Here are the top ten hikes I liked the most in 2022. I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Hike
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives hikers a chance to scramble through caves and see a rock bridge and sinkholes. I went with David and my son. We only had a few hours to explore two sites, but even in that short time, we were left in awe of the place.
West Tyson County Park Hike
Watching mountain bikers go down cliff-like steps and taking in the faraway views is part of the day at West Tyson County Park. My Hike Overview West Tyson County Park has the trailheads of both the Chubb and Flint Quarry Trails.
St. Francois State Park Hike
A hike by a clear stream that leads to a waterfall and finding a mineshaft are two highlights of my time at St. Francois State Park.
Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Hike (Has Closed to Hiking)
Find a tall narrow cave in limestone at the end of a two-mile out-and-back hike at Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Conservation Area. Created when a stream branch took a shortcut to Sandy Creek creating a natural tunnel.
Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones – Confluence State Park Hike
Two mighty rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, come together at the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones- Confluence Point State Park. The park is located east of West Alton, Mo., in St. Charles County, Mo.
Starved Rock State Park: Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons and Council Overhang
Hiking into Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons at Starved Rock State Park we found two waterfalls and Council Overhang cave.
Hike Among Waterfalls at Matthiessen State Park
Find a canyon with waterfalls, cascades, and pools combine to give delight to hikers at Matthiessen State Park near Oglesby, Il. History of Matthiessen State Park Frederick William Matthiessen purchased the land at the end of the 19th century to develop it into a privately-owned park.
Finding Jackson Falls in Shawnee National Forest
See high waterfalls, deep canyons, and house-size boulders along Jackson Falls Trail in Shawnee National Forest. I went with a group so I could learn the area before bringing my son here in the future.
Giant City State Park Hikes
Walking around huge boulders, and free-flowing waterfalls, and looking up at the Devil’s Standtable were the highlights at Giant City State Park.
Short Hike to Ball Mill Resurgence Sink Hole
Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area is a short hike to a geologic wonder near Perryville, Mo. Nearby is a lithium natural spring.
HONORABLE MENTION HIKES
Valley View Glades Natural Area Hike
Waterfalls and wildflowers fill the hills found at Valley View Glades Natural Area near Hillsboro, Mo. The 2.8-mile natural surface Valley View Glades Trail loops around this 225-acre area with 423 feet of elevation gain.
Trekking Around Council Bluff Lake
Hiking around a crystal-clear lake and finding myself alone at a large sandy beach was my day at Council Bluff Lake.
2021 Top Ten Hikes
