Hiking

Explore both the water and the woods of St. Joe State Park. Participants will enjoy a 2-mile hike on Hickory Ridge Trail followed by a 1.25-mile paddle on Monsanto Lake Water Trail. Participants can experience the area’s unique and historical significance as you hike and paddle past pine tree woodlands, dolomite glades, and the Old Lead Belt. Trail conditions include unpaved trails, rough terrain, and inclines more than 10%. No water experience needed. A brief introduction on kayak safety and paddling will be given before we get on the water.

Participants will carpool from the nature center. The nature center will provide kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices.

Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.

Boasting its own natural bridge, clear stream, and beautiful wildflowers, Clifty Creek Conservation Area’s hiking trail is a must for anyone seeking an adventure in nature. (Maries Co.); 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 May 27 at 8 a.m.

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.

Join us at the Springfield Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! During this self-guided hike enjoy nature while answering trivia questions along the way! Stop by the table before your adventure to pick up a question sheet. All ages. Registration required.

Explore the trails of Compton Hollow with us. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring water, a snack, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. This 3.75-mile hike is rated moderate in difficulty. Return time may vary, with an expected return as early as 12:30 pm. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.

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.

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get ready for a leisurely paced hike through the West Bottoms neighborhood. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this flat hike will utilize sidewalks, brick streets and grassy lawns to explore nature in this historic neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID and hiking safety. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to the to the participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and 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.