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Take a Paved Path Through Nature at Meramec Conservation Area
Paved trail options at state parks and conservation areas can be limited. If you need an accessible trail, stroller friendly path, or just an easy walk, there aren’t a ton of options. However, Missouri’s Meramec Conservation Area offers just such a trail. A hidden gem near Meramec State Park, this is a fun paved nature trail to visit. Meramec Conservation Area Overview Meramec Conservation Area covers over 3,800 acres. It offers a variety of recreation including fishing, hiking, hunting, biking,…
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Find a Unique Waterfall at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
The rugged canyons and clear creeks of Missouri’s LaBarque Creek Watershed offer many options for recreation. Don Robinson State Park is perhaps the most popular place for hiking in this area. However, if you want to escape the state park crowds and explore unique features, check out the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. This LaBarque Creek Conservation Area consists of one hiking trail. The path has a small out-and-back portion followed by a loop. LaBarque Creek Trail Distance: 3 miles round…
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Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon Trails at Camp Ondessonk
One of my adventure bucket list items had been to visit the tallest free-flowing waterfall in the state of Illinois. We managed to check off that item recently by hiking to Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon, both located on the Camp Ondessonk property. Camp Ondessonk is the site of a Catholic summer camp in far southern Illinois. When summer camp is not in session, this private property is open to the public for hiking with permission. There are 25 miles…
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The Best Free Things to do in St. Louis
St. Louis is a great place to live or travel on a budget. Many people are blown away that so many of the top attractions around town don’t charge a penny of admission. Part of the reason we are able to adventure so often is because it costs so little to explore locally! While some places do have a charge for parking or extra activities, general admission to all of these attractions is completely free. Gateway Arch National Park The…
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Hiking Victoria Glades Conservation Area
Victoria Glades Conservation Area is one hike we kept meaning to check out for several years, but often passed by in favor of more rugged trails. I’m so glad we finally took the time to hike this lightly traveled path. Victoria Glades is located near one of our favorite area hikes, Valley View Glades. Similar to Valley View, Victoria Glades Conservation Area contains open glade vistas, a scenic forest, and wet weather streams. The view is especially dramatic at sunrise…
