Hiking

A man in a hat walks with boys along a gravel path next to a body of water.

Take a hike! Our conservation areas have miles of hiking and multiuse trails. Go to your favorite area and explore.

Some trails are multiuse, which means there may also be cyclists, horseback riders, dog walkers, bird watchers, photographers, and others on the trail. Being mindful of others can make outdoor recreation a great experience for everyone.

Guidelines for Hiking on MDC Areas

Stay on the Trail

Straying from the trail may disturb the places many plants and animals call home.

Maintain a Respectful Volume

There’s no need to whisper, but yelling or listening to loud music can bother wildlife or other people using the trail.

Leave No Trace

Do not leave any trash or personal belongings out on the trails or the surrounding areas. This includes things such as chicken bones, banana peels, and apple cores. Leaving these items along the trail can be dangerous for wildlife and make nature less beautiful.

Know Your Right of Way

Generally, hikers yield to horseback riders only, but check the signage on each trail for special cases. When it comes to other hikers, yield to groups, uphill hikers, and hikers moving at a faster pace.

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Before You Go

Check Places to Go to see if the conservation area you want to visit has hiking trails. You can search for trails using the Advanced Search feature.

Trail courtesy order
Source: U.S. Forest Service

Be Prepared

Being prepared can make or break your hiking experience, so make sure you set yourself up to enjoy it.

  • Always pack water — staying hydrated is important when you are engaging in strenuous activities.
  • Check the weather before you go hiking, and dress accordingly. If the temperature will change significantly during your hike, wear layered clothing using items that are easy to change and light enough to carry.
  • Wear comfortable and supportive shoes or boots that you are not afraid to get dirty.
  • Prevent discomfort from the elements with bug spray and sunscreen.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Paying attention to your surroundings can help keep you and others safe and keep you from getting lost. Being aware can also prevent injuries, accidents, and negative encounters with wildlife.

Respect Wildlife

If you encounter wildlife on a trail, please give the animal space. It is likely just passing by and will cause no harm if left alone. However, as black bears make a comeback in southern Missouri, as a hiker, you must be "bear aware"  and know what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.

Check the Dates

Trails and service roads may be closed to bicycling and horseback riding during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and shooting hours of the spring turkey hunting season. Check Places to Go for regulations for the area you plan to visit.

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Great Places For Hiking

Forest floor at Davisdale CA
Davisdale Conservation Area
Howard
Davisdale Conservation Area is in Howard County, 15 miles west of Columbia and seven miles east
See more places for Hiking
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Events

Find events near you.
Hiking: Hike Towards the Sun
Registration period: April 19 - September 26
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024 6:30 am - Thursday, September 26, 2024 7:15 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Is it hard to find time in your busy schedule to make time for exercise? Let alone, motivate yourself to get up early to exercise when you’re the only one? Join us on this sunrise hike before work and enjoy the beauty of nature and a community of other early-morning walkers as you hike one of our nature center trails. We will be hiking along one of our nature center trails, which is moderately difficult with steep grades of over 15% and is not ADA-accessible.
Hiking: Urban Hike: Thru Hike
Registration period: August 1 - October 4
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, October 5, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) This thru hike will be roughly 8 miles long through several neighborhoods in the city. The exact route will be determined by June. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.