The best walks and hikes in Unger County Park

The Simpson Park Blue Heron Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) paved loop, with a minimal 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 33 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy continuous views of Simpson Lake and wander through a unique wet woodland, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing stroll or a family outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with convenient parking available near the Blue Heron Shelter, which also provides modern restrooms and drinking water. The paved surface makes it suitable for hikers, bikers, and even rollerbladers, ensuring a versatile outdoor experience. For those looking to extend their adventure, the trail connects directly to the longer Meramec Greenway Trail.

This trail is particularly notable for its abundant wildlife, including the blue herons it's named after, egrets, and red tail hawks, especially around Simpson Lake. The wet woodland area showcases a diverse array of tree species, offering a glimpse into the local ecosystem. Its historical context, having been formed from past dredging operations, adds another layer of interest to this popular and family-friendly route.

The Whitaker Nature Trail offers a delightful escape into a world where art meets the outdoors. This easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hiking loop takes you through the scenic grounds of Laumeier Sculpture Park, where you'll encounter a fascinating collection of outdoor sculptures nestled among the trees and natural landscapes. With a gentle 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, it's a perfect route for a leisurely walk, allowing you to soak in both the artistic creations and the tranquil environment.

Accessing the trail is simple, as it begins within the well-known Laumeier Sculpture Park, which provides convenient parking for visitors. Given its easy difficulty and short duration of approximately 41 minutes, you can comfortably fit this hike into any part of your day. It's an excellent option for those seeking a quick, accessible outdoor experience without needing extensive planning.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique integration into a renowned sculpture park, making it a cultural and natural experience rolled into one. It's a fantastic opportunity to engage with famous outdoor art installations while enjoying a peaceful natural setting, offering a different kind of adventure than a traditional wilderness hike. This trail is particularly family-friendly and a great introduction to hiking for beginners.

The Fenton Park Loop offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience, winding through Fenton City Park on a paved surface. This easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) route is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick run, with its flat terrain and gentle hills making it suitable for all ages and abilities. You'll enjoy typical park scenery, and the trail's connection to the Meramec Greenway Path provides opportunities to extend your journey along the scenic Meramec River, complete with boardwalks and wooded areas.

Planning your visit to the Fenton Park Loop is straightforward, as parking is conveniently located within Fenton City Park, and there are no fees or permits required. This family-friendly hike, which takes approximately 47 minutes to complete, is ideal for beginners and those seeking a relaxed outing. It's also a great option for dog friendly walks Fenton Park Loop, just remember to keep your furry friend on a leash.

What truly sets the Fenton Park Loop apart is its versatility and connectivity within Fenton's "City of Parks" system. Beyond the loop itself, the park offers amenities like playgrounds and restrooms, making it a convenient stop for families. The minimal 30 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain ensures a comfortable experience, and its role as a gateway to the larger Meramec Greenway Path highlights its importance as a local green space.

The Kirkwood Park Fitness Trail offers a delightful blend of paved and natural surfaces, winding through forested areas and past a rocky creek. You'll enjoy gentle rolling terrain and the serene beauty of Walker Lake, often adorned with wildflowers, plantings, and rock walls. It's an easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hike with just 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect 28-minute outing for a refreshing escape.

Accessing the Kirkwood Park Fitness Trail is straightforward, with ample parking available within Kirkwood Park itself. This makes it a convenient choice for a spontaneous walk or a planned family outing. The trail is suitable for most seasons, offering a pleasant experience whether you visit in the morning or afternoon.

Beyond the scenic path, the trail stands out for its integrated fitness stations, providing instructions for stretching and exercises to enhance your workout. It also connects to the broader Kirkwood Park, which hosts other attractions like the Lions' Amphitheater and sports facilities, and even links to the eight-mile Grant's Trail.

The Lower Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the banks of the Slate River through light woodland. You'll enjoy smooth, mostly level singletrack, with occasional roots or rocks underfoot, all while soaking in expansive views of the Slate River Valley and distant mountain peaks like Snodgrass Mountain. It's a generally easy hike, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit to the Lower Loop is straightforward thanks to its convenient location near town. This accessibility makes it a popular choice, so consider an earlier start if you prefer fewer people on the trail. It's a great option for a quick walk when you're in the area, offering scenic beauty without needing extensive preparation.

What makes the Lower Loop particularly notable is its excellent "bang-for-the-buck" value; you get stunning mountain and river views without significant effort. This easy 1.3-mile (2.0 km) hike, with only 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 31 minutes, making it a family-friendly option that's suitable for almost anyone looking for a rewarding outdoor experience.