It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and soak in the nature that’s all around us in St. Louis. From parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park to easy to access state parks, there are a ton of easy hiking spots in the area! As mom, it’s one of the best ways to get my body moving while helping my kids burn energy. From stroller friendly to easy hikes for little legs, I’m rounding up some of the best trails to look for colorful leaves, explore the woods and make the most of a beautiful autumn day.
Hiking with kids doesn't have to mean tackling a long trail or climbing a mountain. Sometimes it's a short walk through the woods, collecting colorful leaves, or stopping for a snack along the way.
Pere Marquette State Park
Location: Grafton, Illinois
Best for: A fall day trip, wooded trails and scenic overlooks
Difficulty: Varies by trail
If you're up for a little road trip, Pere Marquette State Park is a beautiful place to experience fall near St. Louis. Located along the Great River Road near Grafton, the park is known for its wooded hills, limestone bluffs and views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
The park has several marked hiking trails, ranging from short walks to more challenging routes. For families with younger children, consider starting with the short Hickory South Trail, listed as an easy half-mile, one-way trail on the park's trail map. You can also stop at the visitor center to get oriented and ask about current trail conditions before heading out. There’s a small area for kids to play.
How to make it easy with kids:
Pick one short trail rather than trying to explore the entire park.
Turn the hike into a fall scavenger hunt by looking for colorful leaves, acorns, interesting rocks and birds.
Bring snacks and water, and plan time for a stop in nearby Grafton.
Parent tip: This is a great option when you want to make hiking part of a bigger fall outing. The visitor’s center has bathrooms. The drive along the Great River Road is especially pretty during autumn. See my full guide to spend a day or weekend in the Southwest Illinois area!
Fall at Pere Marquette is one of the prettiest places!
Busch Greenway at Duckett Creek Trailhead
Location: Missouri Research Park area near Weldon Spring
Best for: Stroller walks, bikes and an easy outdoor adventure
Difficulty: Easy overall, with some grades
The Busch Greenway at Duckett Creek is a great choice when you want to enjoy nature without committing to a rugged hiking trail. This paved greenway winds through a scenic area with trees, creek views and opportunities to look for birds and other wildlife. We brought along this activity on our recent hike!
A walk of around 1.5 miles is a good starting point for families, but you can always turn around sooner. The paved surface makes it especially convenient for families with toddlers or kids who prefer walking or riding a balance bike.
How to make it easy with kids:
Bring a stroller for younger children, while keeping in mind that some sections have a steeper grade.
Look for birds, changing leaves and signs of wildlife along the creek. Several bridges to walk over for kids to look at the creek.
Parent tip: This is a good option when you want fresh air and fall scenery without dealing with roots, rocks or a long uphill climb. FYI there is just a portable potty at the trailhead, no full bathrooms.
The creek along the Busch Greenway is a huge draw for kids!
Al Foster Trail
Location: Wildwood, MO
Best for: A scenic walk along the Meramec River
Difficulty: Easy for a short out-and-back; the full route is longer
The Al Foster Trail is one of the area's best options for families who want a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. The wide, crushed-stone trail follows the Meramec River through wooded areas, with scenic views of the river and surrounding bluffs.
The full trail extends for several miles, but you don't need to walk the entire route to enjoy it. Start at the Glencoe trailhead and walk as far as your family feels comfortable before turning around.
How to make it easy with kids:
Bring a stroller designed for gravel or uneven surfaces if you need one.
If you have a train lover, you can walk along the miniature railroad used by the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad (WF&P)
Parent tip: The trailhead has picnic facilities and restrooms, making it convenient to pair your walk with a snack or picnic. Bring your own drinking water.
Cliff Cave Park
Location: South St. Louis County
Best for: River scenery, wildlife and exploring nature
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
Cliff Cave Park is a lovely place to explore in the fall, with wooded areas, trails and views of the Mississippi River. The park has both paved greenway sections and more natural trails, so you can choose an outing that fits your family. One of the best trails for leaf peeping.
