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
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Follow along towering bluffs, trek up and down gentle slopes, and see beautiful panoramic views of the lake on the Lakeview Bend Trail and Fawn's Run Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Miller/Camden Counties); 3.5 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 July 13 at 8 a.m.
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.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the lake as you hike along rocky bluffs and gentle slopes during this guided hike on the Lakeview Bend Trail and Fawn's Run Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Miller/Camden Counties); 3.5 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 July 22 at 8 a.m.
A morning walk in the park is a great way to get in some movement and fresh air before the heat of the day! Join us at Tower Grove Park to learn about what’s happening in nature this time of year as we walk the east end of the park and along Nee Kee Nee (East Stream).
This program will be completely outside, so please dress accordingly. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
We'll meet at the Stupp Center.
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.
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.