A hiker's paradise close to home.

by Contributor

Where to Go
Urbanites (or suburbanites, for that matter) who are looking for a way to leave the city behind but who have something to do the next day should plan a day trip to Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit. You'll find this pristine nature preserve operated by the Missouri Botanical Garden 35 miles southwest of St. Louis on Interstate 44.

What You'll See
There are 2,400 acres of woods, marvelous river bottomlands and bluffs. Fifteen miles of hiking trails lead through wildflower glades, past hidden forest ponds, along the banks of the Meramec River and to the manor house, an Italianate Victorian house preserved on the grounds as an interpretive center. Picnic tables are available near the entrance of the reserve.