For a simple walk with young kids, start at the lower Mississippi Greenway trailhead and enjoy a short section of the paved trail. If your children are older and comfortable walking farther, you can explore additional routes in the park.
How to make it easy with kids:
Bring binoculars or play a game of spotting birds and changing leaf colors.
Stick to the marked trails and keep little ones close around hills and overlooks.
Parent tip: Despite its name, access to the cave is restricted to protect the cave and its wildlife. There are bathrooms and water fountains near the parking lot.
Forest Park
Location: St. Louis City
Best for: An easy family walk with plenty to do nearby
Difficulty: Easy, depending on your route
You don't have to leave the city to enjoy a fall walk. Forest Park offers miles of paths, beautiful scenery and plenty of places to stop and explore along the way.
For families with little ones, keep things simple by choosing a section near the Grand Basin or the paths around the park's scenic ponds. The trees during the fall at Art Hill are some of the most spectacular! For more of a trail like hike, head to Kennedy Forest in the park (near Skinker side). The forest has 3.5 miles of paved and gravel trails including several wooden boardwalks. It’s a great spot for bird watching!
How to make it easy with kids:
Choose one area of the park instead of trying to cover too much ground.
Add in a visit to the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Parent tip: There are several picnic areas and bathrooms around the park. Free street parking is available throughout the park but sometimes you’ll need to walk a bit to get to your hiking spot.
This is one of the many boardwalks in the Kennedy Forest in Forest Park.
Castlewood State Park
Location: Near Ballwin in west St. Louis County
Best for: Wooded trails, river scenery and adventurous families
Difficulty: Moderate on many popular routes
Castlewood State Park is known for its beautiful Meramec River scenery, wooded hills and bluff-top views. It's one of the area's most rewarding places to hike in the fall, especially when the leaves begin changing color.
However, this is one park where choosing the right trail really matters with kids. Some popular routes, including the River Scene Trail, have substantial elevation changes and stairs. The views are beautiful, but the climbs may be difficult for toddlers or children who aren't used to hiking.
For an easier outing, consider the flatter sections of the Castlewood Loop or an out-and-back walk along the lower trail network, after checking the current trail map.
How to make it easy with kids:
Keep children close near bluffs, steep slopes and the river.
Watch for mountain bikers on shared trails and give them room to pass.
There is a playground conveniently located in the middle of the field between the two picnic shelters.
Parent tip: Castlewood is a great pick for families ready for a little more adventure, but don't feel like you need to reach an overlook to have a successful hike. There are spots where you can access the river but NEVER swim in the Meramec, it’s incredibly dangerous.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Location: Kirkwood
Best for: Young hikers, paved woodland trails and nature spotting
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
Powder Valley is one of my favorite types of places to recommend to families who are just getting started with hiking. This conservation area features wooded surroundings and three paved trails, giving families a chance to explore the forest without navigating a rocky or muddy path.
The Tanglevine Trail is a particularly good starting point for little hikers because it's short and accessible. If your children are ready to keep going, you can explore more of the trail system at your own pace.
How to make it easy with kids:
Turn the walk into a nature hunt by looking for acorns, squirrels, birds and different kinds of leaves.
Visit the nature center when it's open to add an educational stop to your adventure. It’s one of the BEST free places to visit with kids in St. Louis! But FYI it is closed on Sundays and Mondays (trails are still open).
Parent tip: Parking is very easy and accessible. Restrooms remain open via accessible pavilion even when the nature center is closed. FYI Pets are not permitted in the conservation area, so leave the dog at home. There is a bathroom a
The paved Tanglevine Trail at Powder Valley is one of the best hiking paths for kids!
My best advice for hiking with kids:
I’m not a huge hiking mom but I love to do it as much as possible. My best advice: start small and lower your expectations. You might just walk a short distance but that’s ok! The joy is letting your kids explore nature and down the road they’ll want to go longer distances. Always bring more snacks than you think you need! Keep an eye out for where the bathrooms are and always go before you start hiking.
Remember, trail distances, conditions and access can change. Check the official park or trail website before visiting, especially after rain or flooding.
