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 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

When you get a 66-degree day in February, you take it. After battling a respiratory infection the past weeks, this relatively easy hike took everything out of me. It was still the kickstart I needed to get back outside and I really enjoyed this hike.

Mastodon State Park is a short drive from St. Louis which makes it very accessible. The trail is actually 2 miles despite the AllTrails listing and then there is another loop you can add on to lengthen it. It’s a good workout due to the varied terrain and a chance to see some of the area’s beautiful limestone.

From here I plan on changing things up from my usual trails as it gets warmer and my time frees up a bit. Next week, I’ll be in Memphis and able to explore there a bit. I also have a camping trip planned in March that will take me back down to Shawnee to meet up with a friend who is also doing the 52 Hike Challenge.

Hike #3: Limestone Hill Trail

Length: 2 Miles

Elevation gain: 305 feet

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

If you can tell by my absence, the past few months were a bit of a black hole. While I was out hiking, I neglected posting about it due some forces in my personal life. After coming back from hiking Mt. LeConte (more about this soon!) I was let go from my job somewhat abruptly. This left me with a lot to think about but I’m happy to say I came out the other side with a new position and work schedule that will allow me more freedom to get outside during the day. Having mornings to myself with also allow me more time for blogging at my favorite coffee shop.

I’ll be sharing more on some of my outdoor goals for the year and expanding my content beyond single hikes. I have more to share and more conversations to get started.

This leads me to my first hike of the year which is also my first hike in the 52 Hike Challenge for 2020. I started the challenge before but had major difficulties getting out in the Midwest without a car and a reluctant hiking partner who did. I now have a used Subaru Forester and can’t wait to double up on adventures this year in Missouri and the surrounding area 🙂

My first hike in the challenge was on New Year’s Day in the Shawnee National Forest. Though a short trail, the Rim Rock Recreational Trail offers a fun side maze of trail through some large rock formations. I absolutely love Shawnee and try to get down there at least once a year since it’s only a couple hours drive.

The trail was greatly loved by our dogs who had been getting restless in the cold of the winter without any hikes or long walks.

We stayed at the coziest cabin only minutes from the trailhead which was the perfect place to decompress after an adventure. The Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins are situated on a small farm with a short hiking trail around the perimeter, some llamas, chickens, and a super goth looking goat I was in love with.

The cabins had all the basics needed including firewood, screened-in porches, and a coffee maker. I brought my own coffee but they did have Folgers available. We spent New Year’s here far from the fireworks and gunshots of St. Louis where we live, playing cards and hanging out with our dogs.

Hike #1: Rim Rock Recreational Trail

Length: 1.7 miles

Elevation gain: 360 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/illinois/rim-rock-recreational-trail