There’s no shortage of things to do outside in St. Charles, MO. With trails that span 0.5 miles to 240 miles long, you’re bound to find one that matches your speed. Despite being a bustling City, there are hiking trails in and near St. Charles, MO. Take a walk on the Katy Trail, just one block from historic Main Street, or head out to the rolling hills of Historic Missouri Wine Country for a hike. There are a variety of trails that suit all levels and abilities, whether you want to take a quick walk through the park or a hike through the woods. The best part is, they’re free! Grab your sunscreen, a bottle of water, and go hiking in St. Charles, MO to discover your next adventure.
THE KATY TRAIL
222 S Riverside Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301
With easy access just one block east of historic Main Street, St. Charles, the Katy Trail is a great way for people to get a hike in near the heart of St. Charles. Following the path of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, the Katy Trail is the longest developed rail to trail system in the U.S., stretching about 240 miles across Missouri. This mostly flat, crushed limestone path spans through forests and fields, near the Missouri River, out to Historic Missouri Wine Country, and beyond. Popular with cyclists, many people complete the entire Katy Trail each year. Local businesses like Bike Stop Café even offer bike rentals and Sherpa services for those who want to explore the trail that way.
BOSCHERT GREENWAY
3309 Kister Dr (Fox Hill Park) and 100 Olive St (The Katy Trail at Boschert Landing)
The 4.15 mile long Boschert Greenway connects old town St. Charles with the New Town area. It spans from New Town Blvd, through Fox Hill Park, along the Little Hills Expressway, through Frenchtown, and to the Katy Trail. This paved trail is great for a morning run, afternoon bike ride, or a stroll with the family. See if you can find the 30-foot-tall “Blomstre”, a flower sculpture made of bike wheels and bike frame parts by Maplewood artist, Andrew Andraske as you use the trail.
LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL
7394-7398 MO-94 St. Charles, MO 63304
The Lewis & Clark Trail is considered to be one of the most scenic trails in St. Charles, MO. Made up of two loops, the Lewis Trail at 8.2 miles long and the Clark Trail that cuts it to 5.3 miles long, these trails wind through the woods and feature multiple scenic viewpoints atop bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. Many of the viewpoints are within the first few miles of the hike if you’re more interested in the scenery than the exercise!
BANGERT ISLAND LOOP
1704 S River Road, St. Charles, MO 63303
Just beyond the Streets of St. Charles sits the Bangert Island Trail: a 2.3 mile loop through a wooded area on the Missouri River. This trail will make you feel like you’re deep in the forest when you’re actually near the heart of St. Charles, which is evident when you make it to the river’s edge with views of Hollywood Casino and the Blanchette Bridge. Popular with birders, mountain bikers, and hikers, the Bangert Island Loop is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle to the serenity of nature.
ECO PARK AND KATY TRAIL LOOP
1802 N Second St, St. Charles, MO 63301
The Eco Park and Katy Trail Loop is a quick 2.5-mile hike with river views. This trail takes you near the Missouri River, under the Discovery and Wabash bridges, and back on the Katy Trail. Considered beginner friendly, there is a dog park and a playground at the trailhead if your kids (both the fur and fur-less kind) need to burn off some extra energy.
AUGUST A. BUSCH MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA
2360 Hwy D, St. Charles, MO 63304
The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is a 6,987-acre conservation area home to over 30 lakes and 7.3 miles of hiking trails that range from 0.5 miles to the 3.2 miles long Busch Hiking and Biking Trail. It follows old gravel service roads through the woods and along small lakes and creeks. During World War II, around 100 bunkers were made in the area to store TNT, and some are visible from this trail. It’s the perfect St. Charles hike if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of history while out in nature.
KLONDIKE PARK
4600 Hwy 94 South, Augusta, MO 63332
Believe it or not, a white silica sand beach can be found in Historic Missouri Wine Country at Klondike Park. Located on the site of a former sandstone quarry that first opened in 1898, there are several miles of natural surface and paved trails along the lakeshore and through the woods in the park. The Klondike Overlook Trail, a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail brings you to the top of a bluff with views of the Missouri River, beaches, and the surrounding area, perfect for photos of the Osage Valley.
BROEMMELSIEK PARK
1795 Hwy DD, Defiance, MO 63341
Nine miles of natural surface trails wind around lakes and through prairie fields and forested areas at Broemmelsiek Park. Trails vary from 0.9 miles to 5.1 miles long, so it’s a good place for a leisurely stroll of a more strenuous hike. Enjoy views of the countryside as you get your steps in for the day. There is also a dog park, playground, fishing, picnic shelters, and an astronomy viewing area at Broemmelsiek Park, making it a popular place for people to visit and enjoy nature.