The best walks and hikes around Des Peres

There are over 20 hiking routes available around Des Peres, offering a variety of experiences. These include easy strolls through local parks and more moderate trails in nearby conservation areas and state parks.

The hiking terrain around Des Peres is diverse, featuring deciduous woodlands, well-maintained city park paths, and river greenways. You'll find natural surface trails in areas like Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods, while Des Peres Park offers paved walking tracks. Nearby areas like Castlewood State Park and Forest 44 Conservation Area provide more varied forest trails.

Yes, Des Peres offers many easy and beginner-friendly options. For instance, Des Peres Park features a one-mile paved walking/jogging track. The combined trails of Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods also offer an easy, natural surface hike of under two miles through woodlands. The Riverscene Trail loop — Castlewood State Park is another easy option, covering 3.4 miles.

Many of the popular hiking routes near Des Peres are circular. Examples include the easy Grotpeter Trail loop — Castlewood State Park, which is 4.4 miles long, and the moderate Yellow Trail loop — Forest 44 Conservation Area, spanning 3.7 miles. The Hawk Ridge Trail loop is another easy circular option.

While hiking near Des Peres, you can explore several natural attractions. Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods offer dense deciduous forests. Des Peres Park features a two-acre lake. Nearby, you can visit the Forest 44 Conservation Area, known for its woodlands, or enjoy views from the Lone Wolf Trail. The Meramec Greenway Trail also offers scenic sections.

Yes, many areas around Des Peres are dog-friendly. Des Peres Park permits pets on a leash, and the River des Peres Greenway is also known to be dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow any specific park regulations.

Absolutely. Des Peres offers several family-friendly options. Des Peres Park, with its paved paths and lake, is ideal for leisurely family walks. The River des Peres Greenway is another easy, paved, and family-friendly trail. The Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods trails are also easy and suitable for families looking for a natural woodland experience.

The hiking routes in Des Peres are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 15 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful woodland settings, and the accessibility of the trails for various skill levels.

Des Peres offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and fall are particularly popular due to mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, but shaded woodland trails provide relief. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a different perspective of the deciduous forests, though some trails might be muddy or icy after precipitation.

Yes, parking is generally available at the main parks and conservation areas around Des Peres. Des Peres Park has dedicated parking facilities. For areas like Castlewood State Park and Forest 44 Conservation Area, there are usually designated parking lots at trailheads. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.

For most local parks within Des Peres, such as Des Peres Park, no specific hiking permits are required. Similarly, for nearby conservation areas like Forest 44 Conservation Area and state parks like Castlewood State Park, general access for hiking typically does not require a permit, though specific activities or facilities might. It's always recommended to check the official websites of these larger parks for any updated regulations.

While Des Peres itself has limited public transport options directly to trailheads, its proximity to St. Louis means some regional hiking areas might be accessible via a combination of public transport and a short taxi or ride-share. However, for most trailheads, especially those in state parks or conservation areas outside the immediate city, personal vehicle access is generally the most convenient way to reach them.