Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park

Meet Mona

Posted on Thursday July 25, 2024

Mona Vespa is the President of GO! St. Louis. GO! is a local non-profit organization that encourages individuals and families in the #STL region to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle year round. They accomplish this through community collaborations, school-based programming and the creation of new and fun fitness events:

“Running is my sport, my hobby and my profession! Personally, I can’t imagine a better way to explore your own city than on foot, and the greenways are the perfect way to do that! Every time I run a greenway, I am reminded that our city is incredibly diverse in landscape and character, but is also comprised of neighborhoods and communities who are all working towards a similar goal: to make their part of our city a vibrant and welcoming home. And as a part of my job, what a joy it is to share that with the runners and walkers of our area. I’ve used greenways for several GO! St. Louis race routes, and our Summer Passport program’s entire focus is to introduce more runners to the incredible gem of these paths throughout our city. GO! St. Louis is thankful for GRG’s work and dedication to outdoor recreation in our region!”

Home Greenway: All of them!

Meet Travis

Posted on Thursday July 25, 2024

Travis Newberry is the Senior Planner for one of our partners, the City of Wildwood Department of Planning and Parks. He is also one of our former interns!

“Great partnerships and an enthusiastic and involved community are what it takes to protect and enhance great natural and recreation areas in the St. Louis region. One example is the Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park. It’s a hidden gem worth exploring with so many connections to parks and trails and sweeping views of the Meramec River Valley. I am proud to be part of the City of Wildwood team as we work with many partners like Great Rivers Greenway, Missouri State Parks, Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC), St. Louis County and many others to make this greenway a premier destination for people to get outside and have fun! I have also enjoyed volunteering with the Open Space Council to remove invasive Bush Honeysuckle along this greenway. You can see the result of everyone’s hard work as views of the Meramec River open up again along the Al Foster Trail. I encourage people to come out to Wildwood to see this greenway and others—fall is the perfect time to do it! ”

Home Greenway: The Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park (after work) and Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park (on the weekends)

Five Great Greenways for Fall Color

Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024

Greenways provide a front row seat to fall’s annual show of color. Those that meander through forests, along rivers or bottom lands are typically your best bet—but you can’t go wrong with any greenway this time of year! Take your pick of the following (or plan to visit them all this fall!)

Busch Greenway: Katy Trail to Missouri Research Park to August A. Busch Conservation Area
The prime viewing spot along this greenway is the .75 mile route through the forest bottom between Missouri Research Park and the Katy Trail. For a longer walk or ride, explore the portion of the greenway that meanders through the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park
The Rock Hollow spur will wow you with a showy display of color as it drops down from Ridge Road to meet the Al Foster Trail. Once you reach the river, you’ll enjoy splashes of sunlight reflecting off the Meramec and colorful leaves along the bluffs along the Al Foster Trail. You might even spot a few Paw Paws along the way!

Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park
Your first stop should be the overlook atop the 170 foot bluff where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Mighty Mississippi River. For an up-close look at leaves in all their fall glory, be sure to explore the paved greenway and natural paths in the upper section of the park.

Centennial Greenway: Forest Park to Washington University to Vernon
Make a day of it on this greenway! Start with shopping and lunch in the Delmar Loop followed by a walk beneath the colorful canopy of trees on the Washington University campus. Top it off with one or more of the attractions in St. Louis’ colorful crown jewel- Forest Park!

Fee Fee Greenway to Centennial Greenway: Katy Trail to Schaefer Park & Spencer Creek Trail via Creve Coeur Park
Bring your bike for an amazing fall ride that will take you all the way from the Maryland Heights Community Center to the St. Charles County Heritage Museum, Schaefer Park (and the St. Peters Rec Plex via Spencer Creek Trail) ! Take a spin around Creve Coeur Lake and enjoy the changing leaves as you traverse two greenways—and two counties—via the Creve Coeur Connector Trail!

