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
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Grab your hiking stick and join volunteers from Runge Nature Center for a guided hike of the Indian Glade, Graham Cave Loop and Loutre River Trail at Graham Cave State Park (Montgomery County); 3 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary as there is limited space in our vehicles. 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. Registration required. Ages 18+
Note: Registration closes on January 19 at 8 a.m. Ages 18+
Maybe your New Year's resolution is to get out and hike or maybe you just want more information about how to get started with hiking. This virtual program will cover the basics of hiking when it is cold. Winter hiking can be intimating, but we will cover ways to stay warm, stay safe, and highlight a few St. Louis-area trails that are especially interesting in the winter!
Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Put on your hiking shoes and join volunteers from Runge Nature Center for a guided hike at Rock Bridge State Park (Boone County); 3.5 miles- moderate. We'll hike the Devil’s Icebox and Spring Brook Trails. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary as there is limited space in our vehicles. 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. Registration required. Ages 18+
Note: Registration closes on January 21 at 8 AM.
Bundle up and join us for a one-mile Winter Hike along the shores of Lake Taneycomo as we explore how wildlife thrives in the cold! Discover how Missouri’s animals adapt to winter’s chill, learn to identify trees and twigs without their leaves, and see how trout adjust to changing water temperatures throughout the seasons. Enjoy the beauty and quiet of the winter landscape while uncovering nature’s hidden survival strategies.
Be sure to wear closed-toed walking/hiking shoes, bring bottled water if desired, and dress for the weather. Leashed pets are allowed on the hiking trails.
We'll meet outside in front of the Conservation Education Center at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, 483 Hatchery Road in Branson, Missouri.
For ages 5 & up; Registration is required.
Tuesday Trekkers is now exploring new trails! This week we will be at Teszar Woods. Getting a weekly dose of nature is healthy for your mind and body. On these guided hikes we will explore the vastness of Missouri fauna and flora on the trails. Join us every week to get your nature boost!
Teszar Woods meeting location is 1100 Telegraph Rd, Arnold, MO 63010.
Coyotes are shy and elusive creatures that we often hear on night hikes. They frequently travel the Confluence Trail in their daily adventures. Learn more about the lives of coyotes as we walk the paved trail to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. We will stop and listen for the sharp yipping, barking, and howling as they communicate. At the confluence we will watch the full Snow Moon as it rises over the Mississippi River. The bright light of the Snow Moon will illuminate our way as we return to the end of our hike.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight or lantern.
Meet at Lot "L". Follow the signs as you take the 15-minute drive from the front gate to Lot "L".