The River Scene Trail at Castlewood State Park is the Missouri hiking trail with the best bluff views, even in Summer. And the fact that it is a hike close to Saint Louis is amazing.

Here’s my list of the Top 5 Missouri Hiking Trails with the best views. What do you think? Did I miss one? Let me know where to hike in Missouri and I’ll check it out.

I get out early and hike Lone Wolf Trail in Castlewood State Park. At 2.1 miles Lone Wolf is the shortest trail I’ve hiked at Castlewood, and while I was skeptical at first by the end I was won over and wishing it was longer. One again, Castlewood did not disappoint.

Hiking and trail running along the stunning cliff top views of the River Scene Trail in Castlewood State Park just outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Today Abby and I hike 4.2 miles on the Grotpeter Trail in Castlewood State Park in Ballwin, Missouri. Castlewood State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Missouri and the Grotpeter Trail Loop circles the entire park. This is the first trail we hit as we start exploring Missouri hiking trails; as far as St. Louis area hikes go, it wasn’t too shabby!