Made in the Shade: 3 Cool & Shady Greenways for Hot Summer Days!

Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024

Here are three greenways with lots of trees for cool & shady walks, bike rides or runs:

Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park

There are almost seven miles of paved greenway for walking, riding and running in Cliff Cave Park. If you prefer unpaved routes, you also have your choice of the Spring Valley and River Bluff trails.  If you want to avoid the sun, stick to the upper section of the park. Start your adventure at the new parking lot on Cliff Cave Road, or in the lower parking lot by the pavilion and walk up the bluff. You’ll enjoy a mostly shady 2 mile walk or ride as well as sweeping views of the Mississippi River as you explore this newest segment of greenway! Plan your trip here.

Busch Greenway:Katy Trail to Missouri Research Park to August A. Busch Conservation Area

The Busch Greenway stretches 4.73 miles from the Katy Trail to the August A. Busch Conservation Area. If you want to avoid the sun, stick to the .75 mile section between the Duckett Creek Trailhead (in Missouri Research Park) and the Katy Trail. (Note that the sunny section of this greenway is undergoing maintenance right now and intermittently closed between Weldon Drive and Highway DD, so avoid it! The sections with lots of shade and connection to Katy Trail is open!) For a longer walk or ride, jump on the Katy Trail where you will enjoy plenty of shade beneath the trees lining the river. Plan your visit here.

Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park

There are several trails that meet in this stretch of the Meramec Greenway, making it possible to walk or bike for several miles on paved and unpaved paths surrounding the Meramec River.

The Al Foster Trail and the paved spur known as Rock Hollow are both beautiful places for a cool summer’s walk or ride. The Rock Hollow Trail stretches from atop Ridge Road, 2.2 miles down the bluff where it connects to the Al Foster Trail.  Rock Hollow is paved and mostly shady, with soaring bluffs through a dense forest.

The Al Foster Trail is flat, shady and made of crushed limestone. It is 3.21 miles long stretching from the trailhead near the intersection of Old State Road and Highway 109 by the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific miniature railroad to Sherman Beach. It offers tremendous views of the Meramec River as you pass besides soaring limestone bluffs. Click here to plan your trip

Greenway Getaway: Confluence of Meramec and Western Greenways

Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024

RIVER VIEWS, SOARING BLUFFS, SUNSHINE & SHADE

If you’ve never explored the confluence of the Western and Meramec Greenways, now is the time to plan a trip!  There are a variety of things to see and do along the way, so we’ve compiled a list of options so you can build your own adventure.

Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park
This greenway stretches from Sherman Beach in southwest St. Louis County along the river to Glencoe with a spur north called Rock Hollow. There are several trails that connect along this stretch of the Meramec Greenway, making it possible to walk or bike for several miles on paved and unpaved paths surrounding the Meramec River. You will enjoy outstanding views of the river and riverfront forest as you connect to Rockwoods Reservation, Sherman Beach and Castlewood State Park.


Rock Hollow Trail. (2.2 miles)

This 2.2 mile spur (paved) stretches from atop Ridge Road, 2.2 miles down the bluff where it connects to the Meramec Greenway and Al Foster Trail. If you love a hill, you will love this paved spur!  You can park at Ridge Meadows Elementary School (777 Ridge Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021) and walk or ride your bike down the hill and back for a round trip of 4.4 miles. Once you reach the bottom of the trail, you can also connect to the Al Foster Trail.

One word of caution: if you are pushing a stroller, or riding with younger children—the trip back up the hill may not be as much fun! Another option is to connect to the Rock Hollow trail via the Al Foster trail.  Park at the trailhead (225 Grand Ave, Wildwood, MO 63038) and walk one mile on the Al Foster Trail to its connection with the Rock Hollow Trail.

