• Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    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,…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

    Back in Civil War times, the area near Powder Valley was full of caves. Federal forces stockpiled gunpowder in these caves to blow up bridges if the Confederate army attempted to invade St. Louis by way of the Meramec River. Now interstate 270 covers where the caves were and peaceful Powder Valley Conservation Area is full of nature instead of gunpowder. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center covers 112 acres of oak hickory forest tucked away near the hustle of the…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Take a Paved Nature Walk on the Rock Hollow Trail

    If you are looking for an easier walk or a good non-muddy trail after a rain, check out the Rock Hollow Trail in Wildwood, Missouri. Part of the St. Louis area Great Rivers Greenway Trail network, this path is great for walking or biking. During the spring, the trail is one of the area’s hotspots for viewing bluebell flowers. Rock Hollow Trail Distance: 2.3 mile each way, out and back Difficulty: 2/5. Wide and paved, but has a hill heading…

  • Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Walk Route 66 Over the Mississippi on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

    One of the most unique and longest pedestrian bridges in the world can be found just north of downtown St. Louis. This bridge allows you to get your kicks on Route 66 in two different states. The old Chain of Rocks Bridge was completed in 1929 and spans the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois. The main feature that sets this bridge apart is that there is 22-degree bend midway across the mile long span. When construction began on the…

  • Hikes,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    A Walk with River Views on Mississippi Rivers Greenway at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis

    Length: 1.6 miles each way Difficulty: 1 out of 5, Paved whole length Scenic Value: 3 out of 5, Nice river views Great Rivers Greenway is a public agency in St. Louis with a mission to make the St. Louis region a more vibrant place to live, work and play by developing a regional network of greenways. So far the agency has developed over 125 miles of beautiful greenways and amenities throughout the St. Louis area. I posted here about…