Embracing Fitness in the New Year: Hiking Pere Marquette, Cycling Orchard Farm, Boschert Greenway and The Katy Trail
As the New Year approaches, many of us reflect on past resolutions and set new goals for health, fitness, and well-being. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just beginning your fitness journey, incorporating outdoor activities into your routine can offer a refreshing and fulfilling way to stay active.
In the heart of Missouri, four prime outdoor destinations—Pere Marquette State Park, Orchard Farm area, the Boschert Greenway and the Katy Trail—present a wealth of opportunities for hiking and cycling that can help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025. These locations offer scenic landscapes, varying levels of difficulty, and access to unique ecosystems, all while providing great cardiovascular exercise.
1. Hiking Pere Marquette State Park: A Nature-Fueled Fitness Experience
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Pere Marquette State Park is one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in Illinois, offering a combination of rugged terrain and panoramic views. For those seeking a way to improve cardiovascular fitness and strengthen muscles, hiking at Pere Marquette is an exceptional choice. The park features a wide range of trails, making it accessible for hikers of all levels.
The park’s popular trails, like the Ridge Trail and Ravine Trail, vary in difficulty and length, allowing for a customizable hiking experience. These trails meander through dense woodlands, alongside streams, and up steep bluffs that offer incredible vistas of the river valley below. Hiking these challenging terrains helps improve endurance and leg strength, while also offering an excellent opportunity to build core stability as you navigate uneven surfaces.
In addition to the physical benefits, the serene environment of Pere Marquette offers mental and emotional benefits as well. The natural beauty of the park—complete with its towering trees, wildlife, and panoramic views—provides a calming and restorative effect. This combination of physical activity and nature immersion makes hiking Pere Marquette an ideal fitness activity for the New Year.
2. Cycling the Orchard Farm Area: A Scenic, Local Ride
For cyclists looking to explore a more local route that provides scenic views and a mix of terrain, the Orchard Farm Area in St. Charles County, Missouri, offers a perfect setting. The rural landscape and tranquil roads make this a favorite spot for cyclists of all levels. This region is known for its agricultural fields, winding roads and quiet atmosphere, allowing riders to experience the countryside while reaping the fitness benefits of cycling.
Cycling the Orchard Farm Area helps improve cardiovascular health and endurance, as the rural roads provide a mix of flat stretches and gentle hills. Depending on your route, cyclists can enjoy the relatively easy pace of riding through rural farmlands or challenge themselves with some moderate climbs by heading over to Calhoun County. The relatively low traffic volume in the area adds to the appeal, as it ensures cyclists can ride at their own pace without worrying about road congestion.
Cycling, in general, is an excellent full-body workout that targets the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves, while also engaging the core and improving overall balance. For anyone looking for an accessible, scenic route that’s not too far from the city, cycling the Orchard Farm area is a fantastic way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors in 2024.
3. Cycling the Boschert Greenway: Connecting Fitness with Urban Exploration
The Boschert Greenway in St. Charles, Missouri, is a hidden gem for cyclists who want to experience a more urban-based cycling route while still enjoying the outdoors. This multi-use trail is perfect for those who want to incorporate cycling into their daily routine without venturing too far from the city. The Boschert Greenway connects various parts of St. Charles, making it an excellent way to explore different neighborhoods while getting in a great workout.
Cycling along the Boschert Greenway is not only an enjoyable way to boost your cardiovascular fitness but also allows for a more leisurely ride compared to rural cycling routes. The paved trail follows a scenic levee route, residential and commercial areas. The relatively flat terrain makes this trail suitable for cyclists of all levels, whether you’re looking for an easy ride or something to kickstart your fitness routine.
What makes the Boschert Greenway particularly appealing for fitness enthusiasts is its accessibility. As the trail runs through various areas of St. Charles, it allows for easy access from several points in the city, making it ideal for those who want to fit in a quick workout during the day. The ability to cycle without having to drive far to reach the starting point makes it a convenient fitness activity for busy individuals.
4. Cycling the Katy Trail: Missouri’s Iconic and Extensive Route
For those seeking a longer and more challenging cycling route, the Katy Trail is one of the most popular and scenic long-distance trails in the Midwest. Stretching 240 miles across Missouri, from Clinton to Machens, the Katy Trail follows the route of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad. It offers cyclists an immersive experience in Missouri’s natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from riverfront views to expansive farmland and forests.
The Katy Trail provides cyclists with the unique opportunity to explore a variety of terrains while staying relatively flat for the most part, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cyclists. The flatness of the trail allows for a steady pace, while the distance provides a solid challenge for cyclists looking to build endurance and stamina.
Cycling the Katy Trail offers numerous fitness benefits, from increased cardiovascular health to strengthened lower body muscles. Since the trail runs through both urban and rural areas, cyclists can enjoy a range of experiences, from quiet, rural landscapes to historic towns and charming small cities. The Katy Trail is also great for cycling events and organized rides, making it a social and community-oriented activity.
For those with a goal to cycle a longer distance in the New Year, the Katy Trail presents an ideal challenge. Whether you cycle the entire trail or choose to ride sections over multiple trips, the trail provides a rewarding experience that blends fitness with exploration.
As the New Year begins, there’s no better time to prioritize your fitness and health by stepping outside and exploring the beauty of the 370 Valley.