you walk, you'll encounter a mix of paved and asphalt sections, making for a smooth journey. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as songbirds and squirrels, adding to the trail's charm. This 1.2-mile (2.0 km) route is perfect for a relaxing outing, offering a refreshing escape into nature without demanding much effort.

Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is part of the larger Bluebird Park system, providing ample parking. The route is generally accessible throughout the year, making it a convenient option for a spontaneous walk or a planned family adventure. With only 83 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, this trail is suitable for nearly everyone and takes approximately 32 minutes to complete.

Beyond its natural beauty, Bluebird Park is known for being dog friendly, with a dedicated off-leash dog park in addition to requiring leashes on the main trail. The park also features a 0.8-mile Bluebird Fitness Trail with 17 strategically placed stations, allowing you to combine your walk with a full-body workout. This makes it a versatile destination for both casual strollers and those looking for more active recreation.

The Riverscene Trail loop in Castlewood State Park offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and engaging terrain, making it one of the most popular trails in the area. You'll traverse dense forests, enjoy panoramic views from bluffs over 200 feet high overlooking the Meramec River valley, and wander along the river's shaded banks. The route, an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike with 158 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes, providing a rewarding experience for its duration.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round and dog-friendly, requiring leashed pets. The trailhead is within Castlewood State Park, and due to its popularity, arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends. You can choose to start with a steep climb to the bluffs or begin with a flatter section along the river, depending on your preference for tackling the elevation.

What truly sets this trail apart are its unique features, including iconic wooden staircases that descend from the bluffs, historical remnants of the park's past as a 1920s resort, and a distinctive passage through a tunnel under active Union Pacific railroad tracks. The diverse ecosystems, transitioning from bluff hardwoods to floodplain trees, also support abundant wildlife like deer and various bird species, adding to the trail's appeal.

The Hawk Ridge Trail in Queeny Park offers a charming journey through varied landscapes, from open fields to mature oak and hickory woods, some trees reaching nearly 70 feet tall. You'll follow a mix of paved and gravel paths, passing by Owl Creek and Jarville Lake, with the chance to spot beautiful wildflower displays in late spring to early summer. It's a gentle, easy hike that feels like a refreshing escape into nature.

This multi-use loop is easily accessible within Queeny Park, making it a convenient choice for a quick outdoor adventure. Parking is generally plentiful, and the trail is well-suited for a leisurely morning or afternoon walk. Since it's an easy route, you won't need extensive planning, but checking the weather for the best experience is always a good idea.

Beyond the natural beauty, a notable feature of the trail is the historic Jarville House, a Greek Revival mansion from 1854 that now hosts the Museum of the Dog. This adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to your hike, setting it apart from many other easy trails in the St. Louis area. The Hawk Ridge Trail is an easy 4.0-mile (6.5 km) loop with a modest 207 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete.

The Lone Wolf Trail Loop in Castlewood State Park offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through shaded, fern-covered hillsides and along creek banks before climbing to bluffs. You will find yourself immersed in diverse flora, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer. The trail's standout feature is the panoramic view of the river valley from its higher points, a truly rewarding vista for such a short hike.

This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) loop involves 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 48 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick outdoor adventure. The trail is well-marked and accessible from dedicated parking within Castlewood State Park. While generally easy, expect some sections with exposed roots and loose rocks, so wear appropriate footwear.

Historically, the trail is named after the "Lone Wolf Club," a former speakeasy from the area's resort era, with only a stone fireplace remaining as a nod to its past. This route is a great way to experience the rugged beauty of Castlewood State Park and can be linked with other popular trails like the River Scene Trail for an extended exploration of the area's natural features.