Al Foster Trail (5.5 miles)

The Al Foster Trail lies within the Meramec Greenway and stretches from the trailhead on Grand Avenue near the intersection of Old State road and Highway 109 by the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific miniature railroad  to Sherman Beach. It offers amazing view of the Meramec River and soaring limestone bluffs.  Please note that the trail surface for the first 3 miles from Glencoe to Sherman beach is made of compacted rock. As it nears Castlewood Park, it transitions from rock to dirt and narrows significantly. If you are on a bike you will need to turn around at Sherman Beach. You can use a road bike on the Al Foster Trail (with narrower tires), just be careful after it rains and use caution when crossing the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific railroad tracks.  A complete trail washout has occurred at the Castlewood Narrows section of the trail within Castlewood State Park. Choose your shoes accordingly!


Western  Greenway: Rockwoods Reservation to Meramec Greenway (1.6 miles)
There is a 1.6 mile asphalt trail that currently extends from Grand Avenue between Glencoe City Park (421 Grand Avenue, Glencoe, MO 63038) and the Al Foster Trail head to Rockwoods Reservation.

Also known as the Hamilton Carr Trail, it features two tunnels; one under Old State road and the other under Highway 109. This makes it much safer to cross these busy roads. Once you reach Rockwoods Reservation, you can explore one of six hiking trails within this conservation area.  Click here for more information about Rockwoods Reservation.

Other things to know when planning your trip:

The Trailhead and parking for both the Western Greenway and Meramec Greenway is located at 225 Grand Avenue, Wildwood, MO 63038. There are portable restrooms available at this location.

Parking is available at Glencoe City Park, 421 Grand Avenue in Glencoe.  This is just .25 miles down the street from the Al Foster Trailhead.

The Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad tracks run along the Al Foster Trail; the railroad operates May through October.

The area surrounding the Al Foster Memorial Trail has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Many songbird and woodland warbler species are drawn to nest and feed in the secluded forest habitat.

Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Spring Ephemerals and Wildflowers: Now Showing on a Greenway Near You!

Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024

If you want to enjoy spring’s loveliest—and most fleeting—display of colorful wildflowers, it’s time to plan a trip to a greenway near you! April and May are peak showtime for a variety of colorful perennials emerging from their winter slumber.

Thanks to the longer days and warming temperatures, little splashes of color will soon appear on the forest floor and along the banks of creeks and streams. Known as “spring ephemerals,” these wildflowers bloom early, linger briefly, and disappear before the trees are leafed out. This dazzling show of spring color is only a limited engagement, so take time to see the flowers before they are gone. No ticket is required to visit a greenway, and you’re guaranteed a front row seat whether you are on foot or bike!

Here are a few of the native wildflowers you can see along the greenways this spring:

Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)One of the most stunning early spring wildflowers! Buds are pink, turning to light blue blooms. Plants grow up to two feet tall and are often found in large groups.

Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

Pink, sometimes white spring wildflower that resembles a series of miniature white knee breeches hanging on a clothes line. (Note: these can be irritating to your skin. Do not touch!)

Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

These are the most widely distributed early spring flower in Missouri. White or pink with distinct pink veining on the petals.

Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna)

The flowers of blue-eyed Mary are 2-lipped: the upper lip is 2-lobed and white; the lower lip is 3-lobed and sky blue (rarely purple or white). This is one of the few Missouri wildflowers that is truly “blue.”

Wake Robin or Trillium (Trillium sessile)

The flower of wake robin, or trillium, has 3 petals and 3 sepals, and 3 leaves that subtend the solitary flower. The petal color varies in this common woodland spring wildflower, but it is most commonly brownish or maroon.

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

As pretty as this wildflower is, the common name “Jacob’s Ladder” comes from its leaves, which made people think of the story from Genesis in which Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching up to heaven.

