Hiking

A man in a hat walks with boys along a gravel path next to a body of water.

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.

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Before You Go

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.

Trail courtesy order
Source: U.S. Forest Service

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.

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Great Places For Hiking

Pickle Springs Natural Area
Sainte Genevieve
Pickle Springs Natural Area is a geological wonderland with scenic waterfalls and cool box cany
See more places for Hiking
Related Content
Camping and Hiking in Black Bear Country
Be Bear Aware

Events

Find events near you.
Conservation Families: Scavenger Hunt Stroll
Registration period: July 12 - October 8
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 2:00 pm - Tuesday, October 8, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
What’s hiking without a little competition? Combine a short 1/3-mile hike with a classic scavenger hunt game to form fun for the whole family! Join an MDC naturalist at the Tanglevine Trailhead for some healthy competition and outdoor fun. The top 3 winners will receive badges and bragging rights. Don’t forget to dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes!
Hiking: Virtual: Where Can I? Backpack
Registration period: July 12 - October 8
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 12:00 pm - Wednesday, October 9, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Online only
Fall is coming and with the cooler weather and leaves beginning to change color, now is a great time to get out and hike. Our conservation areas have miles of hiking trails, and we will discuss areas where throughout the state where you can great hike and see our wonderful outdoors.
Hiking: Powder Valley at Dusk
Registration period: September 17 - October 11
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024 6:00 pm - Friday, October 11, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
On this hike we will watch and listen for wildlife that prefer to come out after hours. Join a naturalist to experience the wonders of Powder Valley as the sun and moon trade places.
Hiking: Intro to Backpacking - Current River Challenge
Registration period: August 29 - October 12
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024 8:00 am - Sunday, October 13, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Carr's Canoe Rental

It's time! Join our MDC backpacking instructors for our annual fall Intro to Backpacking Program!

This program will take place along the beautiful Current River Challenge, a loop trail that combines hiking and kayaking, giving participants experience in all techniques to make a successful backpacking – and kayaking – trip within the beautiful Missouri Ozarks.

Registered participants will meet at the parking lot near Carr's Canoe Rental, where we will gear up and hit the trail. Day 1, we will hike ~5 miles to the beautiful Echo Bluff State Park for an overnight of tent camping on the banks of the Sinking Creek.

The next morning our trek continues another ~5 miles to the Current River State Park. Here, we drop our packs and pick up our paddles, kayaking ~5 miles on the Current River back to Carr’s Canoe Rental at the Round Spring Access and our vehicles.

If you've ever wanted to try backpacking or kayaking, the Current River this is the program for you! All kayaking and backpacking gear will be provided.

To attend participants must view a virtual orientation program on Sept 17 @ 6:30pm where we introduce the route, what to bring, and how to prepare. Link will be sent to registered participants.
Hiking: Wilson's Creek Battlefield
Registration period: September 9 - October 12
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024 8:30 am - Saturday, October 12, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
We will be hiking the Wilson's Creek Battlefield Loop, about 5.5 miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles or a hiking stick if needed. Bring water and a sack lunch. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.
Hiking: Fall Colors Hike
Registration period: August 20 - October 14
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 9:00 am - Tuesday, October 15, 2024 10:00 am
Location: Emmenegger Nature Park
The leaves, they are a-changin'. Come take a walk through the fall colors at Emmenegger Nature Park with an MDC Naturalist. Hear about the fascinating process of why leaves on trees change and learn about the many other ways that plants and animals get ready for the upcoming season changes. This hike will take place on the Bluff Creek trail on the long loop, which measures to be about 2 miles long. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for steep inclines and declines. Meet the naturalist at the trailhead located at the larger parking lot on the south end of the park.
Hiking: Autumn on the Trail Among the Trees
Registration period: September 3 - October 14
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 1:00 pm - Tuesday, October 15, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Come spend a delightful fall afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We will discuss why tree leaves change color. Hopefully we will be able to see and identify many beautiful trees as they show their fall colors. Along the way we may even see some of the animals that now call the forests of Rockwoods home. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazingly beautiful place.
Hiking: Mid-Week Trekkers: Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Registration period: October 1 - October 16
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 8:00 am - Wednesday, October 16, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of Quarry Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Camden County); 3.5 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+
Hiking: Autumn on the Trail Among the Trees
Registration period: September 3 - October 15
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024 1:00 pm - Thursday, October 17, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Come spend a delightful fall afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We will discuss why tree leaves change color. Hopefully we will be able to see and identify many beautiful trees as they show their fall colors. Along the way we may even see some of the animals that now call the forests of Rockwoods home. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazingly beautiful place.
Hiking: Women's Hike at Henning Conservation Area
Registration period: September 9 - October 18
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 9:00 am - Friday, October 18, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Ladies, join us for a women's only hike at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area near Branson. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. We will hike the Homesteader trail. Bring water, a sack lunch, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is four miles and rated moderate to difficult. Ages 14 to adult, girls 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult woman. Registration required.