Here are the top ten hikes I liked the most in 2021. I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw. Pickle Springs: Best Missouri Ozark Hike…
Browsing Category Dad Hikes
My 2021 Top Five Hiking Books
These top five books on hiking help guide me to hidden gems and unique places as I take on the trails throughout the St. Louis area. Many times I return to them to find natural…
Fall Hikes: Quail Ridge Park
Stealey Way Trail crosses small brooks and goes along Peruque Creek through Quail Ridge Park south of Wentzville, Mo. The 2.3-mile natural surface trail is the longest one in the park and the most remote…
Fall Hikes: Rock Cave Nature Preserve
A 1.3 mile out and back trail that has a small cave, sandstone outcroppings, and rock formations can be found at Rock Cave Nature Preserve. Unusual for Central Illinois compared to northern and southern Illinois…
Exploring Pleasant Ridge Park
Forested ravines with creek views can be found at Pleasant Ridge Park just north of St. Clair Square Mall in Fairview Heights.
Fall Hikes: Rockwoods Reservation
Andrew dipping his toes in the cold spring water.
Fall Hikes: Engelmann Woods Natural Area
Engelmann Woods Natural Area preserves old-growth forests that once covered the uplands along the Missouri River. This family hike allowed us to venture into the deep woods and climb some hills. Forest Life Trees here…
Fall Hikes: Powder Valley Nature Center
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has paved trails for families to explore the woods crossing wooden bridges over small rocky brooks and streams. It also has an educational component that helps children learn about the…
Halloween Hikes: Arnold City Park
Walking along former residential streets through the bottomland forest was my hike at Arnold City Park. FIRST HIKE A gravel parking lot for the hike can be found at the end of Bradley Beach Road…
Halloween Hikes: A Route 66 Ghost Town
Hiking along a former street in a ghost town near the skeletal remains of a Route 66 bridge across the Meramec River was my destination. This area has a lot of history, from once being…
