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:
Friday, May 24, 2024 7:00 pm - Friday, May 24, 2024 8:30 pm
Location:
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is an ever-changing floodplain which can reveal unexpected beauty and provide a peaceful mood to relax after a long work week. Join us for an evening nature walk to see what plants are blooming and what animals are singing as spring transitions into summer.
A volunteer will meet you at the front gate with directions to the hike location. We plan to go off trail, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring a water bottle and a hiking stick if you have one.
Date:
Saturday, May 25, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, May 25, 2024 1:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Join us as we traverse the Blue Loop trail on the White River Valley Traill system at Table Rock Lake State Park. This 3-mile trail is rated moderate in difficulty. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles or a hiking stick if you have one. Bring lunch and a water bottle. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.
Date:
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 9:00 am - Wednesday, May 29, 2024 12:00 pm
Location:
Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Calling all grandparents! Bring your grandkids and explore the forest at the nature center with the eyes of a naturalist. During this program we will take time to smell the flowers, explore the microscopic world in the undergrowth, and test our senses as we take in the beauty of a Missouri forest. Activities will be at a beginner’s level and all instruction and supplies will be provided. For this program, participants will meet at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants are asked to dress for the weather, bring athletic or hiking type shoes and bring a water bottle. Participants should be ready to traverse trails that are not ADA accessible with inclines of more than 15%. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our “Grand” Adventure series. You are welcome to sign up for a single day or multiple days of fun. All participants should register to ensure we have an accurate count of participants.
Date:
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 6:00 pm - Wednesday, May 29, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get a jump on summer with an urban hike through historic Parkville, MO. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this moderately paced and hilly hike will utilize sidewalks and a few short road segments to explore nature in the older neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native & invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The hike will start and end at English Landing Park. 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:
Friday, May 31, 2024 1:00 pm - Friday, May 31, 2024 2:00 pm
Location:
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Join an MDC naturalist for a hike centered around wildflowers. Learn about the different species, their historical uses, and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. This hike will take place on the Hickory Ridge trail on the short loop, which measures to be about 1/2 mile long. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for some inclines and declines. Meet the naturalist at the frog statue in front of the nature center.
Date:
Saturday, June 1, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, June 1, 2024 3:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Join us at the Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! Stop by the front desk to pick up a question sheet, then take a self-guided hike along our scenic trails and play trivia along the way. All ages.
Date:
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, June 8, 2024 5:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Meet at the Nature Center and carpool to Prairie State Park which encompasses nearly 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie in western Barton County near Lamar. This 2.5-mile hike covers uneven and possible muddy terrain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Bring a sack lunch, water, snacks, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Date:
Thursday, June 13, 2024 8:30 am - Thursday, June 13, 2024 5:00 pm
Location:
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Ha Ha Tonka State Park has many attractions, including springs, caves, sinkholes, and a castle. We will hike 4-5 miles on trails rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and binoculars if you like. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.
Date:
Friday, June 14, 2024 7:30 pm - Friday, June 14, 2024 8:30 pm
Location:
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Enjoy a wonderful evening in Missouri hiking Karst Trail at Rock Bridge State Park! Be sure to include your email address in your registration as instructions on where to park and meet will be sent the day of the hike. We will be hiking about one mile on uneven and at times rough terrain. Wear appropriate shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration required. All ages