Take a hike! Our conservation areas have miles of hiking and multiuse trails. Go to your favorite area and explore.
Some trails are multiuse, which means there may also be cyclists, horseback riders, dog walkers, bird watchers, photographers, and others on the trail. Being mindful of others can make outdoor recreation a great experience for everyone.
Guidelines for Hiking on MDC Areas
Stay on the Trail
Straying from the trail may disturb the places many plants and animals call home.
Maintain a Respectful Volume
There’s no need to whisper, but yelling or listening to loud music can bother wildlife or other people using the trail.
Leave No Trace
Do not leave any trash or personal belongings out on the trails or the surrounding areas. This includes things such as chicken bones, banana peels, and apple cores. Leaving these items along the trail can be dangerous for wildlife and make nature less beautiful.
Know Your Right of Way
Generally, hikers yield to horseback riders only, but check the signage on each trail for special cases. When it comes to other hikers, yield to groups, uphill hikers, and hikers moving at a faster pace.
Check Places to Go to see if the conservation area you want to visit has hiking trails. You can search for trails using the Advanced Search feature.
Be Prepared
Being prepared can make or break your hiking experience, so make sure you set yourself up to enjoy it.
- Always pack water — staying hydrated is important when you are engaging in strenuous activities.
- Check the weather before you go hiking, and dress accordingly. If the temperature will change significantly during your hike, wear layered clothing using items that are easy to change and light enough to carry.
- Wear comfortable and supportive shoes or boots that you are not afraid to get dirty.
- Prevent discomfort from the elements with bug spray and sunscreen.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Paying attention to your surroundings can help keep you and others safe and keep you from getting lost. Being aware can also prevent injuries, accidents, and negative encounters with wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
If you encounter wildlife on a trail, please give the animal space. It is likely just passing by and will cause no harm if left alone. However, as black bears make a comeback in southern Missouri, as a hiker, you must be "bear aware" and know what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.
Check the Dates
Trails and service roads may be closed to bicycling and horseback riding during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and shooting hours of the spring turkey hunting season. Check Places to Go for regulations for the area you plan to visit.
Great Places for
Events
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center turns 35 years old this year and to celebrate, the nature center is inviting the public to join the Passport to Powder Valley program. The program will encourage visitors to explore multiple aspects of the nature center and offer the opportunity to win a raffle basket of prizes.
The Passport to Powder Valley program launched Tuesday, July 14 and runs through Oct. 31. To participate, visitors can pick up a copy of the Passport to Powder Valley booklet at the nature center’s front desk. The booklet is designed to engage visitors with five fun activities that celebrate what makes Powder Valley Nature Center unique.
The five activities in the Passport to Powder Valley challenge include:
1. Birdwatching
2. Checking out one of the nature center’s nature-themed discovery backpacks
3. Meeting Powder Valley’s live “ambassador animals”
4. Attending a naturalist-led educational program
5. Exploring one of Powder Valley’s hiking trails
The passport booklet even includes a bonus coloring page. Full details on completing each activity are included in the booklet.
Every person who finishes each of the passport booklet’s activities will receive a special limited Powder Valley 35th anniversary sticker. They’ll also be entered in a raffle to win a grand prize basket, including:
- Tour tickets to the Endangered Wolf Sanctuary
- Membership and swag pack from Laumeier Sculpture Park
- Free admission tickets to either the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Butterfly House, or Shaw Nature Reserve
- The book A History of Kirkwood, Missouri, 1851-1965 by June Wilkinson Dahl, donated by the Kirkwood Historical SocietyThis 2-mile walk will traverse through Benton, Carnegie and Cherokee Parks and the Cherokee-Lemp Historic District as part of MDC's "Walk in the Park" series. The Benton Park neighborhood is home to historic homes and breweries, including Bluewood Brewing, a local brewery based at the historic Lemp Brewery stables.
"A Walk in the Park" is a guided program series designed for all ages and abilities. Each session highlights a different park, exploring its unique natural features, seasonal plants, and local wildlife, while also showcasing the cultural and historical significance that makes each space special.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Hike through high- quality dolomite glades and beautiful, autumn woodlands on the Turkey Pen Hollow and Backpacking trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Camden County); 5 miles, moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note:?Registration closes on October 19 at 8 a.m. ?
Join a naturalist on a guided 2/3-mile hike through Powder Valley’s Broken Ridge Trail. Enjoy the falling leaves as you hike and learn about what the natural world is up to as the seasons change.
Please note: this trail is paved, but can be steep. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!
This 1.5-mile walk will traverse through Bellerive and Sister Marie Charles Parks along the banks of the Mississippi River. We'll listen for a variety of bird species—both seasonal visitors and year-round residents; as well as learn about the prairie restoration efforts underway by MDC and the City of St. Louis.
"A Walk in the Park" is a guided program series designed for all ages and abilities. Each session highlights a different park, exploring its unique natural features, seasonal plants, and local wildlife, while also showcasing the cultural and historical significance that makes each space special.
Fall is in full swing; leaves are changing, cooler breezes are starting to blow, and migratory birds are making their yearly appearances. Trail of Tears State Park offers many opportunities to spot these birds in multiple habitats from riparian corridors along the river to oak hickory forest. With some luck we might spot migrating waterfowl moving along the Mississippi Flyway. Participants can expect to shuttle from the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to the park where we will roam searching for birds at stationary points and a short hike.
No prior birding knowledge or experience is necessary. Hiking conditions will be easy to moderate with gravel and some dirt areas on the trail. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Wander under the canopy of trees, crossing bridges over wet-weather creeks, along the Spring Brook Trail at Rock Bridge State Park (Boone County); 3 miles, moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on October 21 at 8 a.m.Start your day off with movement and join us at Tower Grove Park for a walk before work! We’ll meet at the Roman Pavilion, and go on a short, 45-minute walk through the park, learning a little about the flora and fauna along the way. We’ll end promptly at 7:30am, so you can get to work on time!
Please register each participant individually
Walk Before Work Club Fall Dates (please sign up for each date you’d like to attend):
September 23rd
October 14th
October 28th
November 5th
November 18th