Hiking

Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for an introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation to the hike location will be provided. This hike takes place at Trail of Tears State Park, about 25 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy athletic or hiking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of all trails at Prairie Garden Trust (Callaway County); 3 miles – easy. 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+

Join MDC Staff for our Introduction to Backpacking Program where we will hike in Paddy Creek Wilderness along the Big Piney north loop to the south loop (approx. 11 miles) with primitive overnight camping along the trail. Trail map can be found at: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PaddyCreekWildernessTrails. Please note that the full length of the Big Piney Trail is 17.5 miles. As this is an introductory program, we will hike the north section from Roby Lake and take the connector loop to the south trail - approx. 11 miles - and primitive camp along the southern section.

Expect the Ozark Hills terrain of steeper climbs to beautiful overlooks as well as hikes along ridge tops and down into valleys. We will be camping along an overlook of the southern loop. Participants will need to filter water along the trail and hike their water supply to the campsite on the ridge. There will also be several creek crossings. Be prepared to bring a spare pair of sandals when crossing the creeks.

Since this is an Introductory Backpacking Program, all gear and equipment can be provided for participants. We will conduct a MANDATORY virtual check-in on March 25 (6:30pm-8:00pm) which is around four weeks prior to the trip to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics.

All family or friend groupings will be responsible for carrying their own gear, including water filter, stove, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are responsible for packing your own food - this will be discussed in our virtual check-in - and you will be shown how to hang a bear-bag and filter water while on trail. We will be outside for the entirety of this program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Sam Stewart the instructor at sam.stewart@mdc.mo.gov.

Thank you and our hope and goal is for each of you to be more inspired to explore the trails around you - whether that is through practicing your backpacking skills during this trip or taking longer day hikes. We want you to know that you have access in many ways to our beautiful natural resources!

Experience the wonders of Fort Belle Fontaine County Park as we hike through a variety of habitats searching for sights and sounds of spring. Walk the trail past the upland prairie and head down to the Missouri River. Warm spring days bring rapid changes to the landscape resulting in the appearance of spring ephemerals and new, fresh growth on trees and bushes.

Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy. Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get wet or muddy. Bring a water bottle and a walking stick if you have one. Don't forget your camera!

Meet the naturalist guide in the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

Join us for a 3-mile hike through the forests and glades of LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. Take a scenic break with a relaxing lunch near the midway point and test your bird and plant ID skills while exploring the winding paths of this beautiful area. Uneven trails and steep terrain necessitate use of proper footwear. Also be sure to dress adequately for the weather as it could be potentially cold.

This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!

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Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time

1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30

2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30

3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00

4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00

5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30

6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00

7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00

8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30

9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00

10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00

11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30

Join volunteer naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring water, a snack, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6-mile loop trail. Ages 10 and up. Participants 10–17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required.

Join Naturalist JD Kennedy to explore Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack, water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Ages 10 and up. Participants 10–17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required.

***RESCHEDULED for Saturday, May 3rd***

Join a naturalist on a guided 2.6-mile hike through Valley View Glades Natural Area in Hillsboro, Missouri. Hikes will be held during all four seasons in 2025, and we will discuss the changes happening on this beautiful and diverse trail throughout the year! Keep an eye out for more dates to come! Please note: this is a rugged, natural-surface trail that may not be suitable for beginner hikers. For this reason, all participants should be 16 years old or older. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!

Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.

Join us for our monthly stroll along the trails of Powder Valley to enjoy the seasonal wonders of nature. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will we encounter? We will discuss all the new wonders we discover in this particular time of year. Dress for the weather.

Join us for an early Mother’s Day hike and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty of spring wildflowers. The 3.5-mile natural loop trail meanders through woods and meadows, over hills and along creeks. We will identify wildflowers and learn how they many have been used. A short rest will be taken on the platform overlooking the Meramec River. Bring water and a snack.