The best walks and hikes around Weldon Spring

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails within the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails beautiful for everyone.

The trails in Weldon Spring offer a diverse hiking experience. You can expect to encounter rugged bluffs with views over the Missouri River, deep forested valleys, and wide, flat bottomland paths. The terrain includes both dirt single-track and wider gravel paths, with some sections involving moderate climbs and descents.

For a shorter, more relaxed walk suitable for families, consider the Dogwood Trail — Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. It's a relatively short and easy loop. Additionally, Crooked Creek Park and Weldon Spring City Park offer pleasant walking paths for a more casual outing.

The area has a unique history. It was the site of a large munitions plant during World War II and later a uranium processing facility during the Cold War. After extensive environmental cleanup, the U.S. Department of Energy created a large disposal cell to contain the waste. You can learn more at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, which features a viewing platform on top of the cell offering panoramic views.

You can connect to the famous Katy Trail State Park via the Hamburg Trail. The Hamburg Trail loop from Weldon Spring Site serves as a connector, allowing you to extend your hike or bike ride onto the longest continuous recreational rail-trail in the country.

Yes, some trails are multi-use. The Lost Valley Trail loop is a popular 10-mile route for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering a long journey through the forest. Always be mindful of other trail users and yield to hikers.

Most hikes begin within the highly-regarded Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Two of the most popular starting points are:

• Weldon Spring Lewis & Clark Hiking Trail: This is the main trailhead for the popular Clark and Lewis loops, offering challenging routes with river overlooks.
• Lost Valley Hiking Trail: This trailhead provides access to a long, multi-use trail favored by both hikers and mountain bikers for its journey through dense forest.

Designated parking lots are available at the main trailheads within the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, including the Lewis and Clark Trailhead and the Lost Valley Trailhead. Parking is also available at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, which provides access to the Hamburg Trail.

You can find nearly 20 curated hiking routes around Weldon Spring on komoot. These range from short, easy walks to longer, more challenging loops, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The trails in this region are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views of the Missouri River from the bluffs, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful, immersive experience of walking through the dense woodlands.

Yes, the most prominent trails in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area are loops, which is convenient as they bring you back to your starting point. This includes the popular Clark Trail, Lewis Trail, and Lost Valley Trail.

Hiking in Weldon Spring is enjoyable in spring, summer, and fall. Spring offers budding trees and pleasant temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid, so start early and bring plenty of water. Fall is a favorite for many, as the foliage provides spectacular color and the cooler weather is ideal for longer hikes.