Easy hikes and walks around Columbia
5.0
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111
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19
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If you've ever tried to plan hiking around Columbia, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails out there, it's tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, walked, and reviewed these routes, so this guide is your curated shortcut to the best easy hiking trails around Columbia, saving you all the guesswork.
Hiking around…
Last updated: June 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
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…
2
hikers
2.84km
00:44
20m
10m
The Stemler Cave Woods Interpretive Long Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a diverse landscape of oak-hickory forest and restored prairie. You'll encounter unique geological features like sinkholes and…
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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…
9
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…
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…
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Popular around Columbia
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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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
How many easy hiking trails are available around Columbia?
There are over 15 easy hiking trails around Columbia, offering a variety of experiences through wooded areas, river valleys, and gentle terrain. In total, the region features 20 hiking routes, with the majority being suitable for easy excursions.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Columbia?
Easy hikes in Columbia typically feature gentle terrain, often traversing wooded areas and river valleys. You'll encounter natural springs and limestone formations, providing diverse scenery for your outdoor exploration.
Are there any easy circular routes for hiking in Columbia?
Yes, Columbia offers several easy circular routes. A popular option is the Cliff Cave County Park Loop, which is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and takes about 1 hour 26 minutes to complete. Another is the Dennis Schick Trail Loop, covering 4.4 km.
What are some popular easy trails for a short walk?
For a shorter, easy walk, consider the Stemler Cave Woods Interpretive Long Trail. This path is 1.8 miles (2.8 km) and offers a natural and educational experience through interpretive woods.
Are there any trails with river views or overlooks?
Absolutely. The Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail to river overlook is a great choice, leading through river valleys and offering scenic views. You can also find a dedicated River overlook highlight in the area.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Columbia?
The easy trails in Columbia are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible nature of the trails, the peaceful wooded environments, and the scenic river overlooks.
Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks to see along these easy hikes?
Yes, you can discover several points of interest. Along the trails, you might find features like the River overlook. There are also lakes such as Boathouse Lake Pavilion and Horseshoe Lake in Carondelet Park that can be explored nearby.
Are the easy hiking trails in Columbia suitable for families?
Yes, the easy hiking trails around Columbia are ideal for family-friendly outings. Their gentle terrain and manageable distances make them perfect for leisurely walks with children.
What is the longest easy trail available in Columbia?
One of the longer easy trails is the Spring Valley Trail and Inner Loop Trail to river overlook, which spans 4.5 miles (7.3 km) and typically takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to complete.
Are there any trails that offer an educational experience?
The Stemler Cave Woods Interpretive Long Trail is specifically designed to provide an educational experience, guiding you through natural features with interpretive information.
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