5 Incredible Hikes You Need to Take in and around Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park in the Midwest offers some beautiful views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.

A relatively new national park, Gateway Arch was established in 2018 and is home to the famous Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States.

Alongside some fantastic hikes, many historic sites can be found throughout the park, including:

• The original site of the St. Louis courthouse
• The starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition

The visitor's museum is also a top-rated site. Located directly below the Gateway Arch, it features exhibits on various topics, including westward expansion and the construction of the arch itself.

But historical information is only a small part of the experience. What really makes Gateway Arch National Park unique are the hikes.

Trails throughout the park and in the St.Louis area offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Let's take a look at our top 5.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

If you are looking for a hike that gives you a complete view of what downtown St.Louis has to offer, look no further.

A beautiful urban park with tons of expansive trees right next to the water of the Mississippi, this is one of the best places to take a break from city life and enjoy nature.

The hike itself takes you right up to the Gateway Arch. There are also some great spots along the way to snap pictures of the river or just sit and enjoy the view on many of the benches and picnic tables.

Total Distance: 1.8 Miles

Elevation Gain: 75 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running

Route Type: Loop

Other Info: 

• Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on a leash
• This trail is fully paved
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Forest Park Wheels and Heels Path

A long trail that also gets you up close with some of the most popular birds in St.Louis, Forest Park Wheels and Heels provides a paved loop for walkers, runners, and bikers.

This is a fantastic place to take the kids as there are plenty of opportunities to see different types of birds, including cardinals, woodpeckers, and blue jays.

The trail itself, while long, can be shortened depending on where you enter and exit and has a gravel path that runs parallel to the paved path that's perfect for bikers.

Total Distance: 5.77 Miles

Elevation Gain: 200 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Biking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info: 

• Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on a leash
• This trail is fully paved and has a gravel bike path
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Saint Louis Tower Grove Park Tour

With branching paths that take you in several directions, this hike is perfect for those who want to explore everything Tower Grove Park offers as well as for those who just want a short, easy walk.

This is another fantastic place to take the kids. There are plenty of things to see and do along the way, including multiple gardens and fun playgrounds.

Total Distance: 3.4 Miles

Elevation Gain: 141 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Biking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info: 

• Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on a leash
• This trail is fully paved
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Emerson Grand Basin Loop

With various small ponds and streams, Emerson Grand Basin is a beautiful and serene place to take a walk or run.

This is one of the best places to see wildlife, including ducks, turtles, frogs, and even fish.

The trail itself is mostly flat with a few small hills and has some gorgeous water views. There are also several free museums in the park so you can experience more history of the St. Louis area.

Total Distance: 2.4 Miles

Elevation Gain: 85 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Biking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info: 

• Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on a leash
• This trail is fully paved
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Bird watching is popular on this trail

River Des Peres Greenway Trail

If you are a biking enthusiast, this is the trail for you.

A long, flat trail that runs along with the River Des Peres, this is a great place for a long bike ride, but also a stunning and calming place to go for a hike.

There are plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery or get a drink of water. The trail also takes you to some of the best restaurants in St.Louis if you need a break from all the nature.

Total Distance: 14.9 Miles

Elevation Gain: 423 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Biking

Route Type: In and Out

Other Info: 

• Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on a leash
• This trail is fully paved
• An entire urban trail that takes you through the city
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Whether you have come to St.Louis to visit the Gateway Arch in the national park or not, these 5 hikes will get you outdoors and experiencing all that this area has to offer. 

There is something for everyone on these trails, from bird watching to biking. So get out there and explore!

Do you have a favorite hike in St.Louis? Let us know!

Happy hiking!