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

    Take a Hike at Hawn, One of Missouri’s Best State Parks

    Missouri has a lot of beautiful state parks, but Hawn is towards the top in scenic value. When I am missing the rushing streams and rugged mountains of hiking destinations out west, this is the spot I like to visit. The towering pine and oak trees combined with the sandy creek bottoms and sandstone rocks make a serene spot to wander. While many parks in the area only have streams or waterfalls during wet weather, the stunning cascades of Pickle…

  • Hikes,  Hiking,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Hike the Hills and Hollers at St. Francois State Park in Bonne Terre, Missouri

    Mooner’s Hollow and Swimming Deer Trails 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…