Hiking

What's the best backpacking trail in the Midwest? There are no doubt some great options with many near the Great Lakes that normally get all the attention. However, there is one trail in Missouri that was just named one of the top 7 in the entire region.

If you're truly looking for a path less traveled, there is one in Missouri you need to consider. It's been named one of the best off-the-beaten path parks in the state and I'm convinced that's not wrong as it's full of streams and waterfalls.

Many of Missouri's state parks are well-known and for good reason. There is one, however, that you don't hear much about. It's a hidden gem that's actually a 2,700 acre paradise for hikers and bikers.

If you venture into the Missouri woods as the weather warms up, you'll need to try hard to not see a bear based on the recent rush of encounters with these predators that are being shared. There's yet another showing a hiker who had a big ole bear cross the trail he was on.

Missouri is known for its vast variety of state parks and now there's a new one. The truth is it's really kind of heavenly and I can prove it with science (and some videos and pics).

It's 18 miles of Missouri bliss, but it's one of the hikes in the Show Me State that is too often overlooked even though it offers absolutely stunning views.

I must state from the beginning I don't completely agree with the "creepiness" description of this Missouri trail. It's been declared the "creepiest hike in Missouri" that allegedly takes hikers by the remnants of a ghost town - allegedly.

I'm a big fan of fire towers. The idea of being a watchout in the Missouri wilderness is a bucket list thing. However, even though there is a fire tower in Missouri you can hike to, don't even think of climbing it.

Normally, the more beautiful the hike the more difficult it is to do. This Illinois hike is the exception. It's a short hike that just about anyone can do, but it takes you through scenic and massive rock canyon walls.

If you don't mind being a little daring, there's a hike you can do in Illinois that will take you across one of the most scenic structures in the state. It's a 90 foot stone bridge and there are no railings to hold onto.