Cliff Cave County Park
Explore scenic Mississippi River views and diverse trails, from paved paths to natural woods, at this accessible county park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh green foliage
Cliff Cave County Park
Best Time
Fresh green foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore scenic Mississippi River views and diverse trails, from paved paths to natural woods, at this accessible county park.
"Beautiful park with nice paved trails right next to the gorgeous sunflowers, great scenic view of Mississippi River."
Bug Spray is a Must! :bug:
The wooded trails can be buggy, so pack repellent to enjoy your hike comfortably.
Trail Options Galore :hiking_boot:
Choose between easy paved paths or more challenging dirt trails for your adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Cave' Entrance
Near the paved pathway
Feel the temperature drop as you approach this natural wonder, a cool respite on a warm day.
Mississippi River Overlook
River Bluff Trail
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mighty Mississippi from this scenic vantage point.
Wooded Hiking Trails
Off the paved paths
Explore peaceful, natural trails where you might spot deer and enjoy the strength of ancient trees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Cave
Trail Variety & Bugs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Spray is a Must! :bug:
The wooded trails can be buggy, so pack repellent to enjoy your hike comfortably.
Trail Options Galore :hiking_boot:
Choose between easy paved paths or more challenging dirt trails for your adventure.
River Views :camera_with_flash:
Don't miss the scenic overlooks offering beautiful vistas of the Mississippi River.
Pack Water & Snacks :water_buffalo:
While there are trash cans, bringing your own refreshments is recommended for longer hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is a Must! :bug:
The wooded trails can be buggy, so pack repellent to enjoy your hike comfortably.
Trail Options Galore :hiking_boot:
Choose between easy paved paths or more challenging dirt trails for your adventure.
River Views :camera_with_flash:
Don't miss the scenic overlooks offering beautiful vistas of the Mississippi River.
Pack Water & Snacks :water_buffalo:
While there are trash cans, bringing your own refreshments is recommended for longer hikes.
Leash Your Dog :dog:
Keep dogs on a leash on paved paths; off-leash is okay on some unpaved trails if your dog is well-behaved.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cliff Cave County Park for its beautiful Mississippi River views and the variety of well-maintained trails, from paved paths to more natural hiking routes. The peaceful atmosphere and accessibility make it a great spot for outdoor recreation, though some note the presence of bugs on wooded trails.
"Great place to spend some quality time outdoors. Lovely hiking trails, paved or through the woods whichever you prefer. Plenty of parking at the bottom, just have to deal with a fairly active railroad crossing if you wanna walk up. Good views of the river and a very well-kept and clean park."
FFKDTP1
"Beautiful park with nice paved trails 😉 right next to marians place with the gorgeous sunflowers 🌻 great scenic view of Mississippi River"
Amy W
"Great walking spot, good hiking spot. If you come here, pee before. It’s a bathroom. No mirror, two stalls, but soap, working sink and toilet, and toilet paper so like you don’t really need more than that for a bathroom, right?
The walk itself was honestly super peaceful and nice. There’s a paved path, and then wonderful little off paths that are more hike-y. I saw a deer once, and I lowkey got scared because it had no fear. Why should I fear the fearless? It was quite a strange awakening, almost spiritual. The trees here are so loving and strong. There’s a pond somewhere, I found it once and it was swampy and nice.
My dog liked it here, and he got super muddy. I’m glad he did. He should have the agency to be free in nature. Also, I know you’re not supposed to, but on the off-paths I did take him off leash because he’s chill like that. On the paved path, I kept him on the leash.
There are garbage pails on the paved path, sporadic and maybe every mile or so. Great if you brought a Dunkin with you and need to throw it out.
Super clean, super good vibes, lots of parking, saw a bike pump, water fountain, etc etc. Nice overlook right at the start of the Mississippi river, too. Definitely coming back."
Madeline Erdman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cliff Cave County Park is conveniently located about a 25-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, making it an accessible day trip destination.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the bottom of the park.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.
Yes, there are bathrooms located in the parking area. They are described as having two stalls, soap, a working sink, toilet, and toilet paper.
Absolutely! Cliff Cave County Park offers free entry and free parking for all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cliff Cave County Park has free entry, so no tickets are required to explore its natural beauty.
While specific hours aren't always listed, county parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check with the park service for exact times.
The park offers natural grounds for picnics, but specific reservations for picnic spots are not typically mentioned. Arrive early for the best selection.
There is no entrance fee for dogs, but they must be kept on a leash on paved paths and can be off-leash on certain unpaved trails if well-behaved.
Cliff Cave County Park is open to all ages, making it a great destination for families and individuals alike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a variety of trails, including easy paved paths ideal for walking and biking, as well as more rugged, unpaved dirt trails for hiking.
The main cave is gated to protect bats, so direct entry is not permitted. However, you can approach the entrance and feel the temperature change.
Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, explore the cave entrance, and hike through wooded areas where wildlife like deer can be spotted.
Yes, the paved trails are well-suited for biking, offering a smooth and enjoyable ride with river views.
The park sometimes hosts events like guided runs or walks, so it's worth checking local listings or the park's official channels for upcoming activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mississippi River overlooks offer stunning panoramic shots. The natural wooded trails and the unique cave entrance also provide great photographic opportunities.
Definitely! The expansive views of the river and the natural terrain make it a prime location for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, if you're lucky, you might spot deer or other local wildlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone for photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The natural trails provide a bit more adventure, where kids can enjoy spotting wildlife like deer and experiencing the woods. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be spread out. The cave entrance, while gated, offers a cool spot to visit and can spark curiosity.
Bug spray is a must, especially during warmer months, to ensure a comfortable outing for everyone. 🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Owners
Dog owners will appreciate that the park is dog-friendly. While dogs must be leashed on paved paths, there's flexibility on some unpaved trails for well-behaved dogs to roam a bit more freely.
📸 Photographers
The natural light filtering through the trees on the wooded trails also creates beautiful, atmospheric shots. Don't miss the unique perspective of the gated cave entrance, which can lend an air of mystery to your photos.
Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna; spotting deer or interesting plant life can add captivating elements to your portfolio. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a more immersive nature experience, the park boasts unpaved, natural trails that wind through wooded areas. These trails offer a chance to connect with nature more deeply, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer. Redditors mention these paths can be more 'hike-y' and offer a sense of adventure.
When planning your hike, consider the time of year. Late spring and early summer are ideal for experiencing the fresh green foliage, making the wooded trails particularly beautiful.
The Enigmatic Cave
While you cannot enter the cave, visitors can still experience its presence. As you approach the gated entrance, many report feeling a noticeable drop in temperature, a refreshing sensation on a warm day.
This proximity allows you to appreciate the natural formation and its unique microclimate without compromising the ecosystem inside. For those interested in more in-depth caving experiences, it's important to note that Cliff Cave County Park is primarily for appreciating the natural landscape. Amateur spelunkers looking for more extensive cave exploration might need to seek out guided tours or other locations known for accessible cave systems, keeping safety and environmental regulations in mind.
Mississippi River Views
The River Bluff Trail is particularly noted for its scenic overlooks, offering panoramic vistas that are perfect for photography or simply quiet contemplation.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely walk on the paved paths or pausing during a more vigorous hike, the presence of the mighty Mississippi is a constant and beautiful backdrop. These river views contribute significantly to the park's appeal, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to connect with the natural beauty of the region. The expansive water and the surrounding landscape create a serene and picturesque environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit