Welcome to Missouri vibes!
This year has been dry, up until recently. The week before Halloween brought a ton of rain across Missouri from 1 inch to 4 inches in some places.
Time is running out to see fall colors! Get out before freezing temperatures hit and go see these parks!
Table of Contents
6 outstanding Fall-hike Destinations in Missouri
1. Castlewood State Park (near St. Louis)
Castlewood State Park is one of my personal favorites. I’ve grown up going to this park and it’s only getting better every year. It’s great for everyone. Whether you want to play with your toddlers at the playground or mountain bike with the bros this park has it all.
This time of year there are endless views of the fall colors so this is a must visit.
Trails to try:
Castlewood Trail - 1.5 Miles - Easy, flat walk down to the river (some sections are still closed due to flooding earlier this year but still great views)
Grotpeter Trail - 4.5 Miles - Moderate walk that goes over the creek and through the woods
Lone Wolf Trail - 1.5 Miles - Hard - Start with a steep climb straight to the top and hit the best views on top of the cliff (pictured above)
2. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park / Mina Sauk Falls Trail (Ozarks region)
Taum Sauk is the highest natural point in Missouri and also home to Mina Sauk Falls which is the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Couple that with fall colors you’ve got a picturesque hike.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, adjacent to the St. Francis Mountains, which are the alleged oldest exposed rocks in North America (Precambrian granite) if you are into that sort of thing.
Why it’s great:
This park includes the highest natural point in Missouri and the trail to Mina Sauk Falls is celebrated for its fall views.
The backdrop of ridges and changing forest makes for a rewarding autumn escape.
3. Cuivre River State Park
Cuivre (pronounced quiver) river is a great place for relaxed fall hikes. Lots of flat and moderate trails but plenty of surrounding hills for awesome leaf peeping.
Why it’s great:
Lot’s of beautiful fall reflections on the water
Offers a more off-the-beaten-path feeling while remaining within reach.
Moderate hikes with time to just sit among the trees and soak in the leaves.
Great Camping spots
Trail to try: Lakeside Trail - Moderate - 1.5 to 2 hours
4. Rockwoods Reservation
This trail has great wooded trails and tunnels of color. There is also a lot of history with the GIANT lime kiln that was built in 1818. If you love history then this huge 40 by 20ft 200+ year old kiln is awesome!
Why it’s great:
The Limestone Kiln trail winds a ridgetop and is “great for fall color and wildlife watching.”
Near enough for a shorter outing, but still offers meaningful forest and bluff scenery.
There are lots of sugar maples, hickories, and oaks.
5. Katy Trail State Park (along the Missouri River)
This is a great place to hike OR bike during the fall. The contrast of cliffs, fall colors, and the huge river is very unique to Missouri.
Why it’s great:
Long rail-trail following the Missouri River with several sections that provide sweeping river valley views and fall color.
You can choose shorter segments for a hike, or stretch it into a multi-hour or even multi DAY outing.
6. Prairie State Park
Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than 1% remains, much of it preserved at Prairie State Park. They also preserve a bison population that feeds on the native plant species.
Why it’s great:
It’s native prairie preserved. The golden grasses and open vistas give a different kind of autumn beauty than you are used to.
If you want wide-open skies, gentle trails, and a more expansive vibe, this works well.
Bison!
Time is running out! Get out there before ALL the leaves are down!