Â鶹APP

10 Best Hikes you should do in Missouri

Missouri is located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. It has a beautiful landscape that attracts tourists to it. The state also features a diverse cultural life which means that people have different activities that they partake in as a way to connect and form good relationships.

Therefore, hiking is one of the popular activities that people engage in as the state features so many hiking trails. This article will explore the best hiking trails that locals and visitors should visit as they will get a wholesome experience.

1. Ozark Trail- Karkaghne Section.

This is one of Missouri’s hidden treasures that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It features hidden caves, pools filled with shut-ins, dolomite glades and rocky streams. The Ozark trail is ideal for backpackers as a long trail with eight sections. The Karkaghne Section is 29.1 miles long and it takes about 11 and a half hours to finish the whole trail.

The trail is in good shape which is great as it ensures that the hikers have a good experience.

2. Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop

The trail is 13.4 km with an elevation gain of 259 metres which can be considered to be moderate in terms of difficulty.  The trail takes 3 hours to complete. Furthermore, it is open all year round and therefore outdoor enthusiasts can plan to go hiking whenever they feel like it.

The trail also allows dogs as long as they are on a leash which means that dog lovers do not have to leave their pets at home.

3. Natural Tunnel Trail

This trail is 13.8 km out and back and will take a person about 3 hours to complete. This makes it an average trail. The highlight of this trail is that it takes the outdoor enthusiast through the Spring Hollow to a natural tunnel that is 300 feet tunnel. Therefore, this is a new experience for the hikers because there are no other trails that have this feature and thus making it unique.

Additionally, the trail has some interesting features in that while hiking, they can come across turtles and butterflies which makes it a unique experience.

4. Lost Valley Trail

The trail spans 10.8 miles. It is located near Defiance, Missouri. The trail is considered moderate in terms of difficulty type as it only takes 3 hours to complete and it has an elevation of 216 metres. It features old roads, woodsy trails and several streams that the hiker will cross. The different features allow them to make the most of the experience as they will be encountering the landscape for the first time.

Furthermore, the trail is popular which means that the hiker is bound to meet other people while hiking. The best time to visit this trail is from March to December. Dogs that have leashes are also welcomed.

5. Bell Mountain Loop Trail

This moderately challenging loop is 11.6 miles long and it is located near Belleview, Missouri. The trail is an offshoot of the Ozark Trail. The trail is ideal for families since it is not very hard.  It offers breath-taking views and good sunrises and sunsets which attracts outdoor enthusiasts to it.

The trail also features uphills, camping spots that have great views and different sceneries which make the hiking experience unique. Even though the trails are unmarked, they are well used so that the hiker will not get lost. But to be safe, one can carry a map and a compass to confirm that they are on the right track.

6. Katy Trail

This trail is located within Katy State Park, Missouri. The trail is the largest recreational rail trail as it goes on for 390 km. It is open all year round which makes it ideal for hikers as they can choose an ideal time for them to go enjoy the outdoors.

The trail is a good way to learn about the rich history of Missouri as it passes through the small villages that depended on the railroad.

7. Sheppard Point Trail

The out and back trail located close to Jackson, Missouri is 3.6 miles long and can be considered a moderately challenging trail. The trail features steep ravines, ridges and a distinct woodland feel. Therefore, these features allow the hiker get the most out of the outdoor experience because the features and atmospheres that they will have are not similar to what they are used to.

Furthermore, the trail is not very hard which means that hikers of different skill levels can attempt it.

8. Spring Brook Trail Loop

This trail is located in Rocky Bridge Memorial State Park. It is considered to be a generally easy trail as it only takes 51 minutes for a hiker to complete. The trail is well known among hikers and people who just enjoy walking. Therefore, if one wants some solitude, they can visit the trail during the quieter times of the day.

Furthermore, the trail is open throughout the year which gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to choose a time that will work for them. It also allows dogs that are leashed.

9. Whispering Pines North Loop Trail

This trail comprises two loops, the north and south loop. This trail is considered to be a moderate trail in terms of difficulty level since it spans 18.4 km and it takes about 5 hours to complete. The trail has scenic views that will make the hiking experience memorable for the hikers.

10. Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail

This is a beautiful 2.5 mike loop trail that features a natural bridge. The trail is not very difficult which means that hikers of different levels can try it. The trail is ideal for outdoor lovers as they will encounter rocky creeks, stunning foliage, limestone rock formations and rocky terrains.