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Hike the Hills and Hollers at St. Francois State Park in Bonne Terre, Missouri
St. Francois State Park is a hidden gem tucked in the forested Pike Run Hills. Less than an hour drive from St. Louis will bring you to this delightful park which boasts several trails, a crystal clear stream, a campground, and the Big River for boating activities. This quiet oasis contrasts with a colorful past history of outlaws ranging from Civil War guerrilla fighters who hid in caves to moonshiners operating illegal stills. This park has slightly smaller crowds than…
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Rugged Canyons and Rushing Waterfalls at Missouri’s Don Robinson State Park Sandstone Canyon Trail
Don Robinson State Park is a site that has been on our bucket list to hike for the past couple years. This newer park located near St. Louis climbs through a rugged terrain of streams and canyons of the LaBarque Creek watershed. Don Robinson State Park History Not only is this a scenic spot to hike, but the history of the site is interesting as well. The namesake of the park, Don Robinson, was a St. Louis businessman who made…
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Explore Scenic Views and Lost History at Missouri’s Castlewood State Park’s River Scene Trail
The area around Castlewood State Park has been a popular escape for St. Louisans for decades. Amid the quiet beauty and wildlife here now, it’s hard to imagine that the park was once the site of a bustling resort that peaked in popularity after World War I. Trains delivered visitors by the thousands to enjoy the outdoor activities centered on the Meramec River beaches. A variety of hotels and restaurants catered to travelers. Taverns and dance clubs bustled during the…
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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…
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Take a Trail Through Time at Pickle Springs Natural Area in Missouri
If you are looking for a short and family friendly trail that still packs a scenic punch then Pickle Springs Natural Area in southeastern Missouri is a must see. Located about an hour south of St. Louis, The Trail Through Time path is a quick 2 mile loop hike through a variety of rugged and interesting geographical features. Quick being a retaliative term when hiking with kids and so much to discover! When we last hiked the trail over the…
