Off-Roading Trails Near St. Louis, Missouri
As every Missourian knows, our state is ripe with opportunities for adventure. All you have to do is look for them! Some St. Louis residents may prefer relaxing scenic drives, but others like the rev of an engine, a rush of wind, and a spike of adrenaline. For the thrill-chaser that lives in all of us, we compiled a list of the top off-roading trails and parks near St. Louis, Missouri.
St. Joe State Park - A Little Over an Hour South From St. Louis, Missouri
Head south towards Farmington, and you'll find the St. Joe State Park, one of only two off-roading parks in the state park system. With over 2,000 acres designated for ATV, 4x4, and ORV vehicles, trails will take you through dense woods, lake beds, and sandflats. Drive by the Missouri Mines Historic Site, a rusted structure that will make you feel like you're in a Mad Max movie. Enter the park using the Donnelly-LaMear Trailhead and follow the red-and-white signs towards your next adventure! Take note, not all vehicles can access all ORV trails; for example, dune buggies and 4x4 won't fit down the narrow, wooded paths. Plus, your vehicle must meet certain standards, including having a spark arrestor and a maximum noise output of 96 db. Drivers must have a permit, which costs $5.00 per day. When you tire of off-roading, there's no need to rush back to St. Louis; this Missouri gem has plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. Swim at one of the beaches, paddle across one of the four lakes, or explore nature trails by foot, bike, or horseback. You can even extend your stay in the great outdoors with campgrounds that cater specifically to ATVs, 4x4, and OVR vehicles.
Coyote ATV Trails - A Little Over an Hour SouthEast of St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis residents not wanting to travel far from home will appreciate this nearby park's ten miles of ATV riding, including hills to get them airborne and mud pits to get them nice and dirty. Whiz about the trees on a well-kept course perfectly suited for those newer to off-roading. Just make sure to stop by Pistol City Restaurant and Saloon to pay the entrance fee (and grab a delicious bite).
Mark Twain National Forest - 90 Minutes South From St. Louis, Missouri
Hop aboard your ATV or Bronco to see the best this Missouri treasure has to offer, spanning from wooded paths to expansive desert. One of the forest's highlights is Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Area, complete with 23 miles of OVR trails (and growing). Weave along thickly wooded paths, rocket over steep slopes, and enjoy the surrounding wilderness rich with wildlife. Just make sure to keep following the trails marked with numbers, heed the marked difficulty levels, and wear a helmet and operate a vehicle up to code. As is true with many of Missouri's off-roading trails, wider trucks and SUVs won't have the same access levels as ATVs. Only vehicles less than 50-inches wide can use this designated area. Mark Twain National Forest is a natural playground that offers other recreational fun outside off-roading. Hike to hidden waterfalls, float down a stream in an innertube, and camp under the stars.
Finger Lakes State Park - Two Hours West of St. Louis, Missouri
Nature overruns this former coal mining land to create the perfect rustic setting for letting loose aboard your ATV or motorbike. Enjoy a combination of dirt and paved paths that pass mounds and gullies perfect for jumping. Remember, you must buy your permit online prior to arriving at the park, something you can easily do online. When you're done with off-road adventures, continue your exploration of the state park by traversing its woodsy trails or paddling its waters. And yes, for those riders who want to extend their stay, Finger Lakes State Park offers campgrounds.
Remember to Stay Safe With Tips from Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
As car and truck enthusiasts ourselves, we're all about having fun at St. Louis car shows or enhancing our ride with cool accessories. However, we're also big proponents of safety. Therefore, make sure your vehicle stays well-maintained to best conquer the bumps and fun of off-roading near St. Louis.
