TOP 5 Missouri Hiking Trails with the Best Views

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.

My list of the best Missouri hiking trails:

#5 - Taum Sauk Tower in Taum Sauk State Park

Ironically enough the view from Missouri’s highest point, Taum Sauk Mountain is non-existent. It’s really just a rock with a plaque in the middle of a field. But on the way to Taum Sauk you’ll find Taum Sauk Tower where you can climb a 72 foot metal tower and get 360 degree views of the St. Francois Mountains.

#4 - Whispering Pines North Loop Trail at Hawn State Park

If you’ve watched any of my videos you’ll know that Hawn State Park is my favorite Missouri State Park, and of all the hiking trails in the park Whispering Pines North Loop is the best. This 6 mile loop trail is an amazing hike, but the best views are from the bluffs just above the RV campground.

#3 - Bell Mountain in Mark Twain National Forest

Bell Mountain is probably the best place to camp in Missouri. The 13 mile loop trail is a trek, but the ample campground offers amazing bluff views that can’t be beat. Well worth the hike in. FYI there is no water at the campsite. You have to hike it up from the creek down in the valley.

#2 - Bald Knob via the Buford Mountain Bald Knob Loop Trail

If you’re looking for an otherworldly glade with amazing views Bald Knob is your spot. Similar to Taum Sauk, Buford Mountain is actually Missouri’s second highest peak but there isn’t much to see from that summit. Bald Knob is the star of this trail. You can hike the full 10 mile loop trail (going right at the split) or head straight to Bald Knob (left at the split) for a short 3 mile out and back hike.

#1 - River Scene Trail at Castlewood State Park

It’s kind of amazing that the trail with the best views in Missouri is in the state park closest to St. Louis. Castlewood State Park is Missouri’s most popular state park and the River Scene Trail is a major reason why. A short climb from the parking lot and you’re rewarded with great view after great view of the Meramec River as you hike along the bluffs. If you’re looking for a great hike close to St. Louis this is it!

The Equipment and Gear I’m using to film my solo hiking adventures

APP
AllTrails - https://www.alltrails.com/

CLOTHES (My essential hiking clothes)
Nike Wildhorse 6 - https://amzn.to/3ocAoQa
Wrangler ATG Trail Joggers - https://amzn.to/36qm6F9

PACK
Wenzel Hydrator 14 - https://amzn.to/3iJSKGz
CamelBak Hydration Pack* - https://amzn.to/2MiIt83
*I like this hydration pack better than what comes with the Wenzel.

CAMERAS
iPhone 11 - https://amzn.to/2KLWxpO
GoPro Max - https://amzn.to/37Bu12b
SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSDXC - https://amzn.to/3fT7npn

TRIPODS
Bluhorn All in One Selfie Stick ($24.99) - https://amzn.to/3fSmDTy
Sunpak 620 Tripod ($12.95) - https://amzn.to/3fTjN0Q

MUSIC (AudioHero) - Get a FREE AudioHero membership when you purchase TubeBuddy Pro - https://www.tubebuddy.com/mshepjordan

DISCLAIMER: These links are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission which helps me out and is no cost to you! Thank you for supporting my journey.

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Solo Hiking White Oaks Trail at Hawn State Park | Missouri