Hiking | Missouri Department of Conservation

Hiking | Missouri Department of Conservation
Hiking
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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.
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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.
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Before You Go
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.
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Source: U.S. Forest Service
Right to Use
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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.
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Great Places for
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The Lewis Family, Dean, Anna Mae and David D. Lewis Memorial Conservation Area
Taney
This 362 acre Conservation Area was generously donated by the late David D. Lewis in 2012. Mr.
Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Wildlife Area
Saint Louis
The Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area was conveyed to the Missouri Department of
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Seventy-Six Conservation Area
Perry
Seventy-Six Conservation Area is located in eastern Perry County, at the end of Route D, approx
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Allred Lake Natural Area
Butler
This area contains one of the best quality examples of lowland swamp and bottomland forest i
See more places for Hiking
Events
Native Plants: Cedar Gap Wildflower Walk
Registration period:
February 25 - April 24
Date:
Friday, April 24, 2026 12:30 pm - Friday, April 24, 2026 5:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Join volunteer naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack and water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6 mile loop trail. Ages 10 and up. Participants between the ages of 10 and 17 are required to be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required.
Hiking: If the River Lets Us Hike at Pelican Island
Registration period:
April 17 - April 24
Date:
Sunday, April 26, 2026 9:00 am - Sunday, April 26, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
Sioux Passage Park
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.
Conservation Families: Stroller Strolls
Registration period:
April 20 - May 5
Date:
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 10:00 am - Tuesday, May 5, 2026 11:30 am
Location:
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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.
Wildflowers: Spring Wildflower Walk-Trail of Tears SP
Registration period:
April 15 - May 6
Date:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 5:30 pm - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for an introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation to the hike location will be provided. This hike takes place at Trail of Tears State Park, about 25 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy athletic or hiking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.
Hiking: Pre-Mother’s Day Wildflowers Hike
Registration period:
April 8 - May 5
Date:
Thursday, May 7, 2026 10:00 am - Thursday, May 7, 2026 12:30 pm
Location:
Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area
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).
Hiking: The Final Stretch - Fellows Lake Hike
Registration period:
April 22 - May 7
Date:
Thursday, May 7, 2026 2:45 pm - Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:00 pm
Location:
Fellows Lake
Finals are almost over! Come take a brain break at Fellows Lake! Stretch your legs with a guided hike on the Uncle Frank Trail at Fellows Lake. Meet at the Uncle Frank Trailhead (Gate 1) at 2:45 pm. This out-and-back hike is 3.5 miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and pack water and snacks. Carpooling is recommended due to limited parking. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
Hiking: Lewis Trail Hike
Registration period:
April 9 - May 8
Date:
Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:00 am - Saturday, May 9, 2026 3:00 pm
Location:
Weldon Spring Conservation Area
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.
Community Fishing: BCNS - Family Fishing Day
Registration period:
April 13 - May 8
Date:
Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, May 9, 2026 1:00 pm
Location:
Boone County Nature School
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.
Hiking: Introduction to Hiking in Central Missouri
Registration period:
May 1 - May 14
Date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:30 pm
Location:
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Love to hike and need ideas for some new trails? New to hiking and curious where to start? This program is for you! Central Missouri offers many opportunities for scenic hikes through diverse landscapes for all skill levels. Join Darin Hackmann, Runge volunteer and program hike leader, as he shares first-hand experience, photos and detailed information about local hiking trails, as well as tips about safety, gear, and clothing.
Hiking: Monthly Hiking Group: Green Green Rock!
Registration period:
March 26 - May 15
Date:
Friday, May 15, 2026 9:00 am - Friday, May 15, 2026 12:00 pm
Location:
Rockwoods Reservation
Meet our naturalist at the Green Rock trailhead for a social hike! Come meet new friends, enjoy the fresh air, and learn a few new plants along the way. Who knows what reptiles, amphibians, birds and more we might see this time of year.
We will do the short loop of the Green Rock Trail, which is about 2.5 miles. You can park either at the comfort station, Cottonwood picnic area, or the parking spots in front of the pavilion and Visitor’s Center. The terrain can get steep and rocky, so wear supportive hiking boots and consider bringing hiking poles. Dress and prepare for the weather and protect yourself from ticks by wearing long pants and bug spray.