Missouri
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There are over 1,300 known hiking and trekking trails in Missouri
Most popular trails:
Taum Sauk Trail: 18.5 miles, a challenging trail with steep climbs and stunning views.
Ozark Highlands Trail: 270 miles, a long-distance trail that winds through the Ozark Mountains.
Mark Twain National Forest: 1,500 miles, a network of trails in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Katy Trail State Park: 240 miles, a paved trail that is perfect for biking, walking, or running.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: 8 miles, a park with a variety of trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Trail of Tears State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of forests, rivers, and lakes.
Best trails for certain activities:
Hiking: Taum Sauk Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Mark Twain National Forest
Mountain biking: Katy Trail State Park, Rock Bridge State Park, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Horseback riding: Taum Sauk Trail, Mark Twain National Forest, Trail of Tears State Park
Wildlife viewing: Taum Sauk Trail, Mark Twain National Forest, Big Oak Tree State Park
Camping: Taum Sauk Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Mark Twain National Forest
Fishing: Mark Twain National Forest, Big Oak Tree State Park, Montauk State Park
Most challenging trails:
Taum Sauk Trail: 18.5 miles, a challenging trail with steep climbs and stunning views.
Ozark Highlands Trail: 270 miles, a long-distance trail that winds through the Ozark Mountains.
Big Creek Trail: 12.5 miles, a challenging trail with rugged terrain and elevation changes.
Shepherd Mountain Trail: 10 miles, a challenging trail with steep climbs and exposed ledges.
Taum Sauk Mountain Fire Lookout Trail: 4 miles, a challenging trail with steep climbs and stunning views.
Round Top Mountain Trail: 8 miles, a challenging trail with steep climbs and exposed ledges.
Most scenic trails:
Taum Sauk Trail: 18.5 miles, a trail with stunning views of the Taum Sauk Mountain and the surrounding area.
Ozark Highlands Trail: 270 miles, a trail that winds through the Ozark Mountains, offering views of forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Rock Bridge State Park: 15 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of rock formations, caves, and waterfalls.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: 8 miles, a park with a variety of trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Montauk State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of the Osage River and the surrounding bluffs.
Most family-friendly trails:
Katy Trail State Park: 240 miles, a paved trail that is perfect for biking, walking, or running.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: 8 miles, a park with a variety of trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Trail of Tears State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of forests, rivers, and lakes.
Big Oak Tree State Park: 4 miles, a park with a variety of trails that are wheelchair accessible.
Roaring River State Park: 10 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of the Roaring River and the surrounding forest.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer views of the Osage River and the surrounding bluffs.
Most accessible trails:
Katy Trail State Park: 240 miles, a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible.
Trail of Tears State Park: 12 miles, a park with a variety of trails that are wheelchair accessible.
Big Oak Tree State Park: 4 miles, a park with a variety of trails that are wheelchair accessible.
Roaring River State Park: 10 miles, a park with a variety of trails that offer some wheelchair accessibility.
Where to get permits for trails:
State parks: Most state parks require a permit to hike on their trails. You can get permits at the park office.(573) 751-1961
National forests: National forests require a permit to hike on their trails. You can get permits at the forest service office.
Other: Some trails may require a permit from a private organization, such as a trail association or a conservation group. You can get these permits at the organization's website or office.
