Browsing Tag

MO- Hiking

Young Conservation Area

· Taconic Loop Trail - Sort Of ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Sep 11, 2018
Pines on the Taconic Loop

The cool weather and quiet Sunday afternoon afforded me the opportunity for some exploring at Young Conservation Area.  I have visited this area many times over the years, and rarely leave disappointed.  Today was no different. Young Conservation Area is located in Jefferson County, only minutes from Eureka.  The area is home to a few…

Don Robinson State Park

· Sandstone Canyon Trail ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Apr 8, 2018

Feeling restless and anxious to log some more miles in preparation for my next Grand Canyon hike, I sought out a new, rugged trail at Don Robinson State Park.  My plan was to go hike the 4 mile Sandstone Canyon Trail, then the 2.5 mile LaBarque Hills Trail and make it home in time to…

Edgar M. Queeny Park

· Hawk Ridge Trail ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Mar 28, 2018

I found myself wrapping up my last appointment for the day in Ballwin right across the road from Edgar M. Queeny Park, a suburban park in the St. Louis County Parks system.  I had heard about a 4.1 mile loop trail around the perimeter of the park, and figured I would try it today and…

Weldon Springs Conservation Area

· Lewis and Clark Trail ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Mar 4, 2018

After a morning of soccer games, I was looking for a 8+ mile hike to fit in before the 6:00 basketball game.  Since I was already in St. Charles County, I figured I would finally go hike the Lewis and Clark Trail at Weldon Springs Conservation Area.  I had hiked portions of the trail several…

August A. Busch Wildlife Area

· Fallen Oak Trail ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Feb 9, 2018

I found myself in Weldon Springs at lunchtime on this fine Friday, and the temperatures just happened to soar into the 50’s.  Rather than eat my sack lunch while driving as I typically do, I decided to stop by Busch Wildlife Area and eat while walking the .7 mile Fallen Oak Trail behind the visitor…

Mastodon State Historic Site

· Limestone Hill Trail/Spring Branch ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Feb 2, 2018

Somehow against all odds we found ourselves home on a Saturday morning with no games to race off to.  Rather than complete some much-needed chores around the house, Ben, Daniel and I opted for a quick hike instead.  We decided to target another one of my 60 hikes before September, so we sought out the…

“60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: St. Louis”

· Essential Hiking Guide ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Jan 23, 2018

People frequently ask me how did I find “that place” or decide to walk a certain trail.  There are many different ways, of course, between social media, word of mouth, my own experience, internet searches, etc.  However, for today’s post, I want to discuss a great book that I frequently use for trails close to…

Babler State Park

· Hawthorn Trail ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Hiking
  • Jan 10, 2018
Babler State Park Hawthorne Trail

After several weeks of cold temperatures, a gusty south wind ushered in some welcome warmth today even if we never did see the sun.  I couldn’t waste the opportunity to get outside in 55 degree temperatures and knock a short trail off my list of 60 hikes, so I made it to Babler State Park…