The best walks and hikes around Ballwin
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Best hiking trails Ballwin MO are found in a region characterized by its diverse topography, including river bluffs, wooded valleys, and open parklands. The area is defined by the Meramec River, which carves scenic landscapes and provides numerous riverside trails. Hikers can explore a mix of challenging state park trails and more leisurely paths within local city parks, offering varied terrain for all abilities.
Best hiking trails around Ballwin
- The most popular hiking route is Riverscene Trail loop — Castlewood State Park, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 27 minutes to complete. This route offers cliff-top views of the Meramec River and includes historical remnants.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hawk Ridge Trail loop, an easy 4.0 miles (6.5 km) path. This trail circles the perimeter of Queeny Park through wooded areas and open fields.
- Local hikers also love the Lone Wolf Trail loop — Castlewood State Park, a 1.8 miles (2.9 km) trail leading through bluffs and a valley following Kiefer Creek, often completed in about 48 minutes.
- Hiking around Ballwin is defined by river bluffs, dense woodlands, and varied park landscapes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to moderate climbs.
- The routes in Ballwin are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 25 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Ballwin's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
1.98km
00:32
30m
30m
Enjoy an easy 1.2-mile hike on the Bluebird Park Trail in Ellisville, Missouri, featuring lush greenery and diverse natural beauty.
4.3
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68
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5.51km
01:27
50m
50m
Hike the Riverscene Trail loop in Castlewood State Park, an easy 3.4-mile route offering bluff views and a riverside path along the Meramec
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5.0
(1)
43
hikers
6.48km
01:43
60m
60m
Hike the easy 4.0-mile Hawk Ridge Trail loop in Queeny Park, St. Louis, Missouri, featuring woodlands, open fields, and historic landmarks.
5.0
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32
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2.93km
00:48
50m
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Hike the 1.8-mile Lone Wolf Trail Loop in Castlewood State Park, featuring rugged terrain, steep climbs, and Meramec River views.
4.8
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29
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7.14km
01:55
90m
90m
Hike the easy 4.4-mile Grotpeter Trail Loop in Castlewood State Park, featuring varied terrain, creek views, and bluffs.
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Tips from the Community
Lone Wolf Trail is a fun woodland trail in Castlewood State Park. Parts of the path can be rocky and rooty underfoot, so be mindful where you step. There are some wonderful views on offer across the Meramec River from parts of the trail.
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Queeny Park has a network of paved footpaths that are perfect for running. Hawk Ridge Trail is the longest circling the entire park, and then Owl Creek and Goose Trail are slightly shorter and perfect if you're looking for a shorter run. The park features a number of interesting buildings, native trees, prairies and picnic areas.
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This is a sprawling park featuring beautiful nature, a collection of fascinating buildings, picnic areas and a network of walking trails. It's one of the largest parks in St Louis County and perfect location for a stroll in nature.
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The Lone Wolf Trail is right in the heart of Castlewood State Park. The trail shares a path with the Riverscene Trail very briefly near an observation deck and also offers some views of its own along the path. The loop has a number of trail intersections with other paths in the park, but they are mostly well-marked and easy to follow.
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The Grotpeter Trail is the most northern trail in the Castlewood State Park trail system. The twists and turns remind you of why so many mountain bikers love these trails, but they are perfect for a forest hike as well. The trails are pretty well-marked in this part of the park, and you'll have several options to branch off of this main trail onto some of the other shorter trails in the area.
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The Riverscene Trail is the most popular trail in Castlewood State Park. The trail passes through a forest scene, a wide open are next to a beach area, and along the banks of a shaded river. The variety of scenery with pretty smooth terrain makes this loop trail a perfect choice for a lot of different occasions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ballwin?
The Ballwin area offers a diverse network of over 40 hiking routes. These trails cater to various skill levels, ranging from easy walks to more moderate climbs, and explore river bluffs, dense woodlands, and varied park landscapes.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Ballwin?
Yes, Ballwin is home to many easy hiking trails, with 28 routes classified as easy. For a gentle introduction, consider the Hawk Ridge Trail loop in Queeny Park, which is an easy 4-mile path through wooded areas and open fields. Within Ballwin itself, parks like Vlasis Park and Ohlendorf West Park also offer accessible walking paths.
Can I find family-friendly hiking options near Ballwin?
Absolutely. Many trails in the Ballwin area are suitable for families. Queeny Park, with its varied topography and trails like the Hawk Ridge Trail loop, offers a mix of paved and natural paths. Local city parks such as Vlasis Park and New Ballwin Park also provide easy walking paths and open spaces perfect for a family outing.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails in the Ballwin area?
Many parks and trails in the Ballwin area are dog-friendly, though it's always best to check specific park regulations for leash requirements. Queeny Park is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering extensive trails through wooded areas and open fields. Castlewood State Park also generally welcomes leashed dogs on its trails.
Where can I find trails with scenic river views?
For breathtaking river views, Castlewood State Park is a prime destination. The Riverscene Trail loop offers stunning cliff-top vistas of the Meramec River and sections that run alongside the river. The Meramec River Trails and Greenways, including the Chubb Trail and Al Foster trails near Sherman Beach Park, also provide picturesque waterfront scenery and towering natural rock formations.
Are there any loop trails for a complete hiking experience?
Yes, the Ballwin area features several excellent loop trails. The Riverscene Trail loop and the Lone Wolf Trail loop in Castlewood State Park are popular choices. Additionally, the Hawk Ridge Trail loop in Queeny Park provides a comprehensive circuit through varied landscapes.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the trails?
The diverse ecosystems around Ballwin offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. In Castlewood State Park, you might encounter various bird species and other forest animals. Queeny Park is known for birdwatching, and the Meramec River areas support a range of riverine wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds across the region's wooded and open areas.
Are there longer hiking options for more experienced hikers?
While many trails are easy to moderate, more experienced hikers can find longer options. The Grotpeter Trail loop in Castlewood State Park, at 3.75 miles, offers rougher terrain for a more challenging experience. The Chubb Trail / Lone Elk Trailhead system also runs alongside the Meramec River for seven miles one way, providing a longer excursion.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions to see while hiking?
Along the trails, you can discover several interesting features. The Lone Wolf Trail offers scenic viewpoints. Historic grand staircases, remnants of old resorts, can be found along the River Scene Trail in Castlewood State Park. The Meramec River itself, with its towering natural rock formations, is a significant natural landmark. You can also explore areas like Greensfelder Park and Forest 44 Conservation Area nearby.
Is parking readily available at trailheads?
Yes, most major parks and trailheads in the Ballwin area, such as Castlewood State Park and Queeny Park, offer designated parking facilities. Local city parks like Vlasis Park and New Ballwin Park also provide convenient parking for visitors accessing their walking paths.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Ballwin?
The hiking experience around Ballwin is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 25 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse topography, including scenic river bluffs and dense woodlands, and appreciate the variety of trails that cater to different ability levels. The well-maintained paths and opportunities for wildlife observation are also commonly highlighted.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Ballwin?
Hiking in Ballwin is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, making them ideal for exploring. Summer can be warm and humid, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, with trails offering a different kind of serene beauty, though conditions can vary.
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