Hiking

Trade the neighborhood sidewalk for the trails of Simpson Park! Join a volunteer naturalist for a guided hiking experience for you and your stroller aged little ones. On the hike the volunteers will engage you with the nature found along the way. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will you encounter? Only one way to find out!

Stroller Strolls is monthly walk designed for parents and guardians with stroller aged children. Please register the child and the parent or guardian.

Visit MDC's information booth to learn more about our public lands and bodies of water! We will have information to help you learn about opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities!

Come join us for a relaxing 1.3-mile hike along the loop trail at Meramec Conservation Area. Overlook the Meramec River and learn about different plants and birds we encounter along the way. Please, be sure to dress for the weather and to use appropriate footwear.

Ever wanted to be a Citizen Scientist but worried it required a lab coat and a PhD? Good news—it doesn’t! Join a naturalist for a 1.3-mile hike on the beautiful Bethany Falls Trail, where you’ll learn to use the iNaturalist, Seek, and Merlin Bird ID apps to identify plants, spot wildlife, and impress your friends with your newfound nature knowledge. We’ll mix high-tech tools with low-tech hiking shoes to help you contribute real data to science—no beakers required. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring water, and, if possible, download the apps beforehand so you can spend more time exploring and less time searching for service.

Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.

Follow along towering bluffs, trek up and down gentle slopes, and see beautiful panoramic views of the lake on the Lakeview Bend Trail and Fawn's Run Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Miller/Camden Counties); 3.5 miles, moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on July 13 at 8 a.m.

Summer hiking is hot! Skip the heat and join a naturalist on a guided dusk hike. During the summer dusk is when the natural world comes alive. We will look and listen for iconic summer creatures like frogs, owls, and more!

Remember to pack water and good walking shoes.

Let your stuffed animal enjoy a night of outdoor fun at the nature center! Drop your critter off at Runge July 21-23 during building hours, then on Thursday night while you’re at home, your plush pal will go camping, hiking, birdwatching, and more with other curious critters! After picking up your pal on Friday or Saturday, you’ll receive photos of their exciting adventures. The camp out will be chaperoned by a naturalist and a permission slip for your animal will need to be completed at the time of drop off. One stuffed animal per child, please.

Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.

Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the lake as you hike along rocky bluffs and gentle slopes during this guided hike on the Lakeview Bend Trail and Fawn's Run Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Miller/Camden Counties); 3.5 miles, moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on July 22 at 8 a.m.

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get ready for a leisurely stroll through the tree-lines streets of Forest Hill Cemetery. Covering roughly 2 miles, this slow-paced hike will utilize cemetery roads and grassy lawns as we discover the beautiful trees of the area. During the hike we will discuss native and non-native trees and the threats to them, wildlife that rely on trees, hiking safety and other great urban hikes. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to the participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

A morning walk in the park is a great way to get in some movement and fresh air before the heat of the day! Join us at Tower Grove Park to learn about what’s happening in nature this time of year as we walk the east end of the park and along Nee Kee Nee (East Stream).

This program will be completely outside, so please dress accordingly. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

We'll meet at the Stupp Center.