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Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near St. Louis

on May 24, 2017

Here at Petjunkie.com, we may specialize in elevated dog bowls for inside your home, but that doesn't mean we don't like to get outdoors as well. One of our favorite activities is to take our dogs hiking. It's a free, healthy way to spend time with your dog and let them sniff out some new scents. Just make sure to bring extra water for your pets and don't forget the poo bags!

Living in St. Louis, Missouri, our dogs Taco and Pie are lucky to have some great dog-friendly trails nearby. We've rounded up a few of their favorites.

  1. Castlewood State Park

    Castlewood State Park
    Castlewood State Park

    Located about 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis, Castlewood Park features many dog-friendly hiking trails along the bluffs of the Meramec River. Our favorite trail is the River Scene Trail, a stunning 3.2 mile loop that takes you across the bluffs and along the river. It's rated as moderate difficulty and is a popular destination, especially on the weekends.

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  2. Rockwoods Reservation

    Rockwoods Reservation
    Rockwoods Reservation

    Rockwoods Reservation is about 40 minutes west of St. Louis. It's a slightly farther drive, but it's less crowded and offers a more peaceful nature experience for you and your pup. Our dogs enjoy the Lime Kiln Trail, which is a 3 mile loop through a wooded area and offers opportunities for wildlife sightings. It's considered moderate difficulty and is enjoyable for both beginner and experienced hikers.

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  3. Mastodon State Historic Site

    Mastodon State Historic Site
    Mastodon State Historic Site

    About 25 miles south of St. Louis is Mastodon State Historic Site. This area is home to one of the most extensive ice age fossil deposits in the country and has an interesting museum about the remains of mastodons and giant ground sloths that have been excavated in the area. You may want to make a separate trip without your pet to check it out; however, there are some great hiking trails in the park as well. The Limestone Hill Trail is a 1.8 mile treelined loop with some steep inclines up a limestone bluff, classifying it as a rugged trail.

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  4. Forest Park

    Forest Park
    Forest Park

    Forest Park is a 1,293 acre park located in the heart of St. Louis and has been a landmark to residents for over a century, as the site of the 1904 World's Fair. It's larger than Central Park in New York City and is consistently a national winner of best park awards year after year. There are tons of paths for walking, running, and biking all throughout the park, which is also home to great museums, a golf course and the zoo, so there's a lot for you and your pet to explore. We love taking our dogs here because it's easy to get to and every trip feels like a new adventure.

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  5. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

    Just across the river to Illinois, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a 15 minute drive from downtown St. Louis. As the name suggests, this is another destination rich in history and is home to the archaeological remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. In addition to its rich history, Cahokia Mounds has miles of mostly flat trails around the mounds to explore with your pup. We also recommend climbing to the top of Monk's Mound where you can take in the St. Louis skyline on a clear day.

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Pick up some Turd Totes dog poop bags and poop bag holders for the trail!

Dog poop bags

Want to look the part while you're on the trail? Be sure to check out our dog shirts for humans and dog hoodies for humans!

And of course, our raised dog bowls for when you get home.

Dog eating from two large Santa Fe bowls

In addition to hiking, there are plenty of other fun fall activities to do with your dog.