Different Things To Do In St. Louis – Beyond The Arch For Hikers &

ByEric James Updated on

Thinking of St. Louis probably brings the Gateway Arch to mind, maybe baseball or blues music. For those of us who feel most at home with dirt under our boots and a pack on our back, a major city can seem like a concrete barrier to real adventure. You might even wonder if there’s anything for an outdoor enthusiast to do here at all.

I’m here to promise you that St. Louis is a surprisingly rugged and versatile basecamp for exploration. This city is a gateway in more ways than one, opening up to rolling Ozark hills, wild rivers, and deep forests that will challenge and inspire any adventurer.

This guide will show you the different things to do in St. Louis from an outdoor perspective. We’ll skip the usual tourist traps and dive into the best urban parks for a quick nature fix, the most rewarding nearby state parks for serious hiking and camping, incredible paddling opportunities, and even some unique local resources for building your self-sufficiency skills.

Urban Oases: Finding Nature Without Leaving the City

Sometimes you only have a few hours, or you’re parked in the RV and don’t want to unhitch for a long drive. St. Louis has some incredible urban green spaces that offer more than just a picnic spot. They are perfect for trail running, birding, or just decompressing in nature.

Forest Park: A Sprawling Urban Escape

At over 1,300 acres, Forest Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and a true gem. While many come for the free museums, we’re here for the trails. The park has a network of paved and unpaved paths perfect for a morning run or a long walk.

Look for the wooded Kennedy Forest section for a more rustic feel. It’s a fantastic place to break in new trail runners like the Altra Lone Peak or test out a daypack before a bigger trip. This is one of the easiest and most accessible different things to do in St. Louis when you’re short on time.

Castlewood State Park: The Hiker’s Go-To

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Castlewood feels a world away. Perched on the bluffs above the Meramec River, it offers some of the best and most challenging hiking in the immediate metro area.

The River Scene Trail is a must-do. It starts with a steep climb up the bluff for breathtaking views before descending to a flat, scenic path along the river. Be prepared for rocky, root-filled terrain—this is where hiking poles and boots with good ankle support, like the Salomon X Ultra 4, really pay off.

Your Guide to Different Things to Do in St. Louis for Serious Hikers

When you’re ready to leave the city skyline behind and chase some elevation, the Missouri Ozarks await. Within a 1-2 hour drive, you can access some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the Midwest. This is where you’ll find the real benefits of planning for different things to do in St. Louis.

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Hawn State Park: A Backpacker’s Paradise

Known for its beautiful pine and oak forests and clear, sandy-bottomed creeks, Hawn State Park is a favorite among local backpackers. The Whispering Pines Trail is a stunning 10-mile loop that can be done as a long day hike or a fantastic overnight trip.

There are several designated backcountry campsites, but you’ll need to pack in all your water or bring a reliable filter like the Sawyer Squeeze to treat water from Pickle Creek. The terrain is moderately challenging, making it a great place to test your full camping setup.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park: Geological Wonders

The “shut-ins” are a series of rock formations and pools carved by the Black River, creating a natural waterpark in the summer. But the park’s true value for hikers is its access to the Ozark Trail, one of the premier long-distance trails in the region.

You can tackle a section of the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail here, which includes Missouri’s highest point. The trail is notoriously rocky and rugged. This is not the place for sneakers; ensure you have sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and check your map frequently. Using a GPS app like Gaia GPS on your phone is one of our top tips.

Common Problems to Prepare For

Hiking in Missouri presents a few challenges. Ticks are prevalent from spring through fall, so treat your clothes with Permethrin and always do a thorough tick check after a hike. Poison ivy is also abundant, so learn to identify its “leaves of three” and wear long pants.

Paddling Adventures: Exploring Missouri’s Rivers and Lakes

The confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers defines St. Louis, and that water-rich environment extends throughout the region. Whether you prefer a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, there are amazing opportunities to get on the water.

