Dardenne Greenway

Barathaven

Description

While it extends through a residential area and is near some commercial development, it feels rural and offers lots of green, open space to explore and enjoy.
It is part of the surrounding 80-acre Barathaven Park. Part of the greenway winds around a 15-acre lake, and along the way you will see new wetlands that have been created to enrich the habitat of native animals and plants.
You can enjoy quiet and calming views of Dardenne Creek, stop and have lunch at a picnic table or sit on a bench to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Be sure to pay attention to the lovely native Missouri plantings that were specially selected not only for their hardiness and beauty, but also to provide privacy to neighboring homes.
Check out the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Dardenne Greenway: Barathaven

Getting There

There are two trailheads on either side of Henning Road in Dardenne Prairie near the Barathaven Community. If you live in Barathaven, you can walk to explore this greenway that is right in your backyard!

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. The section around BaretHaven Lake is managed by the City of Dardenne Prairie Parks Department. The section around the prairie in progress at Bluebird Meadow is the City of Dardenne Prairie Parks Department and Great Rivers Greenway. Please be sure to follow all posted rules and regulations while you are living life outside!

Things to Do

Boat

You can kayak or canoe on the lake in the Barathaven community.

Fish

You can fish at the piers located around the lake in the Barathaven community.

See Wildlife

This greenway is a regular stop for geese and other large birds.

Trail Details

4.13 Miles

There is a 4.13-mile paved trail that loops through residential areas within the Barathaven development in Dardenne Prairie. Walk, ride or run along this mostly flat trail that offers both sun and shade.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Parking

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

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Centennial Greenway

Forest Park to Washington University to Vernon

Description

It links together some of our city’s most treasured places and cultural institutions, including Forest Park, Washington University, historic neighborhoods and the Delmar Loop, which was named one of the top 10 Great Streets in America.
See the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Centennial Greenway: Forest Park to Washington University to Vernon

Getting There

This greenway begins on the Washington University campus at the intersection of Skinker Boulevard and Forsyth Boulevard. You can also get to this greenway at the intersection of Delmar Boulevard and Melville Avenue. If you are visiting the Delmar Loop, a student at Washington University, enjoying Forest Park, or live nearby, you can easily walk to this greenway.

This greenway is managed in cooperation with Washington University and University City, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. Please be sure to follow all posted rules and regulations while you are living life outside!

Things to Do

Boat

You can rent a paddleboat at The Boathouse in Forest Park.

Dine

There are several places to dine in Forest Park and on the Delmar Loop.

Explore History

You can explore history at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. You can also learn about famous St. Louisans on the Delmar Loop Walk of Fame.

Fish

You can fish at many of the lakes and lagoons located in Forest Park.

Grill

There are places you can grill out located throughout Forest Park.

Play

Forest Park is full of places to play. Check out the City of St. Louis website for more information

See Wildlife

Check out the wildlife at the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park.

Trail Details

1.35 Miles

This 1.35-mile paved trail extends from Skinker and Forsyth boulevards at Forest Park and heads west through the campus of Washington University. It passes the Olin Library and crosses over Forest Park Parkway via a pedestrian bridge.
The trail continues north on Kingsbury to Delmar Boulevard where it connects to a pedestrian plaza that features a life size statue of St. Louis’ own “Father of Rock and Roll” Chuck Berry. Beyond the Plaza , the trail continues north along Ackert Walkway through University City’s Parkview Gardens neighborhood.
Along the way, this trail provides a flat and shady walk or bicycle ride. You will pass by historic homes and once you arrive on Delmar Boulevard, can enjoy a meal at one of The Loop’s popular restaurants or simply sit and enjoy a cold drink or coffee. There are plenty of bike racks along the way that make it easy to park your bike and explore!  You can also access the Delmar Metrolink Station and connect to places around the region.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Playground

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

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Missouri Greenway

Monarch Chesterfield Levee

Starting February 10, 2025, through late June 2025, a 220-foot section of the Monarch-Chesterfield Levee trail will be closed to allow essential upgrades and infrastructure improvements to a stormwater pump station in Chesterfield Valley. This station helps remove stormwater from the levee-protected area, and these improvements will enhance drainage and flood protection.

During construction, trail users can access the trail on both sides of the closure. However, you will not be able to travel between the John. L LeCave Memorial Trailhead and the Katy Trail. For your safety, please respect all signage and construction barriers. The City of Chesterfield thanks you for your patience while these necessary improvements are completed!

