Why Missouri’s Historic Trails Are Worth Exploring
Missouri is often called the Gateway to the West, and for good reason. From Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Oregon Trail, the state played a major role in shaping American history. While well-known landmarks like Independence and St. Louis draw history buffs, Missouri is also home to hidden historic trails that let you walk in the footsteps of pioneers, Native American tribes, Civil War soldiers, and early explorers.
Why Explore These Hidden Trails?
- Less Crowded: These trails are off the beaten path, offering a quiet and immersive historical experience.
- Rich History: Many of these paths were used by early settlers, Native American tribes, stagecoaches, and soldiers.
- Natural Beauty: These trails pass through scenic bluffs, rolling hills, rivers, and deep forests, making them perfect for hiking and photography.
Whether you’re interested in frontier history, Native American heritage, or Civil War battlefields, Missouri’s hidden historic trails offer a unique and enriching adventure.
Best Time to Hike Missouri’s Historic Trails
Missouri’s climate changes dramatically with the seasons, so choosing the right time to hike depends on what you’re looking for.
Spring (March – May)
✔️ Best for wildflowers, flowing creeks, and mild temperatures.
✔️ Ideal for spotting migratory birds and lush greenery.
⚠️ Some trails may be muddy from spring rains.
Summer (June – August)
✔️ Great for exploring shaded forest trails and riverside paths.
✔️ Best time for early morning hikes before it gets too hot.
⚠️ Mosquitoes and ticks can be active, so bring bug spray.
Fall (September – November)
✔️ Perfect for crisp weather and vibrant fall foliage.
✔️ Great for photographing historic sites in golden autumn light.
✔️ Fewer bugs and cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
Winter (December – February)
✔️ Best time for seeing historic sites without crowds.
✔️ Frozen waterfalls and snow-covered landscapes create a unique experience.
⚠️ Some trails may be icy or closed due to winter conditions.
For historical hikes with the best scenery and comfortable weather, fall and spring are the ideal seasons to explore Missouri’s hidden trails.
Top 10 Hidden Historic Trails in Missouri
Now, let’s explore some of Missouri’s best-kept historic trails—places where the past comes to life as you hike through forgotten battlefields, pioneer routes, and ancient Native American paths.
1. Trail of Tears State Park (Jackson, MO)
Why It’s Special:
This somber yet beautiful trail follows part of the Trail of Tears, the forced relocation route of the Cherokee Nation in the 1830s. This trail offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, while also serving as a memorial to the thousands who suffered along the journey.
- Best For: History enthusiasts and those looking for a reflective, meaningful hike.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall, when the forested bluffs turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
- What to See:
- Overlooks with sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
- Memorial plaques detailing the Trail of Tears history.
- Quiet forest paths where you can reflect on the past.
🪶 Fun Fact: This park is one of the few places where you can physically walk on part of the original Trail of Tears route.
2. Lewis and Clark Trail (Weldon Spring Conservation Area)
Why It’s Special:
This trail follows the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as they traveled up the Missouri River in 1804. Today, hikers can walk the same bluffs where the explorers camped, hunted, and mapped out the western frontier.
- Best For: Scenic views, history buffs, and photographers.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for the best river views and wildlife sightings.
- What to See:
- Historic markers explaining the expedition’s journey.
- High bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.
- Wildlife such as deer, eagles, and migratory birds.
🚣 Fun Fact: This trail mirrors the original path of Lewis and Clark’s canoes, giving you the same perspective they had over 200 years ago.
3. Butterfield Overland Mail Route (Southwest Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
In the 1850s, the Butterfield Overland Mail Route was a stagecoach line that carried mail and passengers across Missouri and into the Wild West. Today, parts of the original wagon trail still exist, offering a glimpse into what early travel was like before railroads.
- Best For: Pioneer history lovers and off-the-grid explorers.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and fall for mild temperatures.
- What to See:
- Remnants of old wagon ruts still visible in certain areas.
- Ghost towns and abandoned stagecoach stops along the route.
- Scenic rolling hills and oak forests.
🐎 Fun Fact: The Butterfield Overland Mail Route was one of America’s first cross-country mail delivery systems, predating the Pony Express!
4. El Camino Real (Southeast Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
El Camino Real, meaning “The Royal Road,” is Missouri’s oldest known trail, dating back to Spanish colonial times. This historic path was used by traders, missionaries, and Native American tribes long before Missouri became a U.S. state.
- Best For: History buffs and those interested in early Missouri settlements.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall, when the historic sites are surrounded by golden foliage.
- What to See:
- Old trading post locations along the trail.
- Markers describing Native American and Spanish influence in the region.
- Rustic farmland and historic buildings still standing from the 1800s.
🏛️ Fun Fact: Parts of El Camino Real still follow Missouri’s modern Highway 21, meaning you can drive alongside history!
5. Big Spring Trail (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)
Why It’s Special:
This trail leads to Big Spring, one of the largest natural springs in the U.S., once used as a major water source for Native American tribes and early settlers.
- Best For: Nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for lush greenery, fall for scenic beauty.
- What to See:
- The breathtaking turquoise-blue waters of Big Spring.
- Old stone ruins and historical markers from early settlement days.
- Wildlife such as river otters, herons, and bald eagles.
💦 Fun Fact: Big Spring pumps out over 286 million gallons of water per day, making it one of the largest freshwater springs in the world!
6. Osage Trail (Lake of the Ozarks, MO)
Why It’s Special:
The Osage Trail follows an ancient Native American route used by the Osage Nation, one of the most powerful tribes in the Midwest. This historic trail winds through dense forests, limestone bluffs, and hidden rock carvings, offering a glimpse into Missouri’s indigenous past.
