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.
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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.
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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
Certain multiuse trails may be closed to bicycling and horseback riding during spring turkey and fall firearms seasons. Check Places to Go for regulations for the area you plan to visit.
Date:
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5:00 pm - Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5:30 pm
Location:
Online only
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.
Date:
Friday, September 29, 2023 8:30 am - Friday, September 29, 2023 5:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Come along as we explore the Natural Tunnel Trail in Bennett Spring State Park. This trail is 8.5 miles long and rated moderate in difficulty. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and a sack lunch. Trekking poles are suggested. Transportation will be provided.
Date:
Saturday, September 30, 2023 8:30 am - Saturday, September 30, 2023 5:00 pm
Location:
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike at Graham Cave State Park (Montgomery County); 4 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+
New for 2023! Participate in ten Runge hiking programs this calendar year to receive a prize AND a chance to win the grand prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors!
Date:
Saturday, September 30, 2023 9:00 am - Saturday, September 30, 2023 3:00 pm
Location:
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Fall is the perfect time to explore the city by foot. Our day-long thru hike will cover roughly 8.5 miles from the Crossroads district, accross the Missouri River and into North Kansas City. This moderately paced hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in the heart of the city. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The instructor will e-mail the exact hike details to the participants the week prior to the hike. Lunch will be on your own in North Kansas City's Iron District. We will utilize the streetcar for part of our return trip. 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.
Date:
Saturday, September 30, 2023 6:30 pm - Saturday, September 30, 2023 8:30 pm
Location:
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
The autumnal equinox on September 22 marks the first day of fall. The low angle of the sun makes for bright blue skies and more vibrant red and orange foliage. Catch the setting September sun as it sinks below the horizon over the Columbia Bottom fields and prairies. Then stroll down the trail to watch the full Harvest Moon as it rises and casts its silvery beam across the Missouri/Mississippi Rivers Confluence.
Dress for the weather, bring a bottle of water, a walking stick if you have one, and insect repellent.
Meet at lot "L", about 4 miles from the front entrance.
Date:
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:00 am - Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10:30 am
Location:
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
"Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a guided hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center."
Date:
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:00 pm - Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:30 pm
Location:
Online only
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.
Date:
Thursday, October 12, 2023 1:00 pm - Thursday, October 12, 2023 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. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 85 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazingly beautiful place.
Participants should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike with a 200-foot elevation gain.
Date:
Saturday, October 14, 2023 9:00 am - Saturday, October 14, 2023 12:00 pm
Location:
Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
Join Shoal Creek Naturalists to enjoy the signs of autumn while exploring the Wildcat trail system. This will be around a four-mile hike with some rugged terrain. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bring binoculars if you like. Meet at the Gazebo on the west side of the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center.
Date:
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:00 am - Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:30 am
Location:
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
"Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a guided hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center."
