The best family-friendly hikes and walks in St. Clair County

The Gateway Arch and Riverfront Trail offers a unique blend of urban exploration and scenic river views, making it an ideal easy hike for nearly everyone. This 4.5-mile (7.3 km) route features a minimal 110 feet (34 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. You'll walk on mostly paved paths, enjoying constant views of the iconic Gateway Arch and the bustling Mississippi River, with the added visual interest of the vibrant "Mural Mile" graffiti art. It's a fantastic way to experience St. Louis's most famous landmark without a strenuous effort.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-integrated into downtown St. Louis with ample parking options nearby. Public transportation also provides convenient access to the Gateway Arch National Park area. While the trail is accessible throughout the year, visiting during spring or fall ensures the most pleasant walking temperatures. Remember to bring water, especially if you're hiking on a warm day, as shade can be limited along the riverfront sections.

This trail is notable for being part of Gateway Arch National Park, one of the few urban national parks in the United States, commemorating the nation's westward expansion. Beyond the Arch itself, the route offers a glimpse into St. Louis's history and culture, including passing under impressive bridges like the Eads Bridge. It's a perfect example of how a city can blend significant historical landmarks with accessible outdoor recreation, offering a rich experience for visitors and locals alike.

The Dennis Schick Trail Loop offers a charming blend of nature and history, winding through woodlands filled with large burr oaks and open fields where you might spot deer or wild turkeys. This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike provides a pleasant escape, with views of the Mississippi River in parts and interesting natural features like sinkholes.

Rated as easy, this family-friendly and dog-friendly trail has a minimal elevation gain of 96 feet (29 metres) and typically takes just over an hour, around 1 hour and 8 minutes, to complete. Its mostly paved paths and gentle inclines make it accessible for a wide range of hikers, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

Situated within Jefferson Barracks County Park, the trail is notable for its historical elements, including military machinery like a World War II Sherman Tank and statues of military officers. This unique combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks makes the Dennis Schick Trail Loop a distinctive and engaging option for a short outing.

The Mississippi River Greenway in the St. Louis area offers a delightful, easy hike along paved paths, perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll meander through bottomland trees like cottonwoods and silver maples, especially in areas like Cliff Cave Park, where you might spot great blue herons. The route provides scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River, giving you a chance to enjoy the waterway's calm flow.

This 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hiking route is genuinely easy, with a minimal 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Parking is generally available at various trailheads, making it easy to access for a quick walk or a longer exploration. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a gentle, scenic escape.

Beyond the natural beauty, the greenway also connects to historical sites like Jefferson Barracks Park, where you can see old buildings and a museum. The trail is part of a larger community asset, linking neighborhoods and offering a peaceful environment for walking, cycling, or inline skating. It's a fantastic way to experience the river's edge without a strenuous effort.

The Gateway Arch Loop offers a unique urban hiking experience, guiding you through the heart of St. Louis's iconic national park. You'll stroll along paved paths, enjoying impressive views of the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch from various angles, with the Mississippi River and the historic Eads Bridge providing a dynamic backdrop. The route winds through thoughtfully landscaped green spaces, offering a tranquil oasis amidst the city buzz, and passes by the historic Old Courthouse.

This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking trail involves a minimal 62 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain and can be comfortably completed in about 52 minutes. It's an accessible option for nearly everyone, though some gentle slopes might be present. Parking is available in nearby garages, and checking the National Park Service website for current access details and fees is always recommended before your visit.

Beyond the Arch itself, the trail provides direct access to the Museum at the Gateway Arch, located beneath the monument, which delves into the history of westward expansion. You can also explore the nearly mile-long riverfront trail along the Mississippi, or even consider a trip across the river to Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in Illinois for unparalleled panoramic views of the Arch and the St. Louis skyline.

The Dennis Schick and Mississippi River Greenway Loop offers a delightful mix of paved and natural surfaces, guiding you through serene wooded areas and alongside the impressive Mississippi River. You'll find yourself walking among some of St. Louis County Park system's largest oak trees, providing ample shade, before opening up to continuous river views where you might spot local wildlife like wild turkeys or coyotes. It's a journey that feels both accessible and engaging, perfect for a refreshing outing.

This moderate hiking route is a 6.2-mile (9.9 km) loop with a gentle 208 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Located within Jefferson Barracks County Park, the trail is easily accessible with parking available. It's a great option for a morning or afternoon walk, especially if you're looking for a trail that combines natural beauty with historical points of interest like the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum.

Beyond the scenic river vistas and ancient oaks, the area is a known spot for birding, attracting various species including red-tailed hawks. The trail's blend of terrain, from flat paved sections to moderately hilly natural paths, makes it suitable for a wide range of hikers. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking a diverse outdoor experience without venturing too far from St. Louis.