Easy hikes and walks in Monroe County
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Easy hiking trails in Monroe County offer access to diverse natural landscapes, characterized by riverine environments and forested areas. The region features a mix of rolling terrain and established park systems, providing accessible outdoor experiences. These trails are suitable for various activity levels, focusing on gentle gradients and well-maintained paths.
Best easy hiking trails in Monroe County
- The most popular easy hiking route is Cliff Cave County Park Loop, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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16
hikers
5.29km
01:26
60m
90m
Hike the easy 3.3-mile Cliff Cave County Park Loop, offering river views, woodlands, and the historic Cliff Cave entrance.
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hikers
2.43km
00:47
100m
100m
Hike the 1.5-mile Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail for easy access to expansive Mississippi River views and unique loess hill prairi
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1
hikers
2.05km
00:32
20m
10m
Hike the easy 1.3-mile Johnson Trail in Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve, enjoying shaded forests and gentle elevation changes.
1.61km
00:26
30m
10m
Hike the easy 1.0-mile Fisherman's Trail in Bee Tree County Park, offering a quick and pleasant walk around Bee Tree Lake.
12
hikers
7.32km
01:55
50m
50m
Hike the easy 4.5-mile Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail in Cliff Cave County Park for woodlands, karst features, and Mississippi Riv
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hikers
7.11km
01:47
0m
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Hike the easy 4.4-mile Cliff Cave County Park Loop Trail, offering scenic Mississippi River views and a glimpse of the historic Cliff Cave.
6
hikers
4.37km
01:08
30m
30m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Dennis Schick Trail Loop in Jefferson Barracks County Park, featuring woods, open fields, and historical sites.
6
hikers
4.25km
01:06
20m
20m
Hike the easy 2.6-mile Mississippi River Greenway in Jefferson Barracks County Park, offering scenic river views and wildlife spotting.
2.87km
00:47
40m
40m
An easy 1.8-mile hike around Bee Tree Lake in Bee Tree County Park, offering peaceful views and a relaxing outdoor experience.
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hikers
4.59km
01:20
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Monroe County
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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Bee Tree Lake is located within Bee Tree County Park. Surrounding the lake are picnic benches, walking trails and a playground.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Monroe County?
Monroe County offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 30 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails are designed for various activity levels, featuring gentle gradients and well-maintained paths.
What are some popular easy loop trails in Monroe County?
For those seeking an easy loop, the Cliff Cave County Park Loop is a popular choice, offering views within a county park setting. Another option is the Dennis Schick Trail Loop, which provides a pleasant, accessible experience.
Are there any easy trails with scenic river views?
Yes, you can enjoy scenic river views on trails like the Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail to river overlook. This route leads to a beautiful river overlook, providing a picturesque experience. The Mississippi River Greenway also offers accessible paths along the river.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect on easy hikes in Monroe County?
Monroe County's easy hikes showcase diverse natural landscapes, including riverine environments, prairie landscapes, and forested areas. Trails like the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail lead through unique prairie and natural preserve settings.
What do other hikers enjoy most about easy trails in Monroe County?
The easy trails in Monroe County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the accessible nature of the routes, and the diverse scenery, from river greenways to prairie landscapes.
Are there any short, easy trails suitable for a quick walk?
Absolutely. For a shorter, easy walk, consider the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and can be completed in under an hour. The Johnson Trail is another excellent option for a quick, easy outing.
Are there easy trails that are good for families with children?
Many of the easy trails in Monroe County are suitable for families, given their gentle gradients and well-maintained surfaces. Routes within county parks, such as the Cliff Cave County Park Loop, are generally good choices for a family-friendly outing.
What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Monroe County?
The duration for easy hikes in Monroe County varies, but many can be completed within 1 to 2 hours. For example, the Cliff Cave County Park Loop typically takes about 1 hour 26 minutes, while shorter trails like the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail can be done in under an hour.
Are there any easy trails that offer opportunities for wildlife spotting?
While specific wildlife sightings depend on the season and time of day, trails that traverse natural preserves and riverine areas, such as the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail or paths along the Mississippi River Greenway, often provide good opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Where can I find easy trails with good parking access?
Most established park trails in Monroe County, such as those within Cliff Cave County Park or other local preserves, typically offer designated parking areas. Routes like the Cliff Cave County Park Loop Trail are generally accessible with convenient parking.
Are there any easy trails that follow old railway lines?
While the provided guide data focuses on river greenways and prairie trails, other Monroe Counties (like Monroe County, Wisconsin) are known for converted railway trails such as the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. For the Monroe County covered in this guide, the focus is more on natural river and prairie paths.
What is the best time of year to enjoy easy hikes in Monroe County?
Spring and fall are generally ideal for easy hikes in Monroe County, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Fall, in particular, can bring beautiful colors to the forested areas. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to hike earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.
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