This summer, embrace nature in new ways—climb a wall, blaze a trail, paddle a river—and unwind in the great outdoors
by Mike Miller, Nicholas Phillips, Jenny L. Bird
Luke Church jumped out of a plane for the first time 14 years ago on a Saturday afternoon. It was so thrilling, he went back the next day and jumped three more times. Since then, Church has completed more than 7,000 jumps of varying degrees of intensity, while helping fellow skydivers get their fix. “It makes me feel like a superhero,” says Church, the co-owner of Skydive St. Louis. “It’s about as close to flying as you can get.”
1. ALTIMETER: Skydivers time the parachute pull according to altitude. When jumping from 13,500 feet, most deploy their chutes at 3,500 feet.
2. GOGGLES: To withstand the 120-mile-per-hour winds, skydivers need these to see.
3. CAMERA: To share your daredevilry with the world. “Some people joke that the helmet is just the mount for the camera,” Church says.
4. HELMET: No, it won’t protect you from a catastrophic fall, but it will protect your head from bumps during a formation jump.
5. PARACHUTE BACKPACK: Contains two chutes. The handle that deploys the main parachute is on the right side. The handle that activates the reserve parachute is on the left.
The designated drop zone where jumpers will land.
Altitude by which a parachute must be deployed.
When the last jump of the day is complete and it’s time to celebrate with a cold one.
Be curious. Just about anyone who is willing to try skydiving can make it happen. Church has overseen jumps for divers young and old, as well as those with physical disabilities.
Watch from the DZ. For newbies who are interested but have cold feet, Church recommends spending time at a drop zone watching other divers glide safely back to Earth.
Don’t sweat the landing. Parachutes have brakes that allow for soft touchdowns. “It’s really easy,” Church says, “like stepping off a curb. There’s really not much to it.”
Hannah Koberstein swears that she’s afraid of heights. But on her days off, you’ll find her outside, scrambling up huge boulders at Robinson Bluff, about an hour south of St. Louis. She’s an avid rock climber and a manager at Upper Limits climbing gym. The exhilaration that she finds when she conquers a new route up a rock face keeps her pursuing the sport.
1. ANCHOR: A fixed point of connection for a climbing rope, which can be at the top of the route or in bolts within a rock face.
2. CARABINER: A self-snapping metal loop that connects equipment components
3. QUICKDRAW: Also called a dogbone, this equipment consists of two carabiners connected by a short run of nylon. One side clips into anchors, while the other allows the rope to run freely.
4. CHALK BAG: A pouch with powdered magnesium to absorb moisture and improve grip
5. TRAGUR: Many climbers, including Koberstein, swear by the Crux pants created by this climbing clothing company, started by a
6. LA SPORTIVA SOLUTION COMPS: Koberstein’s climbing shoe of choice. St. Louis family.
A climber uses ropes and a harness to an anchor set at the top of a route.
A more advanced climbing style, in which a climber sets anchors into the rock while ascending.
A system that stops a climber from falling too far; it involves a rope, pulley device, and partner who exerts tension on the rope for counterbalance.
A crowd-sourced website where athletes share beta about routes, with info about more than 250,000 climbs.
The St. Louis climbing gym includes multiple locations, as well as opportunities for all skill levels and styles of climbing.
Likewise, this popular climbing gym offers multiple locations, including near Lafayette Square and in St. Charles.
This local company organizes climbing adventures for a range of skill levels.
An hour south of St. Louis, it’s Koberstein’s favorite nearby spot to climb outdoors.
Lake Aspen: You deserve a break. Book an A-frame at Innsbrook for a weekend, then get out on one of the lakes, where you can rent a canoe, fish, and swim.
Lake Lincoln: At the heart of Cuivre River State Park, near Troy, the 55-acre lake includes a designated beach and swimming area, as well as fishing and kayak rentals.
St. Joe State Park: A destination for off-roaders, the 8,243-acre park near Park Hills includes two beaches, at Monsanto and Pim lakes, for swimming or scuba diving.
