3 Best Hiking Trails in St Louis, MO

“Cliff Cave County Park covers 525 acres with a floodplain wetland area and a densely wooded forest with a range of ancient growing trees. The total length of the trail is 2.9 miles, with an elevation gain of 200 feet. This is a loop trail, and the time taken to complete the trail is 1 hour and 2 minutes. This trail provides the experienced rider with the best technical features. The connection to the paved trail network is through two parking lots. This hiking trail offers fantastic views of the Mississippi from rocky bluffs towering over the river at 170 feet. Dogs are also allowed on a leash.”

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“Emmenegger Nature Park has a 1-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail and a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) disabled-accessible trail. The trail has an elevation gain of 16 feet and is an out-and-back trail. This is generally considered an easy route, and it takes approximately 13 minutes to complete the total trail. The land had formerly served as an exotic animal breeding facility for the St. Louis Zoo, as well as a resort, public swimming pool, and tennis club. This nature trail also has designated areas for pets. Emmenegger Nature Park has public restrooms, picnic tables, and kid-friendly hikes for more comfort. The trail is open every day of the year, offering visitors a chance to enjoy its natural beauty.”

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“Castlewood State Park is an 1,818-acre ideal destination to have a pleasant and relaxed time with friends and family. It features a 2.4-km loop trail with an elevation gain of 417 feet. The trail is generally considered easy and takes approximately 27 minutes to complete. It is a perfect spot for various activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and horseback riding. The path is well-maintained and wide, with soft sand near the Meramec River. Castlewood State Park also features a diverse array of facilities, including picnic tables, a spacious playground, barbecue grills, kid-friendly hikes, and wheelchair-accessible parking lots for the convenience of visitors. The trail is located 28 minutes from St. Louis.”

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