Photography by Missouri Department of Conservation
Powder Valley
There’s no better time for a long walk than during the depths of autumn. From the middle of October through early November, canopies of burnt orange, bright red, and vibrant yellow leaves make the fall season arguably the most beautiful of the year. To fully appreciate the season of colors, visit one of these nearby nature areas to walk a trail and peep some leaves before they fall.
1. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Distance from St. Louis: 16 miles
Overview: You don’t need to venture beyond St. Louis County to find an immersive, colorful fall walk suitable for hikers of all experience and ability levels. Powder Valley’s 112 acres of forest produce vibrant autumn displays that can be admired from any of the area’s three trails.
Insider tip: The trails are paved with asphalt, so there’s no need to wear your expensive hiking boots. The Broken Ridge and Hickory Ridge Trails are easy to follow, and the hilly terrain is still enough to give you a decent workout. The Tanglevine Trail, meanwhile, is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly.
Photography courtesy Missouri State Parks
Castlewood
Distance from St. Louis: 25 miles
Overview: As far as local options, you can’t go wrong with either the Lone Wolf or River Scene Trails, both of which offer spectacular views of the changing seasons. River Scene’s three-mile trail traces the Meramec River, and features several overlooks where hikers can pause to appreciate the sights. Lone Wolf, meanwhile, presents several other opportunities to take in the scenes of the season. After an initial climb, hikers will find overlooks yielding great views of the river valley below.
Insider tip: Keep in mind that, given its proximity to the heart of the metro region, Castlewood is a very popular destination on weekends. If you’re looking for more peace and quiet (and easier parking), visit during the week.
Photography courtesy Joann Fricke
Bandit's Glade
3. Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve
Distance from St. Louis: 27 miles
Overview: The reserve offers guests the choice of three trails: the 1.3-mile flat terrain Johnson Trail, the 1.9-mile Newman Trail, and the 1.8-mile Salt Lick Trail. We recommend the latter for some of the best views of foliage, but try them all. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to handle an uphill climb to reach Salt Lick Point at the top of the bluffs. On Salt Lick Trail, the best views can be observed at Boy Scout Prairie on the trail’s west side. Bandit’s Glade is the spot to visit on Newman Trail.
Insider tip: For a different—and slightly easier—experience, head two miles south on Bluff Road to the White Rock Nature Preserve. The trails at White Rock travel up the bluffs, but aren’t quite as challenging as Salt Lick. Head to either the Overlook Prairie at the end of Ridgetop Trail North, or Edna’s Dell at the end of Ridgetop Trail South for the best views.
4. Weldon Spring Conservation Area
Distance from St. Louis: 30 miles
Overview: One of the most popular trails in the region, the Lewis and Clark Trail offers visitors three paths, including loops of 5.3 and 8.3 miles. You can also follow the trail counterclockwise by navigating 2.2 miles out and back to the first overlook—look for the short path to the right of the trail. Because the area is completely forested, hikers will find color in all directions between late October and early November.
Insider tip: If you’re new to the trail, be aware that there are a few hills you’ll need to navigate along the way. You’ll also want to be sure to make the correct turn where the 5-mile and 8-mile loops split. You can access a map at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website.
Photography courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Rockwoods
Distance from St. Louis: 31 miles
Overview: Thanks to the many sugar maple trees found in Rockwoods, the 3.2-mile Lime Kiln Trail offers sweeping views of vibrant autumn colors, such as burnt orange, yellow, and red. The trail itself features manageable hills, and there’s a small overlook where hikers can stop and take in the surrounding vista.
Insider tip: You’ll find the historic lime kiln near the trailhead. If you visit after a rainfall, you’ll be able to watch Hamilton Creek flow downstream.
Distance from St. Louis: 40 miles
Overview: A trip along the Sandstone Canyon Trail allows you to admire the views of all sorts of natural formations, including streams, waterfalls, and—as the name implies—sandstone canyons. The full trail is 3.9 miles, but visitors can veer onto White Connector 1 to cut the walk in half.
Insider tip: Do yourself a favor and wear your best boots for this trail, which carries hikers into very shallow water and several muddy spots. Your enjoyment of the colors will be dulled if you’re dealing with ruined shoes and soggy socks.
Distance from St. Louis: 43 miles
Overview: Across the 250 acres that make up this former quarry in St. Charles County, you’ll find approximately a dozen trails of varying lengths carved out for hikers and bikers of all experience levels. For the most scenic hike, try the Lewis and Clark Trail. Or, if you’re looking for something less intense, simply stroll the Lake Loop Trail. At Klondike Park, there are trails—including access to the Katy Trail—for seemingly anyone eager to get outside.
Insider tip: Several wineries are within a short drive of the park. The closest is Montelle Winery, which has been called Missouri’s “Most scenic winery.” There, you can grab a bite and a drink while overlooking the Missouri River.
Photography courtesy Dan Zarlenga
Victora Glades
8. Valley View Glades Natural Area
Distance from St. Louis: 43 miles
Overview: For a different kind of fall walk, head to Valley View Glades in Hillsboro. A trek through the glades may not be the first trail you think about, but Valley View’s diversity of plants and native grasses produce vibrant shades of brown and orange as the air chills. The Valley View Trail is just under 3 miles, and it loops through woods, over streams, and along the glades.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the goldenrods and the purple and yellow New England asters. For a similar stroll, visit Valley View’s companion conservation area, Victoria Glades, for even more colors.
Distance from St. Louis: 47 miles
Overview: For an unmatched view of the Illinois River valley, follow the 1.5-mile Goat Cliff Trail to McAdams Peak. There, you’ll find a dramatic landscape highlighted with strokes of seasonal shades, such as rusted red, burnt orange, and bright yellow. Goat Cliff is the park’s oldest trail, and it is navigable for hikers of all experience levels.
Insider tip: After your walk, recharge your batteries at the nearby Pere Marquette Lodge, which features a restaurant, winery, gift shop, and more.
Photography courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Hughes Mountain
10. Hughes Mountain Natural Area
Distance from St. Louis: 76 miles
Overview: As one of the most unique trails in the region, there’s a reason folks flock to the Devil’s Honeycomb each fall. Your heart will be pumping as you walk the mile or so uphill to the summit area. There, your effort will be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking the Washington County countryside.
Insider tip: Bring a map—and maybe a compass, too. Along the uphill walk, there are a few tricky turns. Once you pass the glade opening, which is marked by a pole, there are no permanent markers. From this point, walk roughly .2 miles southeast to find the Devil’s Honeycomb.
