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

We forgot our fancy pillows at the cabin. My second hike of the 52 Challenge ended up being in Shawnee National Forest after a pillow rescue mission.

A week after we stayed at the cabin we took another scenic drive past endless cornfields, picked up the forgotten pillows, and went on another hike. Since this would only be a day trip, we stayed close to the area and tried out the Indian Point Trail tucked away off the road before you reach the often crowded Garden of the Gods.

This was a nice trail for the dogs and offered a lot of variety, including some beautiful green-tinged stone walls. A rather short hike but a good second hike for the challenge. As it is, I now have a few to makeup since the weather turned bitter and windy here in the Midwest.

Hike #2: Indian Point Trail

Length: 1.8 miles

Elevation gain: 209 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/illinois/indian-point-trail

Last weekend I made up a hike in the challenge to stay on track*, taking me to Hike 3! I went back to Cliff Cave Park since it had rained a lot overnight and knew the majority of the park is paved. I plan on hiking longer and only brought Gilbert. Jack is a little older and is done after about 3 miles. I planned on the 5 mile loop but the path was washed out about a mile in and I wasn’t sure how deep the water was to cross in just trail runners.

We ended up doing the short trail by the river that we explored last time then headed up to the overlook area. After cobbling together these sections we did about 4 miles which was a little less than planned but still a nice hike. It’s not the most exciting place to hike but it’s a short drive and a good place to still get out to even when there’s been a ton of rain.

This was also my first time taking my lightweight Cotopaxi sweater out on hike. It’s definitely a new favorite. They offer a lightweight version, which is what I got, or a thicker version, both made from a llama fiber. I decided to start with the lightweight version since I get hot easily and figured I could always layer underneath. You can get $20 off your first order **here.

*This post was part of my 2019 beginning 52 Hike Challenge which has since been tabled until next year.

**This post contains a referral link but is not a sponsored or affiliate post. Be assured I only share what I love and can help with any questions about any item I post 🙂