10 Incredible Hikes with a View Near St. Louis

If you’re looking for the best hikes with a view near St. Louis, you don’t have to travel far to find scenic overlooks, river views, and dramatic bluffs. From family-friendly trails to more adventurous climbs, the St. Louis area is packed with hidden gems that deliver big views. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, sunset views, or a unique landscape, these hikes are some of the best overlooks just outside the city.

Castlewood State Park (River Scene Trail)

One of the most popular hikes near St. Louis, the River Scene Trail and Lone Wolf Trails at Castlewood State Park offers incredible views overlooking the Meramec River. The hikes include a steady incline, but the payoff at the top is worth it. You’ll get sweeping views of the river valley that are especially beautiful in the fall. This is also a great sunset hike.

*Note: The wooden stairs descending the bluff on the River Scene Loop are currently closed. Either hike as an out and back or return on the Lone Wolf Trail to make a roundtrip loop.

Distance: Approximately 3 miles loop(or out and back) on River Scene and 1.6 mile loop on Lone Wolf
Difficulty: Moderate
Address: 1401 Kiefer Creek Road Ballwin, MO

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette is one of the best places near St. Louis for dramatic views, especially in the fall or at sunset. Just the drive to get there along the Great Rivers Road is beautiful. The park features multiple trails with scenic overlooks of the Illinois River. We like to make a loop by combing the Dogwood, Ridge, and Goat Cliff Trails for the best views. If you aren’t up for a hike, you can also drive right to overlooks on the park’s Scenic Drive.

Distance: 1–8+ miles depending on trail, 2.25 mile loop for Dogwood and Goat Cliff combined
Difficulty: Moderate
Address: 13112 Visitors Center Ln, Grafton, IL

The Nature Institute (Olin Preserve)

This hidden gem in Godfrey, Illinois offers peaceful trails and stunning bluff views of the Mississippi River. The Nature Institute is less crowded than many other spots and feels like a true escape into nature. There are a mix of trails here for all ages from an easy paved loop to a more rugged waterfall hike. The overlook of the river can be reached a very short distance from the parking area. Don’t miss the great kids nature play area too!

Distance: 1–4 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Address: 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey, IL

Cliff Cave Park

Cliff Cave Park offers one of the easiest ways to get a river view near St. Louis. To reach the best Mississippi River overlook, park at the upper parking area (at the intersection of Cliff Cave Rd and England Town Rd). Follow the paved path a short distance to the overlook. You can continue down the hill to view the entrance to Cliff Cave or drive to the lower parking lot to explore more trails. The paved trails here are part of the extended Great Rivers Greenway network.

Distance: Less than a mile round trip to the overlook, many more miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to overlook, moderate if continuing down the hill (and back up!)
Address: 806 Cliff Cave Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129 (See upper parking lot directions above)

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

While not a traditional hike, walking across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge offers unique views of the Mississippi River and a piece of Route 66 history. Park at the newer Chain of Rocks Park on the Missouri side for a flat and easy walk to offer great views of the river and the historic and castle-like water intake towers. The bridge is another segment of the Great River Greenway trail system and also connects to the Madison County Trails on the Illinois side.

Distance: Approximately 2 mile round trip to walk the whole bridge
Difficulty: Easy
Address:  10840 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO

Bluff View Trail

A quieter alternative to Castlewood, the Bluff View Trail in the Glencoe area of Wildwood offers beautiful elevated views with fewer crowds. An easy paved trail leads right the overlook view with a small pavilion and benches. You can continue beyond this point on an unpaved path that leads down to connect with the lower Al Foster and Rock Hollow trails.

Distance: Approximately 1 mile round trip to overlook, 5 miles roundtrip for full trail
Difficulty: Easy to overlook, moderately rugged beyond the overlook
Address: 1900 Old State Rd, Glencoe, MO

Lewis and Clark Trail (Weldon Spring Conservation Area)

This Lewis & Clark Trail is one of the best trails near St. Louis with dramatic views of the Missouri River. The trail can be hiked as either a shorter loop of Clark Trail or a longer loop taking the Lewis Trail.

Distance: 5.3 miles on Clark loop, 8.2 miles on Lewis loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Address: The trailhead is located on the left near a curve on Hwy 94 at 7394 MO-94 just after passing the Weldon Spring Interpretive Site if heading west

Hughes Mountain Natural Area

Hughes Mountain is known for its unique rock formations made of ancient volcanic rock. Known at the Devil’s Honeycomb, these rock formations are similar to those that make up Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. The hike to the top is short and kid-friendly, offering one of the best bang for buck overlook trails in Missouri.

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip, out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Address: Hwy M, just east of Cedar Creek Road (county road 541) in Irondale, MO

Salt Lick Point Land & Water Reserve

Salt Lick Point is one of the best overlook hikes in Illinois. The climb up the bluff can be tough, but the panoramic views of the floodplain below are incredible. The Salt Lick Trail is the one to follow up the bluff and is especially dramatic in the fall or at sunset.

Distance: Approximately 3 miles if you make a loop of the Salt Lick and Johnson Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Address: 1255 Quarry Road, Valmeyer, IL

Garden of the Gods

If you’re up for a longer drive, Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest is one of the most stunning places in Illinois. Massive rock formations and panoramic views make this a must-visit. This is another place that offers incredible sunset views. The Observation Trail is short and easy, but keep kids close as their are dangerous cliff edges.

Distance: Approximately 0.25 mile loop on the Observation Trail. Other longer trails available
Difficulty: Easy on short trail, moderate for other trails
Address: Garden of the Gods Rd, Herod, IL

Why you should hike these trails

From river bluffs to historic bridges and dramatic rock formations, there are so many incredible hikes with a view near St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic stop or a full day adventure, these trails offer something for every skill level. If you’re planning your next outing, save a few of these spots. You might be surprised just how much beauty is waiting right outside the city!