Castor River Shut-Ins: An hour east of the more famous Johnson’s Shut-Ins, it’s the state’s only known pink granite shut-ins.
Carlyle Lake: Just an hour east, lllinois’ largest human-made lake boasts four beaches—McNair, Keyesport, Coles Creek, and Dam West—and is a popular destination for sailors.
Growing up in Massachusetts, Frank Ciccone bonded with his father while fishing the freshwaters of New England. He caught his first brook trout when he was 6 years old and developed formative memories standing alongside his dad and casting into the waters that he learned to love. When Ciccone was 13, his father died. Fishing no longer had quite the same pull. That is until four years ago, when Ciccone took a Father’s Day trip with his son to Westover Farms, a regional fly-fishing destination in Steelville, Missouri. All it took was one father-son trip for Ciccone to get hooked on fly fishing. Now, he’s excited for all of the bonding that he plans to do with his son in the years to come.
1. EYES: “A lot of new fly anglers feel like they need a lot of stuff,” Ciccone says. “The reality is, you just need the basics and the power of observation.”
2. GOPRO: Ciccone documents his fishing trips for his YouTube channel called Fish Hands Franky.
3. NET: The more modern the better to keep fish healthy for their release.
4. SUBMERSIBLE HIP PACK: These contain all of the essentials, including net holders, tippets, and extra reels.
5. LANYARD: A strap worn around the neck for easy access to various accessories. “I recently started wearing one so I don’t have to go into my pack every time I want to change a fly or work on my rig,” Ciccone says.
6. NIPPERS: Anglers need something to cut leader and tippet, which make the line connecting the fly look nearly invisible underwater. Toenail clippers will also suffice.
7. QUICK-DRYING CLOTHES: During warmer months, anglers will shed their waders and hop in the water and cast among the fish.
8. WADING BOOTS: To get to some of Missouri’s best fishing destinations, you’ll need to hike to the access point.
9. FLY BOX: Storage for varying fly patterns, of which Ciccone carries dozens at a time.
The classic approach of dropping bugs on top of the water and encouraging fish to rise and dine.
Artificial flies, which resemble subaquatic insects, are suspended beneath the surface of the water.
Larger flies, built to mimic baitfish (minnows, for example), are swung downstream to encourage big fish, such as trout, bass, catfish, and more.
Patronize a local shop. Store attendants are some of the best resources newbies can lean on for gear advice, trip recommendations, and more. Ciccone recommends T. Hargrove Fly Fishing Inc. in Brentwood.
Join online groups. Find the best spots while interacting with local anglers on Facebook.
Hire a guide. An experienced angler won’t just help you catch fish; they’ll teach you about the ecosystem, local fish food sources, and improve your fish-locating tactics.
Bennett Spring State Park (Lebanon)
The recreation area offers a diverse array of activities, including dry fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing. “It’s my personal favorite,” Ciccone says.
Maramec Spring Park (St. James)
Located an hour from St. Louis, this spot is home to the state’s fifth-largest spring and is a great place to go for rainbow trout.
Anyone who’s up for a 150-mile drive from St. Louis will find some of the state’s best trout fishing here.
The question seemed so straightforward. Twenty-two years ago, when a high school friend asked if he wanted to go to a party, Dan Lamping eagerly said yes. But this wasn’t some booze-fueled backyard bacchanal. The party, it turned out, was actually a weekend-long regional caving event attended by several hundred spelunkers. “I loved it,” says Lamping, who’s now president of the Missouri Speleological Survey Inc., a nonprofit that promotes cave research. “I immediately felt connected to the culture. This is original exploration. I can say that I’m the first person to have seen parts of the Earth.”
1. HEADLAMP: LED lights have changed the game, providing brighter views and offering longer battery life.
2. HELMET: Protect your head from unseen stalactites.
3. CAVING SUIT: The nylon outer layer retains warmth and keeps adventurers dry. Wetsuits are also commonly used, especially among cavers who know they’ll be wading through cold spring water.
