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
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: 8:14pmStart 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 plants and animals along the way. We'll end promptly at 7:30am, so everyone can get to work on time.
Please register each participant individually.Get 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!
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Wander under the canopy of trees, crossing bridges over wet-weather creeks, along the Spring Brook Trail at Rock Bridge State Park (Boone County); 3 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 September 14 at 8 a.m.
Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.
Join us for a guided trail hike along the Earthworks, Memorial, and Oumessourit Wetland Boardwalk trails at Van Meter State Park (Saline County); 2 miles, moderate. These trails feature early Native American sites and native Paw Paw trees with (hopefully) ripe fruit at this time of year. 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 September 16 at 8 a.m.