Popular areas that offer a range of trail difficulties include Castlewood State Park, Forest Park, Cliff Cave County Park, and Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Castlewood features riverfront and bluff-top trails with moderate elevation changes, while Forest Park offers mostly flat, accessible paths close to the city. Cliff Cave has both paved and natural-surface trails with Mississippi River views, and Powder Valley provides short but scenic forested loops with educational signage, ideal for families and newer hikers. Together, these areas give hikers options from easy walks to more challenging routes without long drive times from downtown St. Louis.

Up-to-date trail conditions are best found through a combination of official park websites, local land management agencies, and reputable hiking platforms. For state parks such as Castlewood or Babler, the Missouri State Parks website provides alerts on closures and conditions. St. Louis County Parks and the City of St. Louis Parks websites offer updates on county and city trails. In addition, hiking apps and websites like AllTrails and Hiking Project frequently feature recent user reviews that mention mud, flooding, closures, or maintenance work. Checking local hiking or outdoor groups on social media can also provide timely, on-the-ground reports before you head out.

Beginners and families have several excellent options in and around St. Louis. Forest Park offers wide, mostly flat paths around lakes, prairies, and the Grand Basin, making it suitable for strollers and young children. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood features short, paved or well-maintained loops with gentle grades and interpretive signs. The paved Riverfront Trail along the Mississippi near downtown provides a longer but easy route with minimal elevation gain. Many St. Louis County parks, such as Queeny Park and Lone Elk Park, also have shorter, well-marked loops where families can enjoy wildlife viewing and nature without committing to strenuous climbs or long distances.

Seasonal weather significantly affects trail choice in the St. Louis area. In spring, many river-adjacent trails such as those at Castlewood and Cliff Cave can be muddy or partially flooded, so it is wise to choose higher-elevation loops and wear waterproof footwear. Summers are hot and humid, making shaded forest trails and early morning or evening hikes safer and more comfortable; also factor in insect activity and bring repellant. Fall provides favorable temperatures and colorful foliage, but leaf cover can obscure rocks and roots, so extra attention to footing is helpful. In winter, some trails may be icy, especially on north-facing slopes and bluffs, so traction aids and choosing wider, less steep routes can improve safety. Checking forecasts and park alerts before visiting is essential year-round.

Several resources help hikers discover new routes in the St. Louis region. Online platforms such as AllTrails, Hiking Project, and the Missouri State Parks website provide maps, difficulty ratings, and user comments that highlight lesser-known trails. The Missouri Department of Conservation site lists conservation areas and nature centers with public trails, many within an hour of the city. Local hiking and outdoor clubs, including Meetup groups and regional chapters of national organizations, regularly plan group hikes and share route suggestions. Outdoor retailers and gear shops often maintain bulletin boards or host events that introduce people to nearby parks such as Hawn State Park, Meramec State Park, and other destinations that can be reached in a day trip from St. Louis.