Check out the map to see exact location of closure.

Date posted: 01/29/2025

Description

A 5.6-mile segment is now complete from TOPGOLF St. Louis to the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex and over the Missouri River to connect with the Katy Trail and the Busch Greenway. You can also follow the greenway in the other direction 3 miles to Centaur Road. A 2-mile segment has also been completed on the Monarch Levee from Long Road to Baxter Road.  A small parking lot is available off Eatherton.

Now that the bridge is open, there are 10.6 miles of trail built in this greenway!

Check out the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Missouri Greenway: Monarch Chesterfield Levee

Getting There

You can get to this greenway by taking I-64 into the Chesterfield Valley.

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. The segment from TopGolf to Howell Island is manaed by City of Chesterfield. The segment from Howell Island to John LeCave Trailhead is the City of Wildwood.

Things to Do

Boat

You can kayak or canoe on the lake in River’s Edge Park.

Dine

You can access the dining options located in the St. Louis Premium Outlets in Chesterfield. Check out a list of dining options on their website. You can also check out The District in Chesterfield.

Fish

You can fish on the lake in River’s Edge Park. You can also access the Missouri River to fish from this park.

Play

You can play on the playgrounds in the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex.

See Wildlife

You can enjoy observing wildlife at River’s Edge Park.

Trail Details

11.09 Miles

This is a very flat, sunny trail great for exercising! There are some benches and shade structures along the way for respite.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Playground

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

Share Your Story

Missouri Greenway

Earth City Levee

Note that the middle section of the trail in Riverwoods Park (parallel to the Missouri River) is permanently closed due to multiple flooding events. You can still walk, bike or run on the rest of the greenway, but will need to turn around at the points of closure. And don’t worry, you can still enjoy sweeping views of the river and historic St. Charles on the other side!  Click here for a map of the closure.

Description

The greenway is mostly flat and offers shade in the portion that travels through Bridgeton’s Riverwoods Park. You can enjoy the hardwood forest, wetlands and up-close views of the river. There are also restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic tables to make a day of it! The greenway continues along the the Earth City Levee, where you can walk, ride and get some fresh air in the sunshine all the way to the parking lot just past the Highway 370 bridge. You can also stop and rest on a bench or enjoy a picnic at one of the tables at the Riverwoods Park Trailhead.
Check out the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee

Getting There

The trailhead in Riverwoods Park is located near the intersection of Earth City Parkway (Highway 141) and St. Charles Rock Road.

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. The segment of greenway in Riverwoods Park is managed by the City of Bridgeton.

Things to Do

See Wildlife

The Missouri River and the wetland forests in Riverwoods Park attract a wide variety of wildlife.

Trail Details

4.70 Miles

This 4.7-mile paved trail is mostly sunny with close to 3 miles of shade in the portion through Riverwoods Park. Due to multiple flooding events, the middle section of the Riverwoods Trail along the Missouri River is now permanently closed. The greenway within the park is still open as an out-and-back path, but you will need to turn around at the points of closure. It is a quiet and peaceful trail tucked away along the Missouri River. It is a great trail for young children to ride their bikes or walk because it is flat and less crowded. It will appeal to anyone looking for a quiet, more rural paved trail for walking or bike riding. On the northern end of the greenway at 370, you can connect to a new separated walking and biking lane that will take you over the Missouri River where you can connect to the KATY Trail.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Parking

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

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Mississippi Greenway

Jefferson Barracks Park to River City Casino

Description

You can explore the many trails crisscrossing Jefferson Barracks Park, visit two museums and watch the barges as they make their way up and down the river. Or, if you want a little peace and quiet, relax on a park bench and enjoy the sunshine, solitude and views.  Go here to learn more about what you can see and do in the park and learn more about all the paved trails in Jefferson Barracks Park. You can also visit the Pavilion at Lemay Park that features a gym, outdoor pool, indoor track and fitness classes.
The historic Notre Dame Motherhouse and Notre Dame High School is just up the hill behind the paved trail and you can also see the bluffs on the Illinois side of the river. Restrooms are available at the trailhead at Gark & Bagby.
See the full plan for this greenway here. 

Get Directions to Mississippi Greenway: Jefferson Barracks Park to River City Casino

Getting There

You can access this trail off of Telegraph Road in south St. Louis County.

