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Step into Adventure on the 1,000 Steps Trail at Washington State Park in Missouri
Missouri’s Washington State Park is a hidden gem of the state’s park system. Less well known and crowded as some of the more popular trails further south, this park is well worth a visit. While the park has several hiking trails, the 1,000 Steps Trail is one of our favorites. While the trail is a great one any time of year, the hike is especially stunning in spring. Washington State Park History Washington State Park is an area steeped in…
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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…
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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…
