Ladies hiking/biking trip in May

Question

We are 3 60 year old ladies looking to do a girls hiking/biking trip in May. We live in Southern Iowa and looking to come to Missouri. We will have 4 full days. We have looked at driving down to Hermann MO on Friday night and biking the Katy trail and then exploring hiking trails down to around the current river and a loop back toward mid Missouri. We are very open to other suggestions though. We don't mind hiking, biking or combo of both. Please let us know your favorite trails and an itenary or loop suggestions would be awesome. We have hiked Ha Ha Tonka and rode the Katy Trail at Rocheport and the Dogwood Canyon at Branson. Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you have a great trip planned, and Missouri offers some beautiful hiking and biking options that could be perfect for a group like yours! Based on your interest in combining both hiking and biking, here are a few suggestions that would allow you to explore the beauty of Missouri while being active and enjoying the outdoors. Since you've already explored some of the more well-known spots like Ha Ha Tonka and the Katy Trail at Rocheport, I'll suggest some other destinations and trails for you to consider.

Option 1: Hermann & Katy Trail

Starting in Hermann, Missouri, is a great option because of its charm and access to the Katy Trail. Here's an itinerary idea for your 4 days:

Day 1: Hermann – Arrive in Hermann Friday night and enjoy a lovely evening in this historic town. You could explore the local wineries or enjoy a dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Day 2: Katy Trail (Hermann to Rocheport) – Start your biking adventure on the Katy Trail, heading west from Hermann to Rocheport. This section is about 23 miles and offers great scenery with river views and shaded areas. It's relatively flat, so perfect for a leisurely ride. Take your time to stop and explore the small towns along the way. You could plan a picnic along the trail.
Day 3: Rocheport to Boonville – Continue biking from Rocheport to Boonville (about 15 miles). The Boonville area offers some great spots for a scenic lunch. You could explore the town before returning to Hermann.
Day 4: Hiking at Current River – Head south towards the Ozarks for a hike. You could explore the scenic trails at the Current River area, particularly near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Trails like the Big Spring Trail or Current River Trail offer a combination of forests, creeks, and views of the river. This is a beautiful area to hike and relax before heading back home.

This itinerary allows for a mix of biking along the Katy Trail and hiking in the beautiful Ozark region. You could base yourself in Hermann or Rocheport for the biking portion, and then drive to the Ozarks for a bit of hiking at the end of your trip.

Option 2: Ozarks & Current River

If you prefer to focus more on hiking and exploring the beauty of the Ozarks, here's an alternative plan with less biking:

Day 1: Arrival at Steelville – Drive to Steelville, a great starting point for your outdoor adventure. This small town is near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. After arriving, take a scenic hike on one of the local trails such as the Berryman Trail (about 24 miles, but shorter sections can be explored) or the Ozark Trail.
Day 2: Current River Trails – Hike along the Current River Trail, one of the most scenic trails in the Ozarks, known for its stunning river views and lush surroundings. You could also visit Big Spring, one of the largest springs in Missouri.
Day 3: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Drive to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park for a day of hiking. The Devil's Icebox Trail is a popular choice and takes you through a beautiful cave system. It’s a relatively easy hike with plenty of scenic views and is perfect for your group to enjoy nature.
Day 4: Bike the Ozark Trail – If you're up for biking, you could explore sections of the Ozark Trail near Steelville. This is a bit more challenging, but it's a beautiful ride that takes you through forests, streams, and open meadows.

This plan allows you to experience the heart of the Ozarks, with beautiful hikes along the river and through the forest. The addition of some biking on the Ozark Trail would give you a bit of variety while keeping the majority of your focus on hiking.

Option 3: Meramec State Park & Ozark Scenic Trail

Another great area to explore is Meramec State Park, located near Sullivan, MO. It offers both hiking and biking opportunities, plus beautiful river views.

Day 1: Meramec State Park – Arrive and enjoy a leisurely evening in the park. You can take a short walk or hike along the Meramec River Trail, which offers views of the river and easy terrain.
Day 2: Ozark Trail – Spend the day hiking the Ozark Trail, which has some beautiful sections for hiking, including the Rocky Falls Trail. The trail is well-maintained, and you’ll experience some beautiful forest landscapes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try biking sections of the trail.
Day 3: Explore Local Trails – Visit Onondaga Cave State Park for a guided cave tour in the morning, then hike one of the trails in the park. The Cave Trail is an easy walk, and it will give you a chance to stretch your legs after the cave exploration.
Day 4: Return or Explore More – You can either return home after a relaxing morning in Meramec State Park or continue to explore other nearby trails or local attractions before wrapping up your trip.

This itinerary offers a great blend of scenic hikes, beautiful cave tours, and opportunities for biking if desired.

Final Thoughts

All of these options will give you a great mix of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and accessible trails. I would recommend focusing on the areas in the Ozarks and Meramec regions if you want a relaxing yet adventurous trip without needing to do too much driving. For a balance of biking and hiking, the Katy Trail and Hermann is a great choice. The Current River and Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be perfect for a more nature-centric experience with a few bike-friendly sections as well. Your trip will definitely be full of beautiful views, and these trails will provide both challenge and enjoyment!

Ladies hiking/biking trip in May

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