March 15, 2021
This snowy winter day has me thinking about warmer spring days that are just around the corner. Coming up with a list of the 5 best spring wildflower hikes near St. Louis was difficult, mostly because there are so many great options. However, I tried to come up with locations with some sort of variety both in plants and in terrain. Obviously it is not an all inclusive list, but these are some ‘must do’ hikes for those looking for some natural color this spring.
1. Valley View Glades Natural Area
Located near Hillsboro, Valley View Glades is a large dolomite glade surrounded by woodlands and a wet weather creek. The 2.6 mile loop trail winds through the the glade, along the creek, and on top of a shaded ridge riddled with post and blackjack oaks. The varied terrain also leads to a long season of interest. I like to visit the area in early to mid-May in order to catch a view of the Indian paintbrush. Also blooming at this time is Fremont’s leather flower, columbine, coreopsis, blazing star, and false blue indigo. The trail is easy enough to walk, although good boots are recommended and it can be rather muddy in spots. It’s also worth returning in June/July when the glade coneflower are in bloom but that is for another article.
For more information and driving directions, follow this link:
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/valley-view-glades
2. Rockwoods Reservation
Rockwoods Reservation is my go to for early spring wildflower hikes in St. Louis. The well-marked trails through the open woods lead past bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, trillium, wild phlox, and spring beauty. Often the redbuds and serviceberry are blooming at the same time, and the hillsides are full of unfurling ferns. Basically hitting these trails mid-March through May will be productive for those searching for wildflower variety. My favorite trails for wildflowers are probably Rock Quarry and Trail Among the Trees, but it is hard to go wrong with the Lime Kiln Trail as well.
For more information, follow this link:
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/rockwoods-reservation
3. Rock Hollow Trail
I hiked this a few times last spring in late March right before the pandemic shut down the trail for hikers. The variety of flowers was impressive, with many of the same as noted above from Rockwoods Reservation. There were also large areas of Toothwort, and one of the largest patches of Virginia bluebells in the area. The trail is accessible from a few different trailheads, and options range from a short out and back hike to several long loops if you choose to wander along the Al Foster Trail or Bluffview Trail.
For a map, check out this link
https://www.cityofwildwood.com/2035/Rock-Hollow-Trail
Or for a previous blog post about this trail;
4. Salt Lick Land and Water Reserve
This trail system is located about 20 minutes from St. Louis near Valmeyer, IL. The trail climbs up through the the woods to a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River valley. Typical woodland flowers are abundant, including larkspur, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, and wild phlox. However, the best portion of the walk if seeking wildflowers is the flat Johnson Trail that follows the base of the bluff. A hike last May yielded caledine poppy, jack-in the-pulpit, columbine, and shining blue star. This portion of the trail would also be a nice out and back for someone in a hurry or someone unable to hike a hilly terrain.
I would also encourage you to run up the road a few miles to White Rock Nature Preserve. This is a great hike and several white trillium were in bloom within the first 1/4 mile from the parking lot.
For trail maps and information, follow this link:
For more photos, here is a blog post from last year:
5. Shaw Nature Center
Shaw Nature Center near Gray Summit rounds out my top five. The area is managed to provide a wide variety of habitats for a wide variety of plants. There are several miles of hiking trails throughout, and all are well marked and easy to follow along. It is worth exploring, and the varied terrain will provide opportunities to view whatever is in season in its natural habitat. True to name, the Wildflower Trail provides an excellent route through open woods full of spring wildflowers. I would combine this with the Rus Goddard River Trail which winds down through an open glade and to a gravel bar along the Meramec River for the most variety.
Access to the nature reserve is $5 a person, unless you are a Missouri Botanical Garden member and then it is free. Right now I believe that you still have to buy tickets in advance for access as they are limiting the amount of people as a Covid precaution.
https://discover.missouribotanicalgarden.org/snr-visit
So there it is, my 5 best spring wildflower hikes near St. Louis. It was difficult to leave out Castlewood State Park and Babler State Park as they are awesome too. This year I want to try to spend a bit more time at Meramec State Park and St. Francois State Park as I believe that they have some wonderful trails as well. Hopefully you are able to get out and visit some of these locations or many of the other great opportunities that we have in the St. Louis area for spring wildflowers. Just find a spot away from bush honeysuckle for the best variety.
