Since the Pandemic has gone into full force, I haven’t been hiking. I still hold out hope that things will get back on track later this summer. To mark these months though, I’ll count my neighborhood, 1-mile walks as one of my 52 Hikes.

I live in an urban area full of brick buildings and a few brick streets. Luckily, there’s also a small park a couple blocks away. I feel safer in the woods than in my neighborhood but it will do for now.

Hike #7: Marquette Park & neighborhood

Length: ~1 mile

Elevation gain: 0- 50 feet

AllTrails: none

I went to one of my most frequented trails on Sunday for hike 6. It was a relief to get out and take our minds off the virus concerns. Of course, we partially chose this trail as it’s not often crowded. We also practiced distancing on the trail when passing others.

Since then I’ve canceled my upcoming camping trip to avoid coming in contact with the small towns surrounding Shawnee National Forest. This may be overkill since the campsite itself does not have communal spaces and is self check-in but we still felt it was the responsible thing to do.

In the coming weeks I still plan on hiking as much as possible in less populated areas and enjoy the bits of green coming out as we approach Spring.

Hike #6: Limestone Hill Trail

Length: 2 Miles

Elevation gain: 305 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/limestone-hill-trail

Hike 5 was only a short section of the Lime Kiln Trail. It’s not a long trail at all but my allergies left me no choice but to turn around. Sometimes a mile might feel disappointing but we at least got out on a beautiful day with the dogs.

After some new allergy meds and a few days at the gym, I’ll be ready again for my upcoming camping trip back in beautiful Shawnee.

Hike #5: Lime Kiln Trail

Length: 1 mile out of 2.9 miles

Elevation gain: 354 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/missouri/lime-kiln-trail

Hike 4 of the 52 Hike Challenge was more a nice walk than a hike but still a few miles. We didn’t do the entire trail as my older dog was getting tired but did about 3 miles. Out and back trails require knowing when to turn around.

This hike was a couple weeks ago on an unusually sunny February day. There should me more to come as it creeps towards Spring. I should also note that this trail was paved and has the potential to flood at times.

Things have been slow around here but I’m headed back to Shawnee for some camping in a couple weeks 🙂

Hike #4: Meramec Greenway Trail

Length: 3 miles

Elevation gain: 45 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/meramec-greenway-trail