The best walks and hikes around Mehlville
5.0
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217
hikers
39
hikes
Hikes around Mehlville Missouri explore a landscape shaped by river bluffs, dense woodlands, and karst topography. Situated in south St. Louis County, the area provides access to numerous parks with trails along the Mississippi River and through forested areas. The terrain is generally characterized by gentle elevation changes, with a mix of paved greenways and earthen paths.
Best hiking trails around Mehlville
- The most popular hiking route is the Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail to river overlook — Cliff Cave County Park, a 4.5 mile (7.3 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. This route features views of the Mississippi River from an overlook within the park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Dennis Schick Trail loop — Jefferson Barracks County Park, an easy 2.7 mile (4.4 km) path. This paved walking trail loops through the historic park grounds.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Mississippi Greenway Trail loop — Cliff Cave County Park, a 4.4 mile (7.1 km) trail leading through woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Mehlville is defined by riverside greenways, wooded parklands, and gentle hills. The network of trails includes many paved walking trails near Mehlville, offering accessible options for various ability levels.
- The routes in Mehlville are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from the first reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Mehlville's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
5.0
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16
hikers
5.29km
01:26
60m
90m
The Cliff Cave County Park Loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a popular route for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through diverse woodlands and wetlands, experiencing the park's unique karst topography. The trail provides excellent views of the Mississippi River from various points, including a dedicated overlook, and takes you past the impressive Cliff Cave itself. It's an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike with only 198 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hours and 25 minutes.
Planning your visit to Cliff Cave County Park is straightforward, as it's generally accessible year-round. The park features a mix of paved and natural surface trails, so be prepared for potentially muddy sections after rain, especially on the natural paths. Parking is available at the trailhead, and arriving earlier in the day can help ensure a spot, particularly on weekends. This trail is family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels, offering a rewarding experience without significant challenges.
Beyond the scenic river views and the historic Cliff Cave, the park is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot beavers, various waterfowl, and even bald eagles during the winter months. The area's rich history, from Native American use to French fur trappers, adds another layer of interest to your hike. This loop is an excellent choice if you're looking for a varied and engaging outdoor experience in the St. Louis area, combining natural beauty with cultural significance.
12
hikers
7.32km
01:55
50m
50m
The Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail to river overlook offers a delightful escape into nature, perfect for an easy outing. This 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hike, with a gentle 179 feet (55 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. You'll journey through dense woodlands, enjoying the shade of hickory and oak trees, and traverse a unique karst plateau. The trail's natural features culminate in a rewarding river overlook, providing sweeping views of the Mississippi, especially when the trees are bare.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located within Cliff Cave County Park. Parking is generally available at the trailhead. For the most scenic experience, consider hiking in autumn to catch the vibrant fall colors, or in winter for clearer views from the river overlook. The trail is well-suited for families and beginner hikers looking for a manageable route with a beautiful destination.
This route is a fantastic example of the accessible natural beauty found in St. Louis County. The combination of dense woodlands, unique karst topography, and the impressive Mississippi River overlook makes it a standout among local trails. It's a great option if you're seeking a family-friendly hike that delivers big on scenery without demanding a strenuous effort.
10
hikers
7.11km
01:47
0m
0m
The Cliff Cave County Park Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a landscape rich in natural beauty and history. You'll wander through woodlands of oak and hickory, catch expansive views of the Mississippi River, and pass by the impressive Cliff Cave, a natural landmark with a storied past. This route provides a peaceful escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems and spot local wildlife like deer and various birds.
Planning your trip is simple, as the park provides amenities like restrooms and ample parking. However, it's crucial to check for current trail conditions, especially after heavy rainfall, as sections near the river are prone to flooding. Visiting during drier periods ensures the best experience on this accessible route, which is suitable for families and beginners.
This trail is part of the larger Mississippi River Greenway, highlighting the region's unique karst topography with its caves and springs. The park's historical significance, from Native American use to its role as a fur trapper's tavern, adds another layer to your adventure. It's a great way to experience the natural and historical features of St. Louis County on an easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) hike with only 15 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 47 minutes.
8
hikers
4.37km
01:08
30m
30m
The Dennis Schick Trail Loop offers a charming blend of nature and history, winding through woodlands filled with large burr oaks and open fields where you might spot deer or wild turkeys. This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike provides a pleasant escape, with views of the Mississippi River in parts and interesting natural features like sinkholes.
Rated as easy, this family-friendly and dog-friendly trail has a minimal elevation gain of 96 feet (29 metres) and typically takes just over an hour, around 1 hour and 8 minutes, to complete. Its mostly paved paths and gentle inclines make it accessible for a wide range of hikers, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Situated within Jefferson Barracks County Park, the trail is notable for its historical elements, including military machinery like a World War II Sherman Tank and statues of military officers. This unique combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks makes the Dennis Schick Trail Loop a distinctive and engaging option for a short outing.
6
hikers
4.25km
01:06
20m
20m
The Mississippi River Greenway in the St. Louis area offers a delightful, easy hike along paved paths, perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll meander through bottomland trees like cottonwoods and silver maples, especially in areas like Cliff Cave Park, where you might spot great blue herons. The route provides scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River, giving you a chance to enjoy the waterway's calm flow.