- Best For: Hikers interested in Native American history and scenic landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and clear views.
- What to See:
- Petroglyphs and ancient rock carvings left by the Osage people.
- Wildlife such as wild turkeys, deer, and red-tailed hawks.
- Hidden caves and rock shelters used by Native Americans centuries ago.
🪶 Fun Fact: The Osage Nation controlled much of Missouri before European settlers arrived, using this trail for trade, hunting, and migration.
7. Boonslick Trail (Central Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
The Boonslick Trail was one of Missouri’s first major roads, used by pioneers, fur traders, and settlers in the early 1800s. The trail was named after Daniel Boone’s sons, who helped establish a salt mining business along the route.
- Best For: History lovers, road trippers, and pioneer history buffs.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for scenic foliage along the historic route.
- What to See:
- Historic ferry sites once used by pioneers crossing rivers.
- Abandoned 19th-century homesteads and trading posts.
- Rolling farmland and scenic rural landscapes.
🐻 Fun Fact: The Boonslick Trail later became part of the Santa Fe Trail, helping settlers move westward across the country.
8. Battle of Athens State Historic Site Trail (Northeast Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
This trail follows the site of Missouri’s northernmost Civil War battle, fought in 1861. The Battle of Athens was a key conflict between Union troops and pro-Confederate militias, and today, the site remains one of the most well-preserved Civil War battlefields in Missouri.
- Best For: Civil War history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant hiking weather.
- What to See:
- Historic buildings and battle markers describing the conflict.
- Rolling hills and wooded areas where soldiers once fought.
- Scenic views of the Des Moines River.
⚔️ Fun Fact: Unlike most Civil War battlefields in Missouri, the Battle of Athens ended in a Union victory, securing northern Missouri for the Union army.
9. Pony Express Trail (Northwest Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
The Pony Express Trail follows the route used by fast-riding mail carriers in the 1860s to deliver letters across the frontier. The Missouri portion of the trail features old relay stations, scenic prairies, and historic towns that played a key role in early American communication.
- Best For: History buffs and long-distance trail explorers.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and fall for ideal hiking conditions.
- What to See:
- Markers identifying original Pony Express relay stations.
- Rolling plains and small historic towns like St. Joseph, MO.
- Museums dedicated to the Pony Express and frontier history.
🐎 Fun Fact: The Pony Express mail service only lasted 18 months before the telegraph made it obsolete—but its legacy remains one of the most legendary stories of the American West!
10. Old Wire Road (Southwest Missouri)
Why It’s Special:
Old Wire Road was once a vital route for stagecoaches, military troops, and early telegraph lines. It played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as a supply route for both Union and Confederate forces.
- Best For: Hikers interested in Civil War history and early transportation routes.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall, when the wooded areas are filled with autumn colors.
- What to See:
- Remnants of 19th-century stagecoach stops.
- Historic cemeteries and abandoned towns along the route.
- Old telegraph poles from the mid-1800s.
📜 Fun Fact: Old Wire Road got its name from the early telegraph lines that ran alongside it, making it one of the first communication highways in Missouri.
Best Activities on Missouri’s Historic Trails
1. Historic Site Exploration
- Best Trails: Battle of Athens, Boonslick Trail, Old Wire Road.
- Highlights: Visit Civil War sites, pioneer settlements, and Native American landmarks.
2. Photography & Scenic Views
- Best Trails: Lewis and Clark Trail, Big Spring Trail, Osage Trail.
- Highlights: Capture stunning views of rivers, forests, and rolling prairies.
3. Geocaching & Treasure Hunting
- Best Trails: Butterfield Overland Mail Route, Pony Express Trail.
- Highlights: Find hidden caches that tell stories of Missouri’s past.
4. Guided History Tours & Interpretive Centers
- Best Trails: El Camino Real, Pony Express Trail.
- Highlights: Learn from park rangers and historical societies about Missouri’s past.
Tips for Exploring Missouri’s Hidden Historic Trails
1. Bring a Map & GPS
- Many of these trails don’t have modern signage, so downloading offline maps is a good idea.
2. Wear Sturdy Footwear
- Some trails still have rocky wagon ruts or uneven terrain, so hiking boots are recommended.
3. Look for Historical Markers
- Many trails feature small plaques or markers that explain the history of the area.
4. Visit During Off-Peak Hours
- Some of these locations are completely quiet in the early morning or late afternoon, giving you a more immersive experience.
5. Check for Seasonal Closures
- Some historic sites, like Battle of Athens State Historic Site, may have limited access in winter months.
Conclusion
Missouri’s hidden historic trails offer a chance to step back in time and experience the stories of pioneers, Native American tribes, explorers, and Civil War soldiers. Whether you’re walking the Trail of Tears, following Lewis and Clark’s journey, or exploring the Pony Express route, these forgotten paths provide a one-of-a-kind connection to the past.
If you’re looking for a blend of history, adventure, and stunning scenery, Missouri’s lesser-known historic trails are waiting to be explored!
FAQs
1. What is the most historic hiking trail in Missouri?
The Trail of Tears State Park and Pony Express Trail are among the most historically significant routes in Missouri.
2. Are there any Civil War trails in Missouri?
Yes! Battle of Athens State Historic Site and Old Wire Road are two of the best trails for Civil War history buffs.
3. What’s the best season for hiking Missouri’s historic trails?
Fall (September – November) offers the best weather, fewer bugs, and colorful landscapes.
4. Are Missouri’s historic trails good for beginners?
Yes! Many of these trails, like Lewis and Clark Trail and Boonslick Trail, have gentle terrain suitable for all skill levels.
