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’re planning a wonderful trip, and Missouri offers some fantastic opportunities for both hiking and biking, especially with its beautiful springtime weather. Since you've already experienced some great trails like Ha Ha Tonka and Rocheport, here are a few other recommendations that will give you a variety of experiences from scenic river views to lush forests, all within a manageable distance for your 4-day trip.

1. Katy Trail State Park (Hermann to Rocheport)
Since you've enjoyed riding the Katy Trail at Rocheport, you might want to continue exploring it. The trail stretches over 240 miles from Machens to Clinton, but there are some lovely sections in the middle of the state, especially near Hermann. Riding from Hermann down to Rocheport (or vice versa) offers scenic views of the Missouri River and charming small towns along the way. You can stop for lunch in small towns like Rhineland and New Haven, and it’s a fairly flat trail, which is great for biking. It’s perfect for a leisurely ride without too much elevation change, and you can always customize the distance to fit your preferences.

Hermann to Rocheport: Approx. 30-40 miles, great for scenic biking.
Rhineland to New Haven: A shorter, more manageable section.

2. Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Current River & Jacks Fork River)
For your hiking adventures, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers some amazing trails, especially around the Current River and Jacks Fork River. These areas are known for their stunning limestone bluffs, crystal-clear rivers, and peaceful natural surroundings. If you like the idea of combining hiking and water activities, the Ozarks also offer canoeing and kayaking. You can explore the Ozark Trail, which connects a variety of trails around the rivers.

Big Spring Trail: A moderate 3.5-mile trail that leads to the Big Spring, the largest spring in Missouri.
Current River Trail: A 6.5-mile hike along the Current River with views of the river and wildlife.
Jacks Fork River Trail: 5 miles with scenic views and river access.

3. Mark Twain National Forest (Piney Creek Wilderness Area)
Another excellent hiking destination is the Piney Creek Wilderness Area in the Mark Twain National Forest. The Piney Creek Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that offers a mix of forests, creek crossings, and bluffs. It’s a great option for a day hike with some moderate elevation changes and a lovely mix of natural features. This area is less crowded than the more popular state parks, which can give you a more peaceful experience.

Piney Creek Trail: A moderate 5.5-mile loop with creek views and a variety of landscapes.

4. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Since you’ve hiked at Ha Ha Tonka, I recommend revisiting it if you loved the unique landscape. It has several shorter, well-marked trails, including the Castle Trail that takes you to the ruins of a stone castle, and the Spring Trail that follows the path of the spring. If you’re looking for more hiking, you can easily combine these trails for a half-day hike with scenic overlooks and access to the lake.

Castle Trail: A 0.6-mile easy hike to the stone castle ruins.
Spring Trail: A 1.2-mile hike with views of the spring.

5. The Ozark Trail (Taum Sauk Mountain to Johnson's Shut-Ins)
If you’re up for a slightly longer adventure, the Ozark Trail is a great choice. The section from Taum Sauk Mountain to Johnson’s Shut-Ins is about 5.5 miles one way. This trail features rugged terrain, waterfalls, and scenic views of the mountain ridges and valleys. Johnson’s Shut-Ins is a popular spot where you can cool off and explore the natural water features if you wish to dip your toes in.

Taum Sauk Mountain to Johnson's Shut-Ins: A 5.5-mile hike with stunning views of waterfalls and natural rock formations.

Suggested Itinerary for Your 4-Day Trip:
Day 1: Arrive in Hermann, bike the Katy Trail from Hermann to Rocheport (approx. 30-40 miles), then stay overnight in Hermann.
Day 2: Explore hiking trails near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, like the Current River Trail and Big Spring Trail, and enjoy some river views.
Day 3: Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park for a shorter hike and views of the castle ruins. Then head to Piney Creek Wilderness Area for a moderate hike in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Day 4: Complete a section of the Ozark Trail or spend some time kayaking/canoeing if you're interested in water activities. Return home or continue to explore.

These options give you a variety of landscapes, from river trails to forest hikes, and also include biking on one of the best trails in Missouri. Enjoy your trip and safe travels!

Ladies hiking/biking trip in May

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