Last weekend, it was such a sunny and warm-ish day for January, so we decided to take a little trip…read moreto Cliff Cave County Park with the pup. This was our first visit and so we parked in the lot that gps took us to and then followed the signs for the hiking trail. We were impressed with the number of hikers and mountain bikers out and about. What I really enjoyed about this park is that the trails are all easy to follow and loop around so that you can choose any direction to walk. We started with the shorter hike and walked to the overlook which was so pretty! We spent some time just watching the river and then decided to try another trail for a bit. Honestly, it was really nice to be outside. Baxter was so happy to be able to play in the leaves and we all got really excited because we saw a bunch of deer while we were out walking! Of course, when we saw them, we all stopped and just let the deer have their space to get where they were going. The loop that we completed was about 3 miles and I really appreciated how easy it was to navigate the park. We did not get over to the cave during this visit, but will plan to visit again on another warm-ish day so that we can explore the other trails.

I've been to this park before and like that it offers walking trails not far from the city. The…read morewalking trails offer out and back trails, so I definitely got a couple miles of walking in. Fir those who want more of a "nature" feel there are some hiking and biking trails tucked away near the walking trails, which in my opinion, could use better trail markers. The hiking trails are still close to the border if the walking trails, so you don't go far into the wooded areas. My favorite part of the park were the caves, as soon as you enter the bottom of the trail where the caves are you can feel the cool air from the caves. It was great to check out and I wish the trails offered more scenic views in addition to this.

This hike is a long time favorite. I remember coming here as a kid having so much fun climbing on…read morethe rocks, it used to take us all day. Now we still go; but just on the full hike so it takes much less time Good for a beginner not too steep or challenging, a modest hike I'd say. You can do this in tennis shoes. It's also a loop, so hard to get lost which is also a plus!

One of my favorite hikes in the area. A little over 2 miles long loop. There are no bathrooms on…read moresite so be sure to use before. The landscape and rock features make it feel like you're a long way from Missouri. Not too crowded and far enough away from the highway to where you can be immersed in the woods. Pets on a leash are welcomed. Leisurely hike with some beautiful scenery.

Bee Tree Park is beautiful and well maintained. I have been to events here. And, I have often…read morestopped by to eat my lunch at one of the many picnic table in the park. Very peaceful.

Nice county park. Much to see. Sadly no signs of if the trails are about and back. I got lost. Yuckread more

This is a great and convenient trail for all ages! Our group ranged from young children to…read moreretirees. The parking is limited, but we were easily able to park on the side of the road. Overall, it took our group about an hour, but we stopped to talk and take in the scenery. We saw a family using a jogging stroller. However, if you're debating using a stroller vs pack, it would probably be easier to wear younger children in a hiking pack.

It wasn't until about a month ago, I first heard about this place. I've developed a new interest in…read morehiking and this seemed to be the perfect place. It is somewhat a "hidden gem" and it's not marked on the roads so you gotta use your GPS to get you there. There is a small parking lot (for about 3-4 cars) where the trail starts. From the lot you will be greeted with plenty of signage, including the warnings and history of Homer Stemler. Be sure to take a picture of the map, which is near the trailhead. Pros: the trail, for the most part was moderately flat, with a few hills here and there. Very peaceful, and not many people were on the trails. Not really muddy, except near the start. Some signage throughout the trail. There are three (with different lengths) to choose from. Cons: Trails are poorly marked, as one could easily get lost. (Then again, getting lost is fun, right? lol) Scenery gets old, as you're basically in the woods. Don't expect anything fancy, like an overlook. But you'll find a pond! Also, Internet was sketchy on my phone so if you use Alltrails, you're gonna need it. Be sure to bring bug spray, hat, and try to wear pants instead of shorts no matter how hot it is.

This was a short 1 mile path fully shaded. ( A real plus) However, the path is made of large…read moregravel. This surface is not easy to manage for wheel chairs, strollers or wagons. It would also not be easy for anyone not surefooted, especially going down the paths or in fall when leaves have fallen.

