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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyDirt

Walking Fern Trail

Stanton, Missouri · Franklin County

Walking Fern Trail is a easy hiking trail near Stanton in Franklin County, Missouri.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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38.22868, -91.08410
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Walking Fern Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High86°F
Avg Low66°F
Peak Rain Chance37%
Humidity72%
UV (avg)5
Today
☁️
Overcast
95°/66°
🌬 7mph
6:05 AM8:16 PM
Fri
🌧
Rain
90°/71°
💧 22%🌬 13mph
6:06 AM8:15 PM
Sat
🌦
Light Drizzle
78°/67°
💧 37%🌬 14mph
6:07 AM8:14 PM
Sun
🌦
Light Drizzle
81°/64°
💧 19%🌬 12mph
6:08 AM8:13 PM
Mon
Partly Cloudy
86°/60°
💧 11%🌬 6mph
6:08 AM8:12 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Walking Fern Trail

Walking Fern Trail is a easy hiking trail near Stanton in Franklin County, Missouri.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Missouri

Trail conditions in Missouri change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Walking Fern Trail?

Walking Fern Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Walking Fern Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Walking Fern Trail?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Walking Fern Trail?

The surface is dirt. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Walking Fern Trail?

Missouri has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.