Lewis and Clark Trailhead Weldon Spring Conservation Area, Defiance MO

This is one of our favorite local trails! This is true for MANY people and it is often very crowded. Many people use it for trail running as well. We like to hike from this trailhead in the Fall and Winter. The bugs are lessened then and that makes the hiking much better. If you are going to come out in the Summer, wear your bug spray. Always bring your camera because there is always something beautiful to see. You can see our full hike on Happy Trails Hiking on YT.

Hiked this morning, it was beautiful! Took the shorter trail (About 5.2 miles). Great views, not too strenuous, nicely marked path. Would definitely go again!

Great trail for hiking or running (no bikes allowed). Lots of peak and valley crossings create good elevation challenges without being overly tough.

It was physically challenging, yet not too 'grueling'. The view (s) of the river below are a plus. Definitely going back!

Awesome trail for hikers of all skill levels or just a picnic. Dont forget bug spray or you will be sorry!

Wonderful trails kept in the greatest of shape. There are multiple trails, varying in length, starting with a 5 mile up to an 8 mile. Portions of the trail are underwater due to floods (6/11/19) so you would have to turn around and walk back, but combined still make about 4 miles on the 5 mile. Beautiful outlooks off a cliff towards the Missouri River. Great place to exercise or do practice hikes.

Lewis and clark trails are very nice. They get alot of foot traiffic and trail runners, but it has over 10 miles of trails so it does not feel crowded.

Muddy as expected but love this trail. But bring lots of bug spray since it us wet bugs were horrible.

The 8 Mile route is in excellent shape with the tree canopy thickening with beautiful purple and white ground cover flowers. Be prepared and use mosquito repellent.

I have been going here to hike for many years now. Some of the negative reviews I have read here are puzzling. From the enterance you can hike 1.25 mile to some bluffs overlooking the Missouri River with great views - so you can do relatively short 2.5 mile hike if you just want to go the bluffs and back. There are two loops - a 5 mile loop and a 8 to 9 mile loop. Neigther of the loops are flat. The loops will take you to a number of different bluffs overlooking the river. The trails are generally well marked except in one area in a creek bed. In the summer months you may want to put on some bug spray because the horse flys can get pretty bad.

One of my favorite places to go with my daughter and go hiking always friendly people and usually plenty of parking.

Gorgeous hike. Hilly, but not bad and definitely worth it with river bluff views and beautiful hilltops

Great trail. We did the Clark Trail and it was a great afternoon hike. It's just under 5.5 miles. You can also go about two to go down to the river for a nice view.

Great trails. Not stroller friendly, although we successfully navigated one the first time. Beautiful views, nice amount of challenge. Love the wildlife here!

Fantastic trails with awesome views. These trails are well maintained by the MO Dept of Conservation

Did a 5 mile run. Path was well established. Dirt path with roots and stones in places (as expected). Wide enough that vegetation was not brushing us. 4 or 5 large hills. Nice views 2-3 miles in. We went in the early morning on a week day so we cleared the spider webs for others later. I hate spiders, especially on my face. Nice run though.

Awesome public Access area. 8miles of well maintained trails. Information kiosk with brochure that contains nature info and map of area.

We love trail running here. Beautiful and challenging with views of the river. Gets very crowded early and no bathrooms. Enjoy!

Great 5.3 miles trail. Takes about 2.5hrs with breaks. We went in the peak summer and it was nice, but in the fall and spring, I believe it will be wonderful.

Best trail in the metro area. Two different loops that both start and end at the same spot. One is 5.5 miles and the other 8.5. Heavily wooded and very hilly. Single trail width most of the time. Scenic views high on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. Very technical and lots of wildlife throughout. No bikes or horses allowed.