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. The section in the park and along the river is managed by St. Louis County Parks. The section of greenway along the River City Casino property is managed by the Casino.

Things to Do

Explore History

You can explore the history of Jefferson Barracks at the museums located around the park. Check out the St. Louis County Parks Department website for more info.

Grill

You can grill out on grills located throughout Jefferson Barracks Park.

Play

You can play disc golf or use the archery range in Jefferson Barracks Park.

Trail Details

1.74 Miles

This 1.7-mile paved trail extends from the trailhead in Jefferson Barracks Park to the north side of the River City Casino property. It is flat and very sunny; offering unparalleled views of the Mississippi River and barge traffic.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

Share Your Story

Mississippi Greenway

Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Riverfront Trail)

  1. The flood gate at Carr Street is closed.
  2. The Chain of Rocks Bridge is opened daily; it is open by 7am and locked at 6:30 pm every day.
  3. Flood update – Use caution when passing through the area around Maline Creek. The jersey barriers along the edge of the greenway were moved by summer 2022 floodwaters. There is fencing across the greenway in this area across the greenway, and there is space for people walking or riding bikes to go around the fence.
Date posted: 11/15/24

Description

This highlight of the greenway are the sweeping views of the mighty Mississippi River. It also connects to the Madison County (Illinois) Transit trail system via the McKinley Bridge and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
The Historic Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, Missouri’s first nationally designated Underground Railroad historic site, is approximately halfway between Biddle Street and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.  Chain of Rocks Parks welcomes visitors to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Katherine Ward Burg Garden is located just north of the Arch Grounds next to the historic Eads Bridge. The City of St. Louis’ Riverfront Park is on the northern end of the greenway, and Maline Creek crosses through the greenway as it travels toward the Mississippi River.

See the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Mississippi Greenway: Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Riverfront Trail)

Getting There

The greenway is located near the heart of downtown St. Louis. The trailhead is located at Biddle Street just a few blocks north of the Martin Luther  King Bridge.

This greenway is managed/maintained by City of St. Louis Parks Department with support from Great Rivers Greenway. 

Things to Do

Explore History

You can explore history at Gateway Arch National Park. (AKA The Arch!) Check out the National Park Service website for more information. Stop by the Mary Meachum Freedom crossing site.

Fish

You can access the Mississippi River to fish along the majority of the trail.

Trail Details

16.19 Miles

This 16.19-mile (includes Old Chain of Rocks and McKinley Bridge) paved trail in the Mississippi River Greenway is flat, and offers limited shade. It parallels the Mississippi River and winds it way through both sides of the flood wall that protects the city of St. Louis.
Please use caution when walking or riding on this trail because some sections are considered a levee road; you may see vehicles from adjacent businesses who are authorized to drive on the trail.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

Share Your Story

Meramec Greenway

Greentree Park to Arnold's Grove Park

The middle section of the Meramec Greenway near Simpson Park (about .75 mile) may be impacted by flood debris. The section near Greentree Park (Kirkwood) is open and so is the section near Arnold’s Grove. (Valley Park)

Date posted: 11/23/2024

Description

St. Louis County’s Simpson Park lies within this greenway. It offers fishing, a playground, picnic sites and a shelter. This greenway also connects to a boat access at Meramec Landing Park and the existing Blue Heron Trail that meanders around 72-acre Simpson Lake. There is plenty of parking at the Arnold’s Grove Trail head as well as in Greentree Park.
See the full plan for this greenway here!

Get Directions to Meramec Greenway: Greentree Park to Arnold’s Grove Park

Getting There

The trailhead at Arnold’s Grove is located near Marshall Road and Meramec Station Road off of Highway 141. You can also park in Greentree Park along Marshal Road.

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. This greenway is managed by St. Louis County Parks from Greentree Park to the soccer/baseball fields along the river and then the City of Valley Park manages from edge of fields to Arnold’s Grove Trailhead.

Click one of the buttons below to plan your route with Google Maps.

Things to Do

Boat

You can launch your boat on the Meramec River at the boat ramps in Meramec Landing Park and Greentree Park. You can launch your boat on the lake in Simpson Park using the boat ramp on the west end of the lake.

Fish

You can fish all along the trail on the Meramec River. Meramec Landing Park and Greentree Park provide the easiest access to the river. You can also fish on the lake at Simpson Park.

Grill

You can grill out using the grills in Simpson Park.

