Three of My Favorite Hiking Trails Around St. Louis, Missouri

It isn't all that difficult to find a hiking trail in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The problem is finding one that captures the spirit of the commune with nature. Numerous County Parks, State Parks and Conservation areas are within a short 20-45 minute drive depending upon where you live. The St. Louis region offers it all whether you be the rugged terrain type or the city slicker on paved asphalt.

Robertsville State Park
900 State Park Dr.
Robertsville, MO 63072

Robertsville State Park is located about 35 mi. west of St. Louis along I-44. A small state park (my favorite campground) with a small trail- Spice Bush Trail. It was named for the predominant under brush that dots the forest landscape. A really no- brainer of a hiking trail, only a .80 mi. flat loop, that makes it easy to traverse for all ages. A good nature quality hike for the family as birds and other forest inhabitants make their presence known. Sometimes when I end up back at the trail head, I turn around and go back for another spin. A soothing experience.

See what else Robertsville State Park has to offer by visiting the website.

Faust Park
15185 Olive Blvd.
Chesterfield, MO 53017

Closer into the metropolitan St. Louis area Faust Park is located near the I-64/ Clarkson-Olive interchange. Faust Park At the northwest corner of the park you will find one of the most difficult hiking trails in the St. Louis area.

Governor Bates Trail ( named after the second Governor of Missouri) is a 1.1 mi. linear trail roller coaster ride that is sure to meet the expectations of the cardio-vascular enthusiasts. The first leg takes you down into the valley where a gentle ascent begins until you soon find yourself looking down, down onto the trail below from whence you just came. Climb a bit more until you reach level ground and end up at the Thornhill House- the Governor's estate.

The return trip seems tame at first until you meet those steep grades leading back to the trailhead. The first appears to be at a 40 degree angle, but you still have to reach the top of another which appears to be closer to 45 degrees. The use of a walking stick might be advised especially if the ground is soggy. ( I hiked the trail after a snow.)

The only draw back to this hiking trail is parking. You have to take a hike to take this hike.

For more information on this trail and the other amenities Faust Park offers, check St. Louis County website.

Rockwood Reservation Area
Wildwood, MO

Rockwood Reservation is located in the western section of St. Louis County on Hwy 109, 4 miles north of I-44. Owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Reservation is a nature lovers dream come true. It also has some of the best hiking trails in the area. A network of over 11.5 miles of trails on a terrain similar to the Ozarks.

My favorite hiking trail is the Lime Kiln Trail. A kiln that was used in the 1800s sits at the trailhead. The 3 ¼ mile trail is moderate in difficulty running flat and then takes an easy ascent to the flat forest floor at the top. Quiet, peaceful and cool at the top even in the month of August. Sit for awhile on one of the impromptu lounge chairs of tree trunks and take in the surroundings. The descent is not difficult and you will end up at the parking lot right at the trailhead. This is a family friendly hike.

Check the website for more information as there is a road closure in the area at the time of this writing.

Sources: Missouri Department of Natural Resources

St. Louis County Department of Parks

Missouri Department of Conservation