4. GLOVES: Protect your hands and enhance your grip.
5. SRT GEAR: To repel into and climb out of caves, you’ll need Single Rope Technique equipment, like rappelling devices.
6. KNEEPADS: Even if a cave is billed as walkable, prepare for the inevitable crawlspace.
Pack three light sources. In total darkness, a loss of light could be disastrous. Bring a backup for your backup.
Explore in groups of at least four people. That should also include someone on the surface who knows when the party is expected to exit the cave. If something goes awry, that person is the lifeline.
Get permission. Because so many caves are located on private land, it’s crucial for cavers to make sure they’re welcome. “When people try to access sites where they don’t have permission, that winds up being detrimental to the caving community as a whole,” Lamping says.
5 area trails with a view, for all skill levels
Pere Marquette State Park: Although relatively short, the 1.5-mile Goat Cliff Trail offers three scenic overlooks, including McAdams Peak, high above the Illinois River near Grafton.
Cliff Cave Park: The cave itself is gated to protect the endangered Indiana bats, but the park’s Mississippi River Trail offers plenty of other sights, including a scenic overlook.
Castlewood State Park: Climb the bluffs (the park’s so-called “castles”) along the 3.25-mile River Scene Trail for breathtaking views of the Meramec River Valley.
Weldon Spring Conservation Area: The Lewis and Clark trails wind through the woods along the blufftops above the Katy Trail, offering picturesque views of the Missouri River.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Take the 9.2-mile trail loop to the viewing platform at the confluence. (Bonus: The sunflower fields are an Insta-lover’s dream.)
When Anthony Beasley was growing up in Illinois, the one thing that he knew about the Missouri and Mississippi rivers was that they were dangerous. “They’ll kill you,” he heard—and he believed it. But as an adult, Beasley began to get more involved with outdoor activities, namely hiking, backpacking, and camping. Four years ago, he took up kayaking. In 2020, he went on a five-day, 100-mile river trip that ended at the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. The experience changed his life.
1. DRY BAG: The waterproof sack helps keep essentials from getting wet.
2. BLADE: The wide part of the paddle that helps propel a boat forward.
3. PFD: Personal flotation device, or life jacket—find one that’s Coast Guard approved.
4. COCKPIT: The section of the kayak where the paddler sits.
5. KAYAK MODEL: Touring kayaks like Beasley’s are typically 12–16 feet long. The kayak he has his eye on next is a Wilderness Systems 14.5-foot model.
6. SKIN COVERING: No matter how hot it is, Beasley wears a light, long-sleeve shirt for sun protection. Also essential: sunscreen and bug repellent.
7. HULL: The bottom of the kayak.
8. HATCH: A storage compartment in a kayak. With plenty of room for cargo and lids that close, it’s indispensable for longer tours.
9. PORTAGE: To carry a kayak over land to avoid rapids or connect to a different waterway.
One of Beasley’s favorite spots to paddle in Missouri. It’s a three-hour drive from St. Louis, but the clear and cold spring-fed water is worth it.
The app shows kayakers how to avoid commercial traffic on the river.
This popular app shares water levels and river conditions.
The place where Beasley took his first kayaking class, Alpine Shop has a well-informed staff who can share helpful kayaking advice.
The store offers a range of gear, and knowledgeable employees can help you get started.
The St. Louis river outfitter opened a new store in the Central West End in 2021. Have you ever dreamed of floating the Mississippi past the Arch at dusk? They can help.
The nonprofit supports the protection and improvement of Missouri’s waterways. Its fundraiser river trip, Paddle MO, was Beasley’s life-changing 100-mile tour.
As a high school track athlete growing up in India, Shalini Bhajjan never dreamed of running ultra distances (up to 100 miles). After having children and hitting middle age, though, she craved time to herself and began to train more seriously. In 2014, she founded Terrain Trail Runners, which developed into the beating heart of the burgeoning St. Louis trail and ultra-running community. With race-directing and coaching chops as well as podium finishes among her 24 ultra-distance races, Bhajjan turned her hobby into a way of life.
