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
Join us for an autumn morning hike on the first part of the trail up to the Meramec River overlook where we will stop to visit, admire the view, and talk about the area. From there we will return to the parking lot completing 1.5 miles.
Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack. Meet in the parking lot.Start your day off with movement and join us at Tower Grove Park for a walk before work! We’ll meet at the Roman Pavilion, and go on a short, 45-minute walk through the park, learning a little about the flora and fauna along the way. We’ll end promptly at 7:30am, so you can get to work on time!
Please register each participant individually
Walk Before Work Club Fall Dates (please sign up for each date you’d like to attend):
September 23rd
October 14th
October 28th
November 5th
November 18th
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 Runge volunteers for a guided hike at Lake of the Ozarks State Park on the North Loop of the Trail of the Four Winds trail - 4.5 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 by 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 November 16 at 8 a.m.
Unwind after work without a screen.
Take a guided stroll into the fall forest of Powder Valley. Enjoy scenic stops, hear how nature is tucking in for its winter nap, and feel the benefits a walk in the woods can provide you.
We'll be hiking the Hickory Ridge Short Loop, which measures to be about 1/2-mile long. Be prepared for steep inclines and declines, wear proper walking shoes, and dress for the weather.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Join Runge volunteers for a guided trail hike along the Pierre a Fleché Trail and River Landing Trail at Arrow Rock State Historic Site - 2 miles, moderate. We will also spend time walking around the historic town of Arrow Rock. 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 November 19 at 8 a.m.
#OptOutside, enjoy this Black Friday with some time outside. Millstream Gardens Conservation area is a beautiful place showcasing the majesty of the St. Francis River and incredible habitats for wildlife. On this hike you can expect to see impressive shut-ins, fantastic vistas, and rapids while learning about the wildlife that calls them home. Participants can expect a hike around five miles on uneven, rocky, and steep terrain. Sturdy shoes and long pants will be required; water and water bottles will be provided if you do not have your own.
We will be departing the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 12pm and returning by 6:30.
Open to ages 18+Come join us for a 2.7-mile guided hike along at Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area. Enjoy the scenic lookout over the Meramec River and enjoy the calming benefits of being out in nature as we 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 - medium. Elevation gain- 367.