Outdoor Recreation

You’ll need more than one weekend to do all you’ll want to do in Ste. Geneviéve, Missouri.

Besides the beauty that you’ll find in the scenic, European-esque architecture of Ste. Gen, you’ll also find ample amounts of extraordinary hikes and bikes that will quench that recreationist inside.  St. Louis trails advocacy group Trailnet hosts a gravel course bike race every year called the Ste. Gen Gravel Classic that includes up to 77 miles of biking trails that extends from our downtown area.  Follow the link to find the maps for those trails.  And that’s just one direction.  Head toward Magnolia Hollow on Sugar Bottom Rd. and access another massive network of pavement that will take you through hill country and drop you off at a perfect place to hike and view the Mississippi River.  Over the next few years, the city has plans to make these trails more visible and, in turn, accessible to anyone seeking a nice outing.

Look farther out into the limestone hills of the county, and the hikes get even better and the opportunity for camping under uninterrupted night skies really open up.  Hawn State Park is the main attraction, with Pickle Creek running right through the campground.  It’s the perfect spot to bring a picnic.  Travel down the creek until you find the perfect swimming hole, and stake your claim to relaxing, affordable day out in nature.  From Hawn, it’s easy to access other beauties like Pickle Springs Natural Area with its breathtaking overlook hike and Hickory Canyons Natural Area with its rushing waterfall.