1. BLADDER: Hydration is key for ultra runners, and a hydration pack, also known as a bladder, is a necessity. In a typical race, Bhajjan carries a 1.5-liter bladder; longer runs require a 3-liter bladder.
2. GELS: When running for 24 or so hours (that’s how long a 100 miles can take), the body burns its store of carbohydrates. That’s when energy gels, specially formulated to efficiently deliver simple sugars, can help.
3. COROS APEX MULTISPORT GPS WATCH: Battery life is crucial for accessing data while distance running.
4. 50K: Though anything above a 26.2-mile marathon is considered an ultra distance, the 50K (31.069 miles) is the entry-level race for most ultra runners.
5. DROP BAGS: Before a race, runners will often stash supplies at set points along a route. Bhajjan says they must assume total self-reliance on longer courses.
6. SHOES: Bhajjan estimates that she has 30 or so pairs of running shoes. She retires a pair when its mileage hits 300.
The running group welcomes all for Sunday group runs. Beginners can run just a portion of the trek and step out whenever they’d like.
The popular West County park is the perfect spot for trail-running novices.
Bhajjan recommends the area for runners looking for a more advanced challenge with elevation.
A subscription to this website and a smartwatch can help keep athletes on the right path.
Terrain Trail Runners hosts this race in June. It’s ideal for starters, with little elevation on the course, as well as 10K, six-hour, and nine-hour options available.
5 places to work up a sweat—and then cool down with a drink
Pickleball & Pints: St. Louis’ hottest sport and a new brew spot collide in Francis Park, which has several pickleball courts located adjacent to the popular Rockwell Beer Garden.
Stroll & Sip: After a jaunt along Grant’s Trail, take a break at The Barn in Crestwood, and enjoy a bloody mary on the porch overlooking historic Sappington House.
Links & Lager: Play 18 holes at the acclaimed Annbriar Golf Course, near Waterloo, Illinois, and then take a short drive to Hopskeller Brewing Company for lunch.
Pedal & Pinot: Rent a bike from Kickstand Augusta, ride the Katy Trail, and unwind on the patio at Montelle Winery before the return trip—and another stop at Mount Pleasant Estates.
Dogs & Drinks: Let your pooch play at Tails & Trails Dog Park in Queeny Park (where it’s $5 for a day pass), and then head to the wraparound patio at nearby Wild Crush Wine Bar(n).
Trey Kerby learned to surf while stationed near the ocean as a U.S. Marine. When he returned home to the Ozarks, he decided to give stand-up paddleboarding a try on the James River, south of Springfield. Soon he was hooked on “river SUP.” “It’s like you’re walking on water,” he says. “You’re connected to the elements of nature.” Kerby and his buddy John McCart liked it so much, they launched a board company called ORW.
1. SUP: The stand-up paddleboard shown here is inflatable, but you can also get a solid one with a foam core. Longer boards move faster and straighter.
2. PADDLE: SUPers use single-blade, telescoping oars that you can adjust to fit whether you’re standing or kneeling.
3. LEASH: Helps prevent separation from the board. If you use a leash, make sure it has a quick-release attachment to decrease the risk of entanglement.
4. HELMET: Although it’s not necessary while learning technique on a lake, a helmet is a must-have on Ozark rivers that feature rapids, branches, and boulders.
5. LIFE JACKET: Type III is a common choice for water sports. Jackets with room at the sides help avoid arm chafing while paddling.\
The outdoor sport of moving down a river on a stand-up paddleboard.
To fall off your board into the water. Depending on the circumstances, retrieving the board downstream may result in a “walk of shame.”
Submerged tree roots, branches, or trunks that let river water pass through but a human or board cannot. Can be dangerous.
Phillips is St. Louis Magazine's senior editor. Like this story? Want to share other feedback? Send Phillips an email at nphillips@stlmag.com.
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