With summer coming up, there are bound to be a few days where you and your friends are bored. Instead of watching TV and letting your mind melt, why not go to a state park? Missouri has been named the best trail state in the country by American Trails, a national non-profit organization that promotes hiking, biking and horseback riding. Almost all the parks have rivers running through them that are free and safe to swim in. Also, different trail styles can provide a leisure stroll or a fun intense run. Hours, directions, pictures and specefic activities can be found on each of the websites.
http://eureka-wildwood.patch.com/listings/greensfelder-park
Greensfelder County Park is a great park, less intense park not necessarily intended for hiking. It is a drive through park much like Babler State Park. It has stops with views, grills and picnic tables. Also, it is great for the equestrian enthusiast.
http://www.mostateparks.com/park/castlewood-state-park
Castlewood State Park has great trails to walk on next to the river, but what I love about it is the bike trails. It has intense slopes; narrow, rocky trails that provide a great thrill and great exercise. At the back of the park, where the trail begins, the best bike trails are to the right and best walking or running trails are to your left. In the summer, when the rivers aren’t too high, there are rope swings located throughout for excellent post-ride fun.
The Silver Mines recreational area was an old silver mine that sits beside the St. Francis River. Now it is a campground picnic and hiking area. The hiking trails leads to an old bridge with a water fall, and visitors are allowed to swim in the summer season. Silver Mines is also one of the best local places to kayak.
http://www.mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park
Elephant Rock State Park is a geological wonder that is defintely worth the two hour drive. It has huge, round, granite boulders that are products of hardened volcanic lava chamber and wind erosion. Their massive size and pink color make the boulders look like elephants. It is a fun place hike and even more fun if you like to climb the rocks.
http://www.meramecgreenway.org/meramec-greenway-trail/al-foster.aspx?Trails=AlFoster&tabid=88
Al Foster Memorial Trail is the closest and my favorite of all the parks shown. Al Foster has a jungle gym, picnic tables and a trail at the back. The flat, gravel trail runs beside the Meramec River. It is a scenic place to run or walk leisurely. Al Foster also has a path that leads to the top of a cliff that provides a stunning view of the river and the sunset.
