Here are the top ten hikes I liked the most in 2020. I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw.
Lon Sanders Canyon: My Favorite Shut-Ins Short Hike
Waterfalls and shut-ins in a rocky gorge are what you will find at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in the Missouri Ozarks.
Dad Hikes: Silver Mines
A mineshaft and a cascading river rushing through the remains of a stone cut dam are what await you at Silver Mines Recreation Area.
Unique Geology at Hughes Mountain Natural Area
Hughes Mountain Natural Area is made up of rock columns and is a unique geological feature found only in a few places in the world, such as Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
Finding Waterfalls at Hickory Canyons
Box canyons, dripping waterfalls, and fern-filled cliffs are the sights and sounds and Hickory Canyons Natural Area.
Dad Hikes: Climbing Boulders at Castor River Shut-Ins
Pink granite boulders and waterfalls await you in the Castor River Shut-Ins at the 1,632 acres Amidon Memorial Conservation Area.
Dad Hikes: Water Powers Dillard Mill
A bright red mill next to a stone and rock dam on the clear waters of Huzzah Creek is the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Halloween Hikes: Abandoned Sanatorium at Welch Spring
The stone cut walls of a barred and locked sanatorium next to Welch Spring is what I found on my journey to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Dad Hikes: Illinois Mississippi River Bluffs
My journey today was to explore two trails along the bluffs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River just south of St. Louis.
This adventure included the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve and Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve.
Dad Hikes: Spending the Day At Castlewood State Park
Cliffside walks along the Meramec River and wading in Kiefer Creek were part of our day at Castlewood State Park.
This park has an interesting past and is known for its trail along the Meramec River and especially the cliffs at the top.
Dad Hikes: Prehistoric Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park is right off Interstate 70 and is a hike into ancient history. Hiking through the park you walk in the footsteps of hunters-gathers thousands of years ago who found shelter in Graham Cave.
This state park also has waterfalls when it rains and babbling brooks along with a creek nearby.
Honorable Mention: Hiking a Bridge
Dad Hikes: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The mile-long Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 60-feet above the Mississippi River with a 30-degree turn midway was my quest today.
This bridge is historical since it once was part of a stretch of U.S. Route 66 and is at a major point along the Mississippi River near rock ledges that once created dangerous rapids for riverboats.
Honorable Mention: A Workout Hike for the View
Grand Bluffs: Hiking High Above The Missouri River
A view from 300-foot high bluffs, some of the highest along the Missouri River, awaits you at Grand Bluffs Conservation Area near Hermann, Mo.
These bluffs give you a bird’s eye view over the river valley below and the surrounding hills.
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area is located just 12 miles west along Highway 94 from Hermann, Mo., known for its Oktoberfest.
I hope to have a great many to choose from in 2021!
Here at Thatawaydad.com feel free to comment on what your favorite hikes are and any you feel I should check out in the coming year!
