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.
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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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.
Date:
Saturday, June 15, 2024 8:00 am - Saturday, June 15, 2024 10:00 am
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Let’s gather at the 24 Highway shelter house to forage for some early summer wild edible plants. Bring your cameras, smart phones, ID books and water bottle. (There are no facilities available at this site)
Date:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 7:00 am - Tuesday, June 18, 2024 8:30 am
Location:
Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Wildlife Area
Beat the heat this summer and go on a morning hike at Claire Gempp Davidson Conservation Area. We will explore the history and emerging wildlife this unique area has to offer.
Date:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, June 18, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
With so many great places to go backpacking in the Ozarks, why not give it a try? Learn where to go, what to take, and how to prepare for a backpacking trip. This program is designed for adults, but all ages are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Date:
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 8:00 am - Wednesday, June 19, 2024 5:00 pm
Location:
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of the North Loop of Wilderness Trail at Meramec State Park (Franklin, Crawford, and Washington Counties); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+
Date:
Friday, June 21, 2024 7:30 pm - Friday, June 21, 2024 9:00 pm
Location:
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Walk to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in the late evening on one of the longest days of the year. After spending a few minutes at the confluence, return to lot "L" to watch the sunset. The songs of dickcissels and meadowlarks will accompany the sun as it sets over the fields and prairies. The full Strawberry Moon will light the sky as we leave Columbia Bottom.
Meet at lot "L", about 4 miles from the front entrance.
Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and insect repellent.
Date:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get outside with our urban hike through historic NE Kansas City. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this moderately paced hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in this older neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native & invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Date:
Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:00 am - Saturday, June 29, 2024 5:00 pm
Location:
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of Clifty Creek Conservation Area (Maries County); 3 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+
Date:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, July 23, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get ready for a leisurely stroll through the tree lined streets of Calvary, Forest Hill and Rose Hill cemeteries. Covering roughly two miles, this slow-paced hike will utilize cemetery roads and some sidewalks as we discover the beautiful trees of the area. During the hike we will discuss native and non-native trees and the threats to them, wildlife that rely on trees, hiking safety and other great urban hikes. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Date:
Saturday, August 17, 2024 2:00 pm - Saturday, August 17, 2024 4:00 pm
Location:
Cape Girardeau Nature Center
“Know thy enemy,” we’ve heard the phrase for years, but knowing which species are invasive or not can be daunting. This program is designed as an introductory guide to some of the most common invasive species in southeast Missouri. We will focus on decoding some of the botanical jargon and learning common sense rules that help you target problem plants. This program will be held both indoor and outdoor on the nature center trails. Please dress for high temperatures and bring a bottle of water to hike with. Trails cover graveled, hilly terrain; hiking boots or athletic shoes recommended.
Date:
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, August 27, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and join this hike through the Columbus Park and River Market neighborhoods. Covering roughly three miles, this moderately paced hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in these older neighborhoods. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
