Now that it’s starting to almost feel like spring, St. Louisans are heading outdoors. Whether it’s a jog in Forest Park or a ride past the Clydesdales, there are lots of scenic hiking and biking trails around St. Louis where you can get some exercise with a view.
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This family friendly 8-mile long trail through South County is flat and perfect for biking, running, inline skating, or walking. The path takes you by the Clydesdales stables and pastures, Grant’s Farm, the historic Sappington house, and more.
The longest trail in Missouri, this 237-mile-long path runs from Machens through St. Charles, Jefferson City, Sedalia, and ends in Clinton. Whether you’re up for a 5-mile run or a 10-day excursion, this trail has a variety of businesses and services along the route for your trip.
This metro-east park near the confluence of the Missouri and Illinois rivers offers some of the most scenic lookout spots in the area. The park has about 12 miles of marked hiking trials for both begining and experienced hikers, and the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, which runs from the park to Alton, Ill. Stop by the Pere Marquette Visitors Center (13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-3323) for maps and route info.
If you’re looking for variety, this park has eight trails for both the casual hiker and the experienced biker. For spectacular views, try the River Scene Trail, where you can look over the Meramac River from the top of the bluffs.
For a different kind of scenery, Laumeier Sculpture Park has a one-mile-loop trail, primarily for walking, that takes you by impressive, large-scale works of art and is accessible year-round.
