A Walk in the Park

I grew up in the woods of House Springs, Mo, so it should come as no surprise that I spend the majority of my free time searching out great parks within the St. Louis region. This quest has become not only a hobby of mine, but a passion. As the leaves change into a kaleidoscope of colors and the wind invites you into the embrace of beautiful weather, take a moment from your studies to enjoy one of the greatest seasons in some of the best St. Louis parks

Castlewood State Park

This kingly park is a favorite for many individuals. On any average visit you may see hikers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, equestrians, fishermen, dog walkers and families. The park’s setting is varied enough to satisfy any personality. The network of extensive trails sweep along the Meramec River, tower upon steep bluffs, and wind through dense forests. Castlewood is a great local park to get your legs moving with an intense hike, or rejuvenate your mind with its peaceful atmosphere.

"Castlewood is pretty, has great views...the serenity is everything I need to relax after a stressful study session," said Amber Bueter, fourth-year physical therapy student. "I like to climb the trails along the bluffs and look out over the river; it helps me get away from my life of constant tests and assignments."

From Maryville University:

• Take 141 S to exit on Big Bend Rd – turn right – follow for 2.3 mi.
• Left onto Reis Rd. – follow to end (1 mi)
• Left onto Kiefer Creek Rd. – enter park

Route 66 State Park

This area, once known as the resort community of Times Beach, provides a diverse landscape for visitors to explore. Because of its location along the Meramec River, the trails of these flat lands traverse among wooded sections, through prairie grass fields and around small wetlands. The looped trails, which are mostly paved or crushed gravel, are perfect for cyclists, roller skaters, runners, walkers, equestrians and families with small children (I have also seen search and rescue teams as well as police K-9 units train here in the fields). Route 66 is a great park for anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor setting without the stress of difficult terrain.

From Maryville:

• Take 141 S to exit I-44 West
• I-44 W to exit 264 – Eureka
• *NOTE* Do not exit onto exit 266 as signs indicate; the Outer Rd bridge into Route 66 State Park is closed permanently
• Turn left onto 109
• Make immediate left back onto I-44 East
• Exit 265 – Williams Rd.
• Immediate left onto Outer Rd – enter park (to access main parking, make first left under bridge the right at stop sign)

Creve Couer Lake Park

Located less than 10 miles from Maryville, this park provides miles of paved (and some crushed gravel) loop trails around Creve Couer Lake, a 320-acre oxbow lake that was once part of the Missouri River. The park truly offers an active landscape for more than just runners, walkers, or cyclists. When the weather is ideal, the lake is spotted with kayaks, sailboats, windsurfers and rowers. The setting of Creve Couer Lake Park allows for the merge of every lifestyle.

From Maryville:

• Take 141 N to Olive Blvd - merge right
• Left onto Creve Couer Mill Rd.
• Continue right onto Creve Couer Mill Rd.
• There are three parking/trailhead options:
• Left into parking lot of Lakehouse restaurant
• Continue on Creve Couer Mill Rd. to right on Maryland Heights Expy. – continue to right on Marine Ave. – boathouse parking on left
• Further on Marine Ave. parking on right

Rockwoods Range/Rockwoods Reservations/Greensfelder - Green Rock Trail

Each of these three parks contains a fabulous network of trails, but there is one trail that dominates them all; Green Rock Trail. The 14.5 mile one-way trail travels through the connecting parks. The terrain of the trail mimics that of the Ozark range and provides the opportunity for hikers to enjoy a beautiful within the wilderness.

These are only a few of the many parks located within the St. Louis region. For more options, visit some of these sites for more information.

• Trailnet
• STLBiking
• American Trails