This 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hiking route is genuinely easy, with a minimal 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Parking is generally available at various trailheads, making it easy to access for a quick walk or a longer exploration. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a gentle, scenic escape.
Beyond the natural beauty, the greenway also connects to historical sites like Jefferson Barracks Park, where you can see old buildings and a museum. The trail is part of a larger community asset, linking neighborhoods and offering a peaceful environment for walking, cycling, or inline skating. It's a fantastic way to experience the river's edge without a strenuous effort.
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Popular around Mehlville
Tips from the Community
This is a multi-use trail that follows the Mississippi River through Clff Cave Park. It's a flat, paved path that's perfect for running, and you get some wonderful views up and down the waterway that distract you from the hard work.
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A 525 acre park with two primary mtb trails. The Spring Valley Trail is a flowy beginner level trail that rolls in and around the trees. The River Bluff Trail is a more technical loop that flows through rock gardens and a ledge drop. Both take you through heavily wooded areas with ponds, sinkholes, and a variety of wildlife.
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There are three main trails in Cliff Cave County Park. The Spring Valley Trail here offers the best chance to stretch your legs, but the trail continues in a secondary, inner loop that lets you add on to your walk if you so desire, and a River Bluff Trail to the north that leads to a nice overlook of the river. The third trail is down below the cliffs and should be reached via an easy walk. Don't believe any mapping apps that try to steer you down steep, dangerous-looking terrain — those are technical rock climbing routes!
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Although it's shorter than most of the other greenways in St. Louis, this paved trail and the accompanying natural space are still lovely. This is a good place for birding in addition to hiking and biking, so don't be surprised if you see people toting spotting scopes or binoculars with them.
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This paved trail circles Jefferson Barracks County Park, and makes a great walk before or after a visit to the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife — and please do not feed the deer.
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Originally built in 1896 as part of Officers' Row in a military base, this carefully restored building now houses an extensive collection of telephones and related equipment. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and well worth a visit, but it has limited hours and days (usually just Wednesday through Sunday). There is a modest entry fee. More information here: http://www.jbtelmuseum.org/hoursadmission-directionsparking.html
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When the trees are bare, you can get a pretty overlook for the Mississippi River from this viewpoint.
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This flat trail makes for easy walking through a mix of sun and shade — unless it's flooded or closed to potential flooding, which can happen several times a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Mehlville?
Yes, there are over 20 hiking routes available in the Mehlville area. The selection ranges from easy paved greenways suitable for all fitness levels to more challenging natural surface trails through local parks.
What are the best parks for hiking near Mehlville?
The area offers several highly-regarded parks for hiking.
Cliff Cave County Park is a local favorite, known for its mix of paved and natural trails with views over the Mississippi River. Castlewood State Park is another top-rated destination, popular for its scenic river bluffs. For a blend of history and nature, Jefferson Barracks Park provides pleasant walking paths through its historic grounds.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, many trails in the Mehlville area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. Parks like Cliff Cave County Park and Jefferson Barracks Park are great options for walking with your canine companion. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. The region is well-suited for family outings. A great choice is the Dennis Schick Trail loop — Jefferson Barracks County Park. It's a paved, relatively flat 2.7-mile path that's perfect for strollers and little legs, offering a mix of open space and history.
Where can I find paved walking trails near Mehlville?
The area has excellent paved options. The Mississippi Greenway Trail loop — Cliff Cave County Park is a popular 4.4-mile paved path through woodlands. Grant's Trail is another key paved route, offering a flat and accessible surface for walking or running.
What is the best time of year for hiking around Mehlville?
Hiking is enjoyable year-round, but autumn is particularly special. The fall foliage in parks like Castlewood State Park and along the river bluffs creates stunning scenery. Spring is also a great time, with pleasant weather and migratory birds passing through the area's diverse habitats.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Mehlville?
The immediate Mehlville area is not known for significant waterfalls, as the landscape is primarily defined by river bluffs and rolling hills. Hikes here focus more on woodland scenery and expansive views of the Mississippi River.
What advice do you have for a beginner hiker in Mehlville?
Mehlville is a great place to start hiking. Begin with a paved, flat trail like the Mississippi River Greenway from Jefferson Barracks County Park. It's an easy route that allows you to get comfortable with the distance. Always wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check the weather before you head out.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Mehlville?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful views of the Mississippi River, and the peaceful woodland settings found in the local parks.
Where can I find a longer hike in the area?
For a longer outing, consider the Meramec Greenway — St. Louis, Missouri. This trail offers a nearly 4-mile stretch that can be extended for a longer out-and-back hike, following the course of the Meramec River.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?
The scenery is quite diverse. You'll find dramatic bluffs with panoramic views of the Mississippi River, especially in Cliff Cave Park and Bee Tree Park. Other trails wind through serene woodlands, past historic sites, and across wetlands teeming with birdlife. Many routes offer a pleasant mix of natural and paved surfaces.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, major parks like Cliff Cave County Park, Jefferson Barracks Park, and Bee Tree Park have designated parking lots for visitors. Trailheads for Grant's Trail, such as the one at Tiffany Village Court, also offer parking, though some lots can be small and fill up on nice weekends.
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