The Meramec River: A Gentle Classic

The Meramec is the quintessential Missouri floating river. It’s relatively calm, scenic, and has dozens of public access points and private outfitters who can rent you a boat and provide a shuttle. A float trip here is a perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

For a more self-sufficient trip, use your own inflatable kayak, like the Intex Explorer K2, and plan a point-to-point paddle. Always wear a PFD (personal flotation device)—the NRS Chinook is a great option for kayakers—and pack plenty of water and sun protection.

Creve Coeur Lake: Flatwater Practice

If you’re new to paddling or want to test out a new board without dealing with a current, Creve Coeur Lake is the perfect spot. The 320-acre lake is calm and easily accessible. It’s an ideal place to practice your strokes or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

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This is a great example of an eco-friendly Different things to do in St. Louis. Paddling is a low-impact activity that allows you to connect with nature quietly. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the lake pristine.

Beyond the Trail: Unique Skills & Self-Sufficiency in STL

Being an outdoor enthusiast isn’t just about recreation; it’s about building skills and self-reliance. St. Louis offers some unique opportunities to expand your knowledge base, from climbing and foraging to urban homesteading.

Build Skills at an Indoor Climbing Gym

The St. Louis area has some fantastic climbing gyms, like Climb So iLL, housed in a repurposed city power plant. An indoor gym is a safe, controlled environment to learn rope skills, belaying techniques, and movement that will directly translate to outdoor rock climbing.

Learn Foraging and Local Ecology

Connect with local naturalist groups or look for workshops on foraging for wild edibles. Missouri is rich with delicious and useful plants like morel mushrooms, pawpaws, and persimmons. Learning to identify them is a rewarding skill that deepens your connection to the landscape. A good field guide is your most important piece of gear here.

Explore Urban Homesteading Resources

For those interested in a more self-sufficient lifestyle, St. Louis has a growing urban homesteading scene. Look for community gardens, composting workshops, or local beekeeping clubs. These are fantastic ways to learn practical skills that you can apply whether you’re on a suburban lot or planning for an off-grid property.

Sustainable Exploration: Best Practices for STL’s Outdoors

As we explore these beautiful places, it’s our responsibility to protect them. Following a few key principles ensures that these natural areas remain healthy and accessible for generations to come. This is our Different things to do in St. Louis care guide for the wild spaces we love.

  • Leave No Trace: This is the golden rule. Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps. Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion, and respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
  • Camp Responsibly: Use established campsites whenever possible. If you’re dispersed camping in a place like Mark Twain National Forest, choose a durable surface away from water sources. Be extremely careful with campfires, obey all burn bans, and make sure your fire is dead out before leaving.
  • Support Local: When you need gear or a shuttle for a float trip, use local outfitters. They are valuable sources of information and their business helps support the local economy that protects these natural resources. This is a core tenet of sustainable Different things to do in St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Activities in St. Louis

Is St. Louis a good city for outdoor lovers?

Absolutely. While it’s a major city, St. Louis serves as an excellent basecamp with several large urban parks and is within a one-to-two-hour drive of the rugged Missouri Ozarks, which offer hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and beautiful rivers for paddling.

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What’s the best time of year for hiking near St. Louis?

Fall and spring are the best seasons. The weather is mild, humidity is lower, and the fall colors are spectacular. Summer can be very hot and humid with more bugs. Winter hiking can be great, but be prepared for icy conditions on the trails.

Are there any dangerous animals I should worry about in Missouri parks?

The biggest concerns are smaller creatures. Ticks and chiggers are very common, so preventative measures are key. Missouri is also home to venomous snakes like the Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake. They are not aggressive, so just be aware of where you step and place your hands, especially in rocky or brushy areas.

Can I camp for free near St. Louis?

Yes, but you’ll need to drive a bit further out. The closest and best option for free, dispersed camping is in the Mark Twain National Forest, which has sections about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from St. Louis. Always check the specific district’s regulations before you go.

St. Louis is so much more than its arch. It’s a city on the edge of the wild, a place where you can spend your morning on a rugged trail and your evening enjoying a local craft beer. By looking beyond the city center, you’ll discover a world of adventure waiting for you.

So pack your bag, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore. The trails and rivers are calling. Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy the journey!

Eric James
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