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
Get your dose of nature after work with an adults only, naturalist-led evening hike at Powder Valley! We will be hiking our Hickory Ridge Long Loop, a 1.2 mile paved trail through hilly, oak-hickory forest.
Please note: The trail is paved, but can still be rough and is very steep. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes! Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
This guided hike will take you along one of the most ecologically diverse trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park; Coakley Hollow trail, 1 mile, moderate.? Participants will also attend a cave tour at Ozark Caverns to explore the karst topography unique to the area.? Attendees will need to bring $13.00 for the cave tour.? 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 and cave tour to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt for the cave tour, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on August 17 at 8 a.m.
Watch the sun setting over the fields and prairies of Columbia Bottom. Listen for the sounds of owls and other wildlife as we walk on the trail to the confluence.
Watch the Full Sturgeon Moon as it casts its light over the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Walk back to the parking lot by the silvery light of the full moon.
Meet at lot L, about 4 miles from the Columbia Bottom front entrance gate.
Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and a walking stick if you have one.
Sunset: 7:35pm
Moonrise: 8:14pmGet to know your local conservation area through a guided hike! Enjoy a scenic hike as we wind along natural leaf-covered trails through oak- hickory forests and learn about plant and wildlife native to the area.
This moderate trek courses along a 5-mile looped trail with an elevation change of 606 feet (recommended for intermediate hikers).
Come join us for a relaxing hike on Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation as we identify some of our local Missouri birds by sight and sound along the way. Whether you're just curious about birding and looking to get started or have been doing it for a while, all are welcome to join!
Also, check out the Beginner Birding program we'll be offering earlier that day and register for it separately if interested in attending. Thanks!