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 Shooting Star trail at Rock Bridge State Park (Boone Co.); 2.8 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 June 15 at 8 a.m.
Celebrate the (almost) longest day of the year with a hike! Meet one of the Burr Oak Woods naturalists at the Wildlife Habitat Trail Head Parking Lot and enjoy a romp through the forest. Enjoy several stops along the way to hear about some of the local wildlife
that call the area home and learn about the benefits of what a hike can do for you. This hike will start at the Wildlife Habitat Trail Head Parking Lot and will take the Wildlife Habitat Trail. The route is a loop and is about 1.5 miles long on a gravel trail.
The hike is moderate difficulty with some slight hills and occasionally uneven terrain. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.Come join us for a relaxing 3-mile guided hike along the Lime Kiln Trail Loop trail at Rockwoods Reservation. 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 and take plenty of water.
Difficulty level - moderate. Elevation gain- 354ft.
Join us for a guided hike through forest, stream valleys, and grasslands to see and learn firsthand what different aspects of watersheds are like and how they influence stream water quality!
We will meet at the Turkey Creek Trailhead at the end of E Deer Park Road (NOT 3500 E Gans Road, the default address for the conservation area!) and depart for a loop hike soon after 6:00. Please anticipate a hike of about 2.0 miles in length with about 150' of elevation gain and loss.
Note that hiking can come with challenges not limited to steep, rocky, or muddy terrain; downed trees or overhanging branches; biting insects and arachnids; irritating plants; venomous snakes; and stream crossings.
Attendees under the age of 18 must have a sponsoring adult present.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Ready to explore one of Missouri's most beautiful state parks? Interested in learning about and exploring karst topography, including beautiful bluffs, a spring, and a natural bridge? Join Runge staff volunteers for a guided hike along Devil’s Kitchen, Spring, and Colosseum trails at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Camden Co.);3.5 miles, rugged. 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, bring a hiking pole, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on June 24 at 8 a.m.
Trade the neighborhood sidewalk for the trails of Simpson Park! Join a volunteer naturalist 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.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Follow along towering bluffs, trek up and down gentle slopes, and see beautiful panoramic views of the lake on the Lakeview Bend Trail and Fawn's Run Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Miller/Camden Counties); 3.5 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 July 13 at 8 a.m.