The 2023 Top Ten Hikes include a former train tunnel, a white sand lake, unique rock formations, and cliff-top river views.
I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw. (Blog Photo- Don Robinson State Park)
Fall Hikes: Don Robinson State Park
See a sandstone canyon with its cave-like rock shelter and cross-clear trickling streams at Don Robinson State Park.
Mount Vernon: Devil’s Prop and Sculpture
Hike to rock shelters and small waterfalls at Devil’s Prop Nature Preserve north of Mount Vernon, Il., east of St. Louis on Interstate 64. Located nearby is Cedarhurst Center For The Arts with a large sculpture garden.
Katy Trail: Rocheport Tunnel Hike
You can walk through a 240-foot former train tunnel on the Katy Trail in Rocheport, Mo., which is about 20 miles west of Columbia, Mo.
Klondike Park Hikes
White sands and cliffs surround a clear water lake at Klondike Park in St. Charles County just west of Defiance, Mo.
Pere Marquette State Park: Goat Cliff and Ravine Hike
Pere Marquette State Park has Illinois River lookouts, rocky cliffs, and springs among technicolor trees in the fall.
Kirkwood Park Hike
Take a hike along a rocky creek, through forested hills, and around a clear lake in a loop walk in Kirkwood Park.
Creve Coeur Park: Bootlegger’s Run Hike
Hiking along ravines, wooded river hills, and high above Creve Coeur Park is a walk on Bootlegger’s Run in Maryland Heights, Mo.
Strawberry Creek Nature Hike
I crossed clear streams and hiked up forested and through prairie along my hike at Strawberry Creek Nature Area.
McCully Heritage Project Hike
Hike through forested hills, around numerous ponds, and to an overlook with Illinois River valley views at McCully Heritage Project.
Forest Park: Kennedy Forest Hike
Take a walk deep in the woods crossing streams and through prairie grass in Forest Park at Kennedy Forest.
PAST TOP TEN HIKES
2022 Top Ten Hikes
2021 Top Ten Hikes
