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Your Guide to the Best Walking, Hiking, and Biking Trails Near St. Louis
For those who love the outdoors, finding new places to spend quality time enjoying nature and engaging in outdoor activities is a must. Trails are one of the most versatile places where visitors can spend their days outdoors and engage in a variety of activities, such as walking, hiking, and biking. Here at Westchester Village, OFallon, MOs favorite apartment community, we love to help residents discover new trails in and around St. Louis, which is why we put together this handy guide.
If you're wanting to plan an outdoor adventure, St. Louis is one of the best places to be! To help you plan for your next outdoor activity, we've compiled a list of the best trails in St. Louis.
Forest Park
If you're looking for an expansive trail, Forest Park should be at the top of your list. Founded in 1986, Forest Park is a private, nonprofit conservancy that partners with St. Louis to restore and maintain Forest Park, allowing it to hold the title as one of the best urban parks.Forest Park is a 1,300-acre park surrounded by woodlands, waterways, recreational areas, dual pathways, prairies, and beautiful landscapes. The park includes 30 miles of paths and trails, making it ideal for walking and biking.
There's also 2.5 nautical miles of waterway and 190 acres of Nature Reserve. If you plan to bring children, Forest Park has three playgrounds and a 17-acre Nature Playscape.
Who's this park best for?
This trail is great for walking and biking as their dual path has a separate paved surface for wheels and softer gravel for walkers. They also offer trails for running and those just looking to explore the area.
Lone Elk Park
For those interested in wildlife, Lone Elk Park is a great place to consider for your next outdoor adventure. This park is a wildlife management area consisting of 546 acres with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk, and deer. Note that if you plan to visit this park, pets are not allowed, even if they are confined to your vehicle.At Lone Elk Park, visitors can view the wild animals throughout the park or get some exercise by enjoying one of their trails. The park has two trails: Chubb Trail and White Bison Trail. Chubb Trail is 7 miles, and White Bison Trail is 4 miles. If you need to take a rest, there are two shelters, including White Deer Shelter and Ralph Foley Shelter.
Who's this park best for?
Lone Elk Park is great for walkers, bikers, and hikers. White Bison Trail is good for walking and hiking. This trail is unpaved with mostly dirt. Chubb trail is more rugged and hilly, making it a popular option for bikers and hikers.
Cliff Cave County Park
If you're looking for a park with historical significance, Cliff Cave County Park may catch your interest. Cliff Cave was given to John Baptise D. Gamache, one of the French founders of St. Louis, in 1749 in the Spanish Land Grant. Cliff Cave County Park has several amenities, including fishing in the Mississippi River, a reservable shelter, and several trails.If you're looking for a relatively shorter trail, Cliff Cave has two. The first trail is River Bluff Trail, which is 1 mile. The second trail is Spring Valley Trail, which is 1.8 miles. For those looking for a longer trail, try Cliff Cave's 7-mile paved trail called the Mississippi Greenway Trail.
Who's this park best for?
Cliff Cave County Park is great for walking, biking, or beginner hiking. River Bluff Trail and Spring Valley Trail offers a natural dirt path, where people walk, hike, or cycle. Mississippi Greenway Trail is a paved trail great for riding and walking.
Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail Head
There's no other place that combines art and nature like Laumeier Sculpture Park Trail Head. This unique trail provides art sculptures throughout the park. Laumeier offers a variety of walking pathways and trail hikes designed for a range of ages and abilities.First on the list is Laumeier's paved Central pathway, which can be accessed from the parking lot at the Main, Lower, and West entrances. Central pathway is a .064-mile loop that can be completed in 25 minutes on average. As you explore the trail, you'll see some of the park's most beloved sculptures.
Next is Laumeier's Art Hike Trail, which can be accessed from the Lower entrance's parking lots and spans 0.77 miles through Laumeier's Eastern Woodland. Visitors will see Laumeier's featured artwork, such as Jackie Ferrara's Laumeier Project, 1981, and the historic ruins of Mary Miss's Pool Complex: Orchard Valley, 1983–85.
If you're looking for a quick trail, check out their 0.15-mile Western Woodland Trail, providing visitors with a short 10-minute hike along the west side of The Way Field.
Who's this park best for?
Laumeier has varied paths, making it a great option for casual walkers and bikers. Central pathway is paved and ideal for walking. Woodland trails is a more natural dirt path great for bikers.
Fort Belle Fontaine
If you're looking for a beautiful trail to unwind in nature, Fort Belle Fontaine is a trail to check out. The park comprises 305.6 acres on the Mississippi River in North St. Louis County.Fort Belle Fontaine has four main areas: the Missouri River, Belle Fontaine Spring, Coldwater Creek, and a 50-acre upland prairie and wetlands. Fort Belle has an iconic grand staircase that was built as a WPA project. The staircase cascades down to the river, which offers a beautiful view for visitors.
Fort Belle also has a 3-mile trail made of rock called the Fort Belle Fontaine Trail for those who like to walk or bike while enjoying the beautiful views of nature and the river.
Who's this park best for?
Fort Belle Fontaine offers mostly gravel and rock-surfaced trails, but is great for walking, biking, and hiking. Walkers will enjoy their moderate 3-mile loop with historic ruins and river views. Casual bikers also enjoy this path due to its wide and relatively flat trail.
Find Your Dream Apartment Home in St. Louis
There you have it folks! We hope you find a trail to love within this list.
If you’re looking for your next home in St. Louis or the O’Fallon area, then visit us at Westchester Village. We offer cozy 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans that balance comfort, style, and spaciousness. Homes are fitted with a fully equipped kitchen, custom cabinetry, and private patio or balcony in select homes. Residents also gain access to exclusive amenities like the resort-style swimming pool, professional fitness center, enclosed dog park, and private lake. Schedule your tour today and discover your next home in St. Louis.