Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Missouri

Missouri Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Missouri.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 8+ hiking trails in Missouri — Taum Sauk Mountain Trail, Johnson's Shut-Ins Trail and Elephant Rocks Braille Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Missouri is the crossroads of the American heartland, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers converge and eastern woodlands give way to western plains. From the gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Ozark Mountains' ancient caves and the world-class barbecue pits of Kansas City, Missouri packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, history, and culture into a single state.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Taum Sauk Mountain Trail

    3 miles round trip to summit (trail network 6+ miles)2–4 hoursmoderate1,772 ft (540 m) — highest point in Missouri

  2. 2

    Johnson's Shut-Ins Trail

    2.4 miles round trip (main swimming area loop)1.5–3 hourseasyMinimal elevation change (200 ft / 61 m)

  3. 3

    Elephant Rocks Braille Trail

    1 mile loop1–1.5 hourseasyMinimal (100 ft / 30 m)

  4. 4

    Ha Ha Tonka State Park Trails

    10 miles of interconnected trails (castle loop: 1.5 miles)2–5 hours (depending on trail selection)moderate400 ft (122 m) change across full trail network

  5. 5

    Current River / Ozark National Scenic Riverways Trail

    Numerous trails 1–15 miles; Big Spring Trail is 2 miles round trip2–6 hours depending on trailmoderateVaries; typical Ozark ridgeline changes of 200–500 ft

  6. 6

    Katy Trail (Rocheport to Jefferson City Segment)

    38 miles one way1–2 days (cycling); full day for partial sectionsmoderateMinimal (trail follows the Missouri River floodplain, <100 ft change)

  7. 7

    Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail

    12-mile loop (full Bell Mountain traverse)5–8 hourshard700 ft (213 m) cumulative gain across ridgeline

  8. 8

    Castlewood Canyon Trails

    Multiple loops 1–8 miles1–4 hoursmoderate300–500 ft change on ridgeline trails

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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