Take a Hike

Join the conservation department’s high-demand Hiking Club, or blaze your own trail with our web-only suggestions.

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Who would have thought one of the most exclusive clubs to get into in 417-land would be for hiking? Mark your calendar, and set an alarm. If you want to get into the Springfield Conservation Department’s monthly hike with the Hiking Club, timing is key. During the past five years, the guided hike has become so popular that when signup begins at 8 a.m. on the first day of every month, it’s usually at capacity within the first hour. “We probably turn down five or 10 people every month,” says Rudy Martinez, assistant manager at the Springfield Conservation Department.

The Hiking Club is free, and its volunteer guides lead the group (18 and older only) on about 12 different trails a year. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will post the upcoming month’s trail, which is usually three to five miles, and its level of difficulty on its website previous to the registration day. Martinez says if it’s moderately difficult, you’ll need to be reasonably in shape. Sturdy hiking shoes that support the ankles are recommended because the terrain certainly isn’t always even. The hike is day-long, so bring a day pack with a lunch and plenty of water. Call the Springfield Conservation Nature Center at 417-888-4237 to try to reserve a spot on the hike.

If you don't feel like hitting redial for an hour to try to save a spot in the Hiking Club, check a few do-it-yourself hikes on the next page that you'll online find online.