Hiking and Biking

Hiking and Biking

Hike and bike your way through Cape Girardeau on our trails!

Whether by foot or by pedal, you’re sure to enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities that can be found throughout the area.

Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail

If you’re looking for a paved trail to run, walk, bike, roller blade or jog right through the middle of Cape Girardeau, the LaCroix Recreation Trail is a perfect fit. Multiple access points let you tailor your mileage, and water fountains, benches and restrooms are found at certain points along the trail.

Trail Type: Out and back
Length:  5.67 miles
Trailhead Locations: Kingsway,Shawnee Soccer Fields
Map

Klaus Park Trail

Those who enjoy mountain biking need look no further. Perfect for all skill levels, bikers and trail runners will love the rugged terrain with challenging hills and turns. Upon entering Klaus Park the easiest point to get to this trail is located right behind Pavilion One.

Trail Type: Loop
Length: 3.2 miles
Trailhead Locations: Between Lexington Drive and Old Cape Road East
Watch Out For: Single path only, several large tree roots sticking up on this trail, along with the occasional fallen tree limb.
Map

Lake Trail at Trail of Tears State Park

The Lake Trail winds along the hilly shoreline of Lake Boutin and loops around one of the campgrounds at Trail of Tears State Park.  See if you can spy remains of old homesteads through the trees.

Trail Type: Loop
Length: 2.25 miles
Trailhead Location: Lake Boutin beach parking area near the boat ramp
Watch out for: The Lake Trail jogs off a bit, with a short section of Lake Boutin Campground Road used as part of the loop.
Map

 

Maple Hollow Trail

Tucked away in Cape County Park North, Maple Hollow Trail takes you through heavily wooded hills with interesting rock features and a meandering stream.

Trail Type:  Loop
Length:  1 mile
Trailhead Location:  Behind Shelter #3 in Cape County Park North
Map

Peewah Trail at Trail of Tears State Park

Ideal for a vigorous hike, horseback riding, or camping, the PeewahTrail weaves through the 1,300-acre Indian Creek Wild Area inside Trail of Tears State Park. With two different trail areas, East and West, visitors are sure to feel like they are in a new forest every few miles while hiking through valleys and high ridges that show a wide variety of plant life in each section.

Trail Type: Loop
Length: 9 miles Overlook Road
Trailhead Locations: Both East and West Trails entrance are located along Overlook Road.
Watch Out For: Steep grades, occasional water over the trail, low hanging vegetation, and drop-offs next to trail.                                                        Map

Riverfront Trail

Stroll, bike, skate and more along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi river on the Riverfront Trail! This trail is located on the river side of the floodwall and includes sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Recent improvements include a trail extension and enhanced lighting.

Trail Type: Out and back
Length: 1 mile
Trailhead Locations:  Floodgates at Broadway and Water Street and Water and Themis Street and MDC Red Star Access Point.
Watch out for: When the river hits flood stage, the Riverfront Trail is inaccessible.

 

Sheppard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park

Hiking this trail leads visitors to Sheppard’s Point, a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. This bluff has wonderful views for photography and watching bald eagles fly during the winter months.

Trail Type: Loop
Length: 3 miles
Trailhead Locations: Behind the Greensferry Shelter on Moccasin Springs Road
Watch Out For: Terrain is very rugged and steep in some areas, along with drop-offs next to the trail.
Map

White Oak Trace

Step onto this trail and be transported; trees soar overhead and provide a colorful canopy in the fall and a leafy green roof in the summer.  In the winter and spring, the silhouettes of the tree trunks provide their own impressive backdrop.  With different trails that all connect together, every time you hike White Oak Trace you’ll discover something new.  Ridgetop Trail is paved and 100% accessible from the trailhead at the Southeastern side of the Nature Center.  White Oak Trace conveniently connects the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center with the LaCroix Recreation Trail.

Trail Type:  Loop
Length: 0.25  mile – 1 mile
Trailhead Locations:  Southeast and Northeast of the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
Watch out for:  Avoid pets, jogging and biking per trail regulations.
Map

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