The best walks and hikes around Ferguson

Yes, Ferguson is home to the Ted Jones Trail, a paved 2.2-mile path that offers a peaceful, tree-lined route for walking. This trail is also part of the larger St. Vincent Greenway, which extends for miles and connects to the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) campus and St. Vincent Park.

The area specializes in accessible trails. A great option is the Ruth Park Nature Trail from Kaufman Park, which is a mostly flat, paved path perfect for a relaxed walk. Most trails in the immediate vicinity are rated as easy, featuring gentle terrain and paved surfaces.

Many parks and greenways near Ferguson are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Castlewood State Park and Forest Park are popular choices for dog walkers. Always check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go.

For a more rugged experience, you'll need to drive a short distance from Ferguson. LaBarque Creek Conservation Area offers steep, forested hills and rocky paths. Another option is Lone Elk Park, where the White Bison Trail includes steep and rocky sections for a good workout.

Yes, but they are typically seasonal. The trails at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area can feature beautiful waterfalls, especially after a recent rain. The area's geology includes sandstone bluffs and canyons where water can cascade down during wet periods.

For dramatic bluff-top views over the Meramec River, head to Castlewood State Park. The River Scene Trail is particularly famous for its stunning vistas. For a different kind of scenery, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area offers wide-open views at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

Absolutely. Many local parks feature loop trails, which are great for a straightforward walk without backtracking. The Bella Fontaine Park loop via Maple Tree Trail is a pleasant 3-mile (4.8 km) circuit that's easy to follow.

The region offers diverse habitats for wildlife. Lone Elk Park is exceptional for viewing large animals like bison, elk, and deer. For birdwatching, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a prime location, known for species like the snowy egret. The woodlands in Forest Park are also a popular spot for birding.

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has three paved trails, including one that is disabled-accessible, making it great for strollers and all ages. Forest Park also has numerous easy paths and the Nature Playscape, a 17-acre area designed for children to connect with nature.

The trails in the Ferguson area are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the paved greenways and the peaceful atmosphere of the local parks, making it a well-regarded destination for casual walking and hiking.

The terrain immediately around Ferguson is characterized by gentle, paved greenways and flat park trails. As you venture into nearby state parks and conservation areas, you'll find more variety, including rolling hills, steep forested slopes, and rocky bluffs overlooking the region's rivers.

The St. Vincent Greenway is part of a growing network that will eventually connect major regional destinations like Forest Park. For a longer, more challenging single trail, the Chubb Trail in Lone Elk Park extends for 7 miles, offering a more substantial hike.