Play

You can play on the playgrounds at Simpson Park.

See Wildlife

The Meramec River and surrounding wetland areas attract a wide variety of wildlife.

Trail Details

3.62 Miles

This 3.6-mile paved trail travels between Greentree Park in Kirkwood and the Arnold’s Grove trailhead atop the levee in the City of Valley Park. It is flat and shady with some up close views of the Meramec River. It is an ideal trail for new cyclists and we often recommend it for families with small children because of the shade, slower pace and many places to stop along the way.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Playground

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

Share Your Story

Gravois Greenway: Grant's Trail

River des Peres Greenway to Holmes & Leffingwell

The restrooms on Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail at Reavis Barracks are closed until further notice due to vandalism. We will update when they reopen.

Date posted: 10/29/2024

Description

The greenway is mostly flat and sunny offering direct access to the Historic Sappington House complex, Grant’s Farm, U.S. Grant National Historic site, Affton Athletic complex and Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park. Parking is available at several locations and there are restrooms and water fountains available directly on the trail. The connection to the River des Peres Greenway will take you to Carondelet Park, Willmore Park, Fultz Field and Francis R. Slay Park. You can also walk or ride to Loughborough Commons and the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne MetroLink Station.

Because this trail travels through a densely populated area, you can use it to ride or walk to other places found along the greenway. Restaurants such as The Barn Restaurant at Sappington House, Applebees, Crestwood Elementary School, Cor Jesu Academy, Friar Tucks, the Oak Bend Library, Crestwood’s Whitecliff Park and Grant’s Cabin Bed & Breakfast are located along the greenway. There are also places where you can sit and rest in the shade, park your bike or have a picnic.

grants trail

Get Directions to Gravois Greenway (Grant’s Trail): River des Peres Greenway to Holmes & Leffingwell

Getting There

The trailhead at Holmes and Leffingwell is near the intersection of Big Bend Boulevard and Highway 44. The Mysun Charitable Foundation trailhead at Orlando’s is near Highway 55 and Union Road. If you live nearby, there are several ways to walk to this greenway. The newest 1.6 mile extension between Hoffmeister and River City Blvd. has two neighborhood connections. You can access the greenway on foot or bike (no parking) via a ramp at Bayless and Tesson Street.

Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. This greenway spans multiple municipalities and is managed by the following partners:

  • Kirkwood to Highway 44: City of Kirkwood Parks
  • Highway 44 to Big Bend: City of Oakland
  • Big Bend to Pardee Road: City of Crestwood
  • Pardee to Weber Road: St. Louis County Parks Department
  • Weber Rd. to River des Peres Greenway: St. Louis City Parks Department

Things to Do

Dine

There are a few restaurants directly connected to the trail, such as Applebee’s in Crestwood and The Barn at Sappington House, which is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday.

Explore History

You can explore history at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site and The Sappington House Museum.

Grill

You can grill out on the grills located in Whitecliff Park in Crestwood and in Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park.

Play

You can visit Grant’s Farm, open from May until October (daily during the summer). Admission is free if you ride your bike or walk via Grant’s Trail! You can play at Backstoppers Park near the Holmes Street trailhead and in Whitecliff Park in Crestwood. You can also play on the playground at Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park .

Swim

You can swim in Whitecliff Park in Crestwood. Checkout the City of Crestwood website for more details.

See Wildlife

You can explore the wildlife at Grant’s Farm or even spot a Clydesdale from the trail!

Trail Details

11.47 Miles

This greenway includes an 11.47-mile paved trail that is mostly flat and sunny. There are also some shady spots near Orlando Gardens as well as through Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park. There is a boardwalk and restored wetland at Hoffmeister along with a recycling hub adjacent to the Republic Services Recycling Facility on Bayless. You can drop your paper, glass or plastic directly into the recycling stream!
If you walk or ride your bike to Grant’s Farm, you’ll avoid the traffic and won’t have to pay to park! There are bike racks on the south side of Grant’s Farm parking lot, directly off the trail.

Download the Guide

Amenities

Benches

Bike Racks

Drinking Water

Parking

Playground

Restrooms

Shelters

Tables

Trash

Share Your Greenways Stories

Greenway stories are shared through art and signs, tours, digital content, outreach, and community events. These greenway stories are organized around themes of nature, culture, and history. Share your greenway story by visiting the Share Your Stories page or recording your story at 314-932-4904.

Share Your Story