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.
Put on your hiking shoes and join volunteers from Runge Nature Center for a guided hike at Prairie Garden Trust (Callaway County); 3 miles- easy. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary as there is limited space in our vehicles. 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. Registration required. Note: Registration closes on April 22 at 8 AM. Ages 18+
Come join an off-trail (or no-trail?) hike at Pelican Island Natural Area, a pristine example of a Missouri River island bottomland forest. Since this is a natural area, there are no trails! Participants will be bushwacking along to discover what this habitat holds.
Foot access to the island is completely dependent on the water level! Spring is a time of inconsistent and sometimes heavy rain, so be prepared to explore the shoreline forests instead should the river decide not to cooperate.
This hike involves traveling through vegetation and woody debris in potentially difficult terrain. Waterproof hiking boots or decent mud boots, thick pants, and even a change of shoes for afterward are all recommended. We'll be taking the easiest route available, and participants will learn how to use handheld GPS to navigate without a trail to follow.
Once you enter Sioux Passage Park, follow the signs for Pelican Island Access. We'll meet in the Pelican Island Access parking lot.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.
Join us for the gift of wildflowers courtesy of Mother Nature. Hike a 3 ½ mile natural trail that loops through meadows, woods and along streams, or turn back after the first mile. We will stop, admire and discuss the different flowers in bloom along the trail.
Meet in parking lot at Myron and Sonya Glassberg CA. A short stop will be made at the platform overlooking the Meramec River Valley, where participants can turn back if they want. Dress for weather, and wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, hat, etc.
Bring water and snacks (optional).Join us for a refreshing spring hike through the forests of the Weldon Spring CA.
The hike is 8.3 miles in length and offers spectacular views of the Missouri River.
This hike is rated as strenuous due to elevation change and distance.
Meeting details will be provided to registrants the day before.Join MDC for a Family Fishing Day at the Boone County Nature School in Columbia on May 9.
This free event is designed for Columbia Public Schools students and families of the surrounding community.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In partnership with the Boone County Nature School, the Missouri Department of Conservation will be hosting a Family Fishing Day on May 9th from 9:00-1:00 to give students the opportunity to expand upon their skills as anglers. This event is geared towards students who have previously received instruction at the Boone County Nature School, as well as any other interested local families.
Along with fishing, participants will be encouraged to explore the wide range of ecosystems and hiking trails on-site. The property includes prairies, ponds, forests, and karst ecosystems, as well as flat trails of varying lengths.
All equipment needed for fishing, including fishing poles, bait, and tackle boxes will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own equipment. Staff will be present to assist new anglers with how to cast, bait a hook, and properly hand fish. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of their experience.
Registration is required for this event. If you have issues registering, please contact Madeline.Cox@mdc.mo.gov for assistance. The Boone County Nature School is located at 8989 S Tom Bass Rd, Columbia MO 65203.