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 SocietyJoin us for a 3 mile hike thru the forests of the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area.
This area is known for its unique natural beauty and undisturbed habitat.
This hike is rated as moderate to difficult due to elevation change.
This event is open to all Cub Scout ranks. Scouts may attend with their pack or individually, and families are encouraged to attend. Cub Scout requirements that can be achieved at this event include:
• Outdoor Adventure – All ranks
• Archery Adventure – Age 7 and up
• Champions for Nature (Conservation) Adventure – All ranks
Hiking and activity stations will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and are available to all Cub Scouts without registration. Activity stations include recycling, energy, wildlife, Monarch butterflies, trees, and wild turkeys. 1-mile and 2-mile hiking trails will be marked on the Runge Nature Center hiking trails for the hiking requirements.
Four archery sessions will be held starting at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30. Registration for archery will be limited and opens September 1. Archery registration information has been sent to the scout pack leaders.
The program will take place at the shelter house.
Spend the morning chasing butterflies and become part of a community science project. We'll search for migrating monarchs, learn how to safely catch and tag them, then release them to continue their incredible journey to Mexico.
Along the way, you'll discover how native plants support butterflies and other pollinators, how to identify some of Missouri's most common species, and why healthy habitats matter. Every monarch we tag adds valuable information that helps researchers better understand migration routes and population trends.
Whether you're into photography, hiking, wildlife, or just looking for an excuse to spend a beautiful morning outdoors, this is your chance to experience conservation in action. Dress for the weather, wear long pants, and bring insect repellent as you'll be wandering through butterfly habitat throughout this adventure. No prior experience is necessary.
*Please register via the Recreation Council of St. Louis: https:recreationcouncil.org/nature-photo-hike-fall-2026/
This program is for individuals with disabilities of all ages, their family members, and/or caregivers. Join us as we stroll or roll the wooded Duckett Creek Trail area, (St Charles) stopping along the way to talk, make a new friend, admire nature in autumn and take pictures. We will take our time walking to the Katy Trail then turning back, about 1 ½ miles total. Participants can turn back at any time if they choose to. The trail is wide, concrete and ADA accessible. Directions and more information will be provided prior to the walk.
Register at https:recreationcouncil.org/nature-photo-hike-fall-2026/
Trade the neighborhood sidewalk for the paved trails of Powder Valley! Join Powder Valley volunteers for a guided hiking experience for you and your stroller aged little ones. On the hike the volunteers will engage you with the nature found along the way. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will you encounter? Only one way to find out!
Stroller Strolls is monthly walk designed for parents and guardians with stroller aged children. Please register the child and the parent or guardian.
Come join us for a relaxing 2.5-mile guided hike along Taconic Loop Trail at Young Conservation Area. Enjoy the calming benefits of our oak-hickory forest and learn about different plants and birds we encounter along the way. Please, be sure to dress for the weather, use appropriate footwear fand take plenty of water.
Difficulty level - easy. Elevation gain- 249ft.