Great walking/hiking trail. All gravel, but VERY well maintained. Bags for dog droppings at…read moreentrance, and looked like people were picking up after their dogs...yay!!! Almost all parts of trail are shady, so perfect for a summer day. We look forward to coming back in the fall and winter too.

I will go out of my way to check out a covered bridge and especially so when it's not even that far…read moreout of my way. This bridge would have been worth the detour! Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is in excellent condition and while it has been closed to vehicle traffic, you can still walk across it. The bridge is the centerpiece of this park which includes parking, picnic tables, primitive bathrooms and lots of captions with historical information. I had a terrific visit and really appreciate what has been done to preserve this history for posterity. [Review 1261 of 2024 - 362 in Missouri - 22284 overall]

As one would expect, there's a lot of history of this bridge! This is one of four covered bridges…read morefrom the 19th century still standing in Missouri. However, it has been rebuilt, redone and repaired in various years. But Missouri lawmakers and residents see no reason to tear this one down, as it shows a lot of importance. This bridge was used to connect St. Louis and Hillsboro (MO). Oddly enough, Lemay Ferry Road, which is prominent in South County, once extended all the way to this park. The bridge is in very fine condition. I have visited four old covered bridges (a couple were restored) in Illinois and all of them have graffiti and at least some sort of vandalism on them (no exaggeration, sadly). This one looks untouched, and I hope it stays that way. Anyone can walk through the bridge, and even under it! As for the park, it is a bit tricky to get to, but there is a decent-sized parking lot and park there. Restrooms are available as well as picnic benches. There's even historical markers at the site that talk about the history of Missouri's covered bridges. Plenty of space to walk your dog. There are some nature trails - one that leads past the bridge (to somewhere?). Summer or any day with great weather is a perfect day to come out here. It is part of Missouri's State Park system so check it out! Winter? I'm not so sure...maybe for photographers when it snows.

This park has excellent, rugged trails that incorporate the natural limestone into the hike. If…read morethat's your jam, this park is for you! Plan for 1.5-2 hrs.

Perfect place to enjoy the forest and nature. The upper trail is a little more challenging but…read moreworth the trek.

This was the last of three trails that we hiked today. Parking spots were so limited but we were…read moreglad that we went around 2pm and were able to find a parking spots for our group. We hiked the western loop today. This trail was only 1 mile total. It has quite some interesting rock formations. There were more falling leaves on this trail than the other two trails we hiked today. The sleep downwardness of this trail was of a great challenge.

This is a great little hike if you want something not too large. It's great as they have two…read moredifferent entrances from either side of the road. The one we chose the waterfall has two different trails. I would say we spent about an hour exploring, but it was also very wet so we took our time. We had children with us and they very much enjoyed it and thought it was a lot of fun exploring There's a lot of beauty and the waterfalls are great, but only Really have the waterfalls when there has been a lot of rain Highly recommend checking it out. It's only about an hour from the St. Louis area.

Great Park! So many beautiful trees. It's a great workout with many wonderful trails. My…read moretwo-year-old daughter loved it and the little cute play area. Go to this park if you have not been there. It's so pretty and well kept.

So this place is literally hidden. Actually, that might be one of the best things about it! Plenty…read moreof parking and a perfect place to take your four legged friends. They've got the poop bags at the beginning of the trail (always a good sign). You can go either of two directions to start. It's not crazy big but it's a nice place go come back to once in a while. There's a bit of water, and a few benches around. You could even have lunch if you so desired. Enjoy your visit! I know your doggie will appreciate it!! :)

Out of the way and doesn't really get super busy. Nicely shaded and people here are usually niceread more

Low key but fun nature hikes through some hilly prairie areas. Good place to burn an hour or a few…read moreif you want to hike the length of the park down to Telegraph