Wild, wet prairies and woods thrive at Pershing State Park
Explore more than 5,000 acres on 9 miles of trails in this unique biological environment.
Trail Pershing State Park
Overview
Northern Missouri is not well known to outdoor enthusiasts, but that only means it’s a well-kept secret. Rolling hills, forests and pristine prairies are worthy of exploration. Pershing State Park, near Laclede, Mo., is a scenic example of the prairie environment. Locust Creek flows in the midst of marshes, wetlands and riparian forest. The more than 5,000-acre park is home to 9 miles of trails, including a unique 1.6-mile boardwalk through a delicate wetland environment. Birds, reptiles and water-oriented mammals can be observed. Pershing State Park is home to the largest remaining wetland prairie in Missouri, measuring at about 1,000 acres. This generally flat and low-lying area makes for easy, but wild and scenic, hiking.
Length There are 9 miles of trails throughout the park.
Address and location Pershing State Park, 29277 Missouri 130, Laclede, MO 64651.
Distance The park is less than two hours from Downtown Kansas City, near Laclede, Mo.
Conditions The parks’ trails are natural surface and are generally well-marked and maintained. The boardwalk trail has a wooden surface, while all others are natural surface. The park’s longest hike, the 6-mile one-way Riparian Trail, is sometimes overgrown as you walk south. In summer, this could be problematic because of weeds, insects and ticks. Completing the full Riparian Trail is best in late fall, winter or early spring.
Camping Primitive camping is allowed on the Riparian Trail. The group must be less than seven people and camp 100 feet away from the trail, at least one-fourth mile from the trailhead or access point and 200 feet away from a lake or stream. The Riparian Trail is six miles long through Pershing State Park, but it continues into Fountain Grove Conservation Area. The conservation area only allows primitive camping at designated sites, none of which border the park.
Kid friendly? Trails are natural surface and not conducive to strollers. However, trails are moderate in difficulty and should be suitable for children who like to walk.
How busy? This park will be busier than usual during peak weather and on holidays. However, it’s generally moderately trafficked.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
