The best walks and hikes around Cool Valley

The hiking terrain around the greater St. Louis area is quite varied. You'll find many paved paths along riverfronts and through urban parks, which are generally flat and accessible. There are also more traditional nature trails through wooded areas that feature gentle inclines and natural surfaces.

Yes, the region is well-suited for family outings, with 8 of the 10 main routes rated as easy. A great option is the Shaw Park loop via Centennial Greenway, which follows a paved path through a large park, making it accessible for strollers and little legs.

Dogs are generally welcome on many trails in the area, provided they are kept on a leash. Parks like Cliff Cave County Park are popular spots for dog walkers. However, it's always best to check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit before you go.

While most trails in the immediate vicinity are easy, you can find more challenging options nearby. The Weldon Spring Lewis & Clark Hiking Trail is known for being a more demanding route that requires committing to a longer distance over varied terrain. For a moderately difficult route with some elevation, consider the Wheels and Heels Path loop.

Locals enjoy a variety of spots. Cliff Cave County Park is highly regarded for its clean trails and stunning river views. The River Scene Trail is another favorite, known for being well-marked. For a beautiful wooded experience leading to the Meramec River, many people head to the Meramec Greenway Trailhead at Rock Hollow.

Yes, there are several shorter options. The Ruth Park Nature Trail from Kaufman Park is a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) walk through a quiet, wooded area that typically takes just under an hour to complete.

The scenery is diverse. You can experience iconic city views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River, peaceful walks through large urban green spaces like Forest Park, and natural hikes through dense woodlands along creeks and rivers. Many trails, like those in Cliff Cave County Park, offer beautiful river bluff vistas.

Most of the featured parks and trailheads, such as Cliff Cave County Park and the Meramec Greenway Trailhead, have designated parking areas. Since the trails are spread across the greater St. Louis area, driving is the most common way to access them. It's a good idea to use a navigation app to get directions to the specific trailhead you plan to visit.

Many of the trails are perfect for running. Routes with paved surfaces, such as the Emerson Grand Basin loop in Forest Park, are particularly popular with runners due to their flat and even surfaces.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in the St. Louis area, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful natural scenery with spring blooms or autumn colors. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning hikes are recommended. Winter is generally mild, and the trails remain accessible, offering a quieter experience.

Yes, several routes are loops, which means you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. The Bella Fontaine Park loop via Maple Tree Trail is a pleasant circular walk of just under 3 miles (4.8 km).