Onondaga Cave State Park
Onondaga Cave State Park Hiking Trails

Blue Heron Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: ½ mile One-Way
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Connecting the campground to the visitor center, this ½ mile trail will lead hikers along an oxbow lake that was created when the Meramec River cut a new channel and started flowing along a different course. The trail also passes Onondaga Spring, which is the natural entrance to Onondaga Cave. The site of the old Davis Mill can also be seen along the trail. During the spring and summer months, many brightly colored wildflowers are dotted along the bluffs and rocky glades along the way.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Visitor Center
  • Trail Markings: Blue Arrows
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Spring, Summer

Deer Run Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 2¾ miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 1½ - 2½ hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Starting at the amphitheater, near the campground, this nearly 3 mile looped trail will take hikers through cedar glades, mossy hills, and atop bluffs with panoramic views of the Meramec River valley. Steep bluffs and rocky outcrops along this moderate trail are worth the trip.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Amphitheater
  • Trail Markings: Green Arrows
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Oak Ridge Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 3¼ miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: 1½ - 3 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Winding through the forested hills of the park, the Oak Ridge Trail passes through oak-hickory forests, rocky glades, and crosses a few small wet-weather streams. During wet weather, small waterfalls can also be seen along the trail.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Campground, near site #17
  • Trail Markings: Red Arrows
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: