There are so many gorgeous hikes in Missouri, that a person could live their entire life and never have time to experience all the beauty and nature that our state provides. Even the most novice hiker can probably maneuver most of these trails, as all of them are under 5 miles long. Missouri has over 50 state parks, all with trail systems of varying levels, but here are a few that we particularly love. Check out the best hikes in Missouri under 5 miles.

1. Lake Trail at Trail of Tears State Park

One of three trails under 5 miles at Trail of Tears State Park, the Lake Trail is a rugged, 2 ¼-mile picturesque trail that passes along the shores of Lake Boutin, then loops around the basic campground.

Along the way, you might see the remains of old homesteads, or rows of tulip poplars.

There are two other trails at this park under 5 miles: the 0.6-mile Nature Trail and the 3-mile Sheppard Point Trail. The short hikes here are among the best kid-friendly hikes around Missouri.

Let's start off our list of hikes under 5 miles in Missouri with the Lake Trail at Trail of Tears State Park. My Corner Online takes us on a little tour in this video:

2. Drover’s Trail, Prairie State Park

Prairie State Park actually has 6 trails that are all under 5 miles, and all rated easy. The park itself is known for its herd of around 100 American bison that roam the hills and trails on the largest remaining remnant of tall grass prairie land in Missouri. The flourishing wildflowers make for a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable hike.

Drover's Trail is an easy 3-mile hike that divides into two separate loops. On the small loop, you might catch a glimpse of bison or elk roaming free. The larger loop crosses a small stream and then continues up a hill with a great view of the prairie and its swaying grasses.

3. Redbud Trail at Crowder State Park

One of the most scenic hikes in Missouri, the Redbud Trail at Crowder State Park is a moderate 1.75-mile trail. It follows along a beautiful headwater stream and travels through a forest lined with sandstone ridges. It travels up a hill through woodlands full of white oak and hickory trees.

Also at Crowder State Park, you will find the 2-mile River Forks Trail and the 3-mile Tall Oaks Trail.

4. Snow Trillium Trail at Battle of Athens State Historic Site

Spring is an excellent time to visit the Battle of Athens State Historic Site in northeast Missouri when the two-mile Snow Trillium Trail blooms with wildflowers. The 2-mile long, moderate trail has bluff-top views of the Des Moines River. There is a wide variety of native plant life including hickory, walnut, and oak trees, and at one point in the trail, you come to small waterfalls cascading down the rock walls to Stallion Branch. When the trail eventually reaches the bluff tops, there are beautiful views both up and down the Des Moines River. Another short trail at the Battle of Athens State Historic Site is the 0.3-mile Mill Trail.

5. Shaw Nature Reserve

A country branch of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this nature reserve has a variety of trails that allow you to wander through restored prairies, woods with bluff overlooks, and a lower forest filled with giant sycamores. End the hike at a gravel bar on the Meramec River, which is a perfect spot for a picnic. Altogether there are 14 miles of hiking trails that allow for a variety of hiking distances. Shaw Nature Reserve is located at Missouri 100 & Interstate 44 Business in Gray Summit.

Sometimes hiking in Missouri can be a leisurely activity. For example, taking a nature walk in the Shaw Nature Reserve is a fun relaxing activity. Learn more in this video from the Shaw Nature Reserve:

6. Trail Through Time at Pickle Springs Natural Area

Trail Through Time is a 1.9-mile loop trail that has been designated a National Natural Landmark. It features a pine and hardwood forest, seasonal waterfalls, and outstanding rock formations, including a rare double arch. It also has beautiful bluff overlooks and shallow caves to explore. There's a reason it often makes lists of the best hikes in Missouri.

7. Pickle Creek Trail at Hawn State Park

The beautiful Pickle Creek Trail at Hawn State Park is a short 0.7-mile rugged hike along sandy-bottom Pickle Creek. The creek winds between granite boulders sculpted by water, and exposes amazing sandstone bluffs. The park also features the more moderate White Oaks Trail, another shorter trail at 3.75 miles long.

8. Allen Brohn Memorial Trail or Hickory Canyons Natural Area Trail at Hickory Canyons Natural Area

Hickory Canyons is a lesser-known natural area in Ste. Genevieve County with two beautiful hiking trails. The Allen Brohn Memorial Trail is a one-mile loop trail on the north side of Sprott Road that provides access to a wet-weather waterfall.

The Natural Area Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that descends into a heavily forested deep ravine featuring sandstone bluffs and rock outcroppings, wet weather creeks, and seasonal waterfalls.

9. The Shut-ins Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park

The Shut-Ins Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park is a 1.25-mile hike to the Big Creek shut-ins through shaded bottom-land woods. The trail takes you down several steps, and across a foot bridge to a second staircase that takes you down to Big Creek.

Following the base of Mudlick Mountain, you pass by majestic trees, rich vegetation, and in the spring, water cascading over giant boulders. The Big Creek shut-ins is a swimming hole close to the end of the trail. Stop off for a quick swim before the return trip up the trail.

Another short trail at this park is the two-mile Fire Tower trail. Sam A. Baker State Park is located in Wayne County in the Saint Francois Mountains region of the Missouri Ozarks.

10. Frenchman’s Bluff Trail at Cuivre River State Park

The Frenchman’s Bluff Trail is a rugged, 1 ½ mile popular trail at Cuivre River State Park. It begins and ends near the west side of the picnic shelter, following Geode Creek then traveling up a hill to the top of Frenchman’s Bluff. From here, you can see amazing views of the Cuivre River valley. The vistas land this hike among the most scenic hikes in Missouri.

There are other trails at CRSP including several under 5 miles: Old Schoolhouse Trail (3.85 miles), Big Sugar Creek Trail (3.75 miles), Blazing Star Trail (2 miles), Hamilton Hollow Trail (less than a mile), Lakeside Trail (3.5 miles), Mossy Hill Trail, Prairie Trail, and Turkey Hollow Trail (all less than a mile).

Cuivre River State Park is located northeast of the city of Troy in the Lincoln Hills region of northeastern Missouri.

11. Scour Trail at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Found near Lesterville, this trail, just over 2.1 miles long, is a lovely loop that won't take you more than an hour or so to complete. It's not too difficult, and it's also one of the less crowded hiking options you can find. So if you're looking for a relaxed time without too many other people around, Scour Trail is for you. It makes for a great kid-friendly hike in Missouri as well!

Let's take a hike on Scour Trail at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in this video from GOWESTUSA:

There are some fantastic short hikes to discover in our great state. We hope you enjoyed our list of some of the best hikes in Missouri. Where is your favorite place in Missouri to go for a hike? Have you traveled any of these trails? We would love to hear from you!