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.
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.
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.
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.
Great Places for
Events
Experience the natural wonders of Fort Belle Fontaine County Park while hiking through a variety of habitats and searching for early sights and sounds of spring. Walk past the upland prairie leading down to views of the Missouri River and the historic Grand Staircase. Along the way we'll look for ephemerals such as Dutchman's breeches and spring beauty as well as new growth and buds on native trees and bushes.
Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy. Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and a walking stick if you have one.
Meet at the parking lot just past the entrance.Spring ephemerals are the first wildflowers of the year to bloom and they’re only around for a short time. Seize the moment and embark on a Saturday morning hike through Valley View Glades Natural Area to see these short-term blooms for yourself! Located in Hillsboro, MO, this beautiful hike covers a 2.6 mile natural surface trail through the glade and surrounding forested area. An MDC naturalist will be your guide to the trail, as well as the wildflowers and critters that call it home.
Please note: this is a rugged, natural-surface trail with steep inclines and uneven terrain. All participants should be 16 years old or older. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!
Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.
Join the Naturalists at Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center for an interactive journaling walk! During this hands-on program, you’ll learn how to observe, sketch, and label Missouri’s native plants and wildlife.
Small journaling notebooks, writing utensils, and example pages will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own materials. We will begin inside the building with a brief lesson and practice session, then head outdoors to apply your new skills on the trail.
The walk will take place on natural-surface trails and is rated easy to moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring bottled water if desired, and dress as appropriate for the weather. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails; only ADA service dogs are permitted inside the building.
Come ready to explore, observe, and get creative in nature! For questions or additional information, email [email protected] or call 417-334-4865 ext. 0.
Get to know your local conservation area through a guided hike! Enjoy a scenic hike as we wind along natural leaf-covered trails through oak- hickory forests and learn about plant and wildlife native to the area.
This moderate trek courses along a 5-mile looped trail with an elevation change of 606 feet (recommended for intermediate hikers).
Spring is here, and it's a fantastic time to observe our early blooming wildflowers! Join MDC staff for a hike centered around spring ephemerals. Learn about the different species' phenology, ecology, and historical uses, hear about Beckemeier CA's history, and take in the beauty of early spring. This hike along the Beckemeier loop measures to be about 3/4mi. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for some inclines and declines. Please note that there are no restrooms on site. Meet staff at the conservation area sign by the parking lot.
Meet our naturalist at the Turkey Ridge Trail for a social hike! Birds and mammals are stirring, and there are colors everywhere... April is the best time to see the gorgeous native wildflowers of Rockwoods and try to scope morels! Come meet new friends, enjoy the fresh air, and learn a few flowers along the way.
The hike will be a 2-mile loop that is moderately steep. Dress and prepare for the weather. All ages welcome! The trailhead is located on the other side of 109 from the main entrance to Rockwoods Reservation.
This program is part of our year-long Wild Edible Plants series, with each month highlighting a different plant part or type of plant. The series emphasizes conservation, respectful harvesting, and building a meaningful connection to the land. Participants will build confidence in understanding when, where, and how wild plants can be used as a sustainable food source.
In this program, we’ll focus on mushroom foraging for beginners. We will start with an introduction from an expert from the Missouri Mycological Society. Then we will foray into the woods to search for and harvest mushrooms. We’ll end in the pavilion to share, discuss, and analyze what we found!
This program is intended for adults and families with older children. Please register EACH person who will be present. The program will take place entirely outside and will involve hiking, so please wear the appropriate clothing and footwear.