BEST GREENWAYS FOR VIEWING WILDFLOWERS

Some of the greenways provide better habitat than others for spring ephemerals and wildflowers. Those that meander through forests, across bottom land, or other conservation areas are your best bet for a colorful show. Take your pick of the following (or plan to visit them all this spring!):

Busch Greenway: Katy Trail to Missouri Research Park to August A. Busch Conservation Area
Where to look: There are two prime viewing spots along this greenway; the forest bottom between Missouri Research Park and the Katy Trail as well as the portion of the greenway that meanders through the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

Mississippi Greenway at Cliff Cave Park
Where to look: In the spring, look for wildflowers along the paved trail in the lower section of the park. You might also find some along the paved trail in the area surrounding the entrance to the cave.

Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee in Riverwoods Park

Where to look: Look for wildflowers in the southern part of the park along the greenway. ( Note that a portion of the greenway has been closed along the river due to repeated flood damage. You can still walk, bike or run on the rest of the greenway, but will need to turn around at the points of closure.)

Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park
Where to look: The bottomland forest along Rock Hollow Trail is known for its showy display of bluebells. You can find all of the wildflowers listed above along this greenway.

Other places to enjoy native plants and wildflowers early this summer:

  • Trojan Park on the St. Vincent Greenway in Wellston has a beautiful garden filled with native plants!
  • Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail at Mysun Charitable Foundation Trailhead (by Orlando’s)
  • River des Peres Greenway: Raingarden between Route 66 and Lansdowne
  • Busch Greenway near roundabout connection to Hamburg Trail.
  • Katherine Ward Burg Garden on Laclede’s Landing

PLEASE DON’T PICK THE WILDFLOWERS!

Because these flowers are so beautiful, it can be tempting to want to pick them or dig them up for transplanting. Not only is this unsightly, it also removes an important food source for pollinators and other animals. Because the plant’s life cycle is so short, animals that might eat the foliage have only a brief opportunity to consume them.  Enjoy the flowers, snap a picture, and leave them where they are! If you would like to add beautiful native flowers to your garden, you can find ethical plant nurseries and other resources here.

Wildflower photos and plant information are all courtesy of the  Missouri Department of Conservation. To learn more about what plants and animals to look for during every season, visit their website here.

Birdwatching on the Greenways

Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024

Birdwatching is a hobby that combines fresh air, exercise, and beautiful scenery wrapped up in a treasure hunt. Not only that, birdwatching has no age limitations, requires minimal equipment and gives everyone the opportunity to be a citizen-scientist.  The only word of caution from experienced birdwatchers is that once you start, it can become addicting!

Greenways are great places for birdwatching. In fact, several have been recognized by the Audubon Society as “important bird areas.” We asked the St. Louis Audubon Society to recommend the best greenways for spotting a wide variety of birds along with some tips for beginners.

Can you find the Bird of the Week? Learn more at St. Louis Audubon Society here.

Best Greenways for Birdwatching

Fee Fee Greenway: Aquaport to Creve Coeur Park

The best place for spotting birds along this greenway is the area from McKelvey Woods to Creve Coeur Park. It meanders through what is known as an “edge habitat”—the space between a developed area and a natural habitat. The greenway’s location on a prairie flood plain near the Missouri River provides food and refuge for many migrating waders, waterfowl, and shorebirds.

Meramec Greenway near the Al Foster Trail

The section of the Meremec Greenway near the Al Foster trail lies within a bottomland forest and is considered an important bird area by the Audubon Society. It provides habitat for breeding forest birds, such as the Red-shouldered Hawk and Prothonotary Warbler. You can find all 154 species of birds that have been recorded in this birding “hotspot” on ebird.

River des Peres Greenway at Carondelet Park

Carondelet Park is on the eastern end of the River des Peres Greenway. This historic, 179-acre park provides stopover habitat for many migrating species in spring and fall. It also provides some breeding habitat for many birds excluded from the surrounding urban landscape (e.g., hawks and owls). The Audubon Society recently recorded 29 different species of birds on a single early-morning beginner bird walk in Carondelet Park!

Busch Greenway: Katy Trail to Missouri Research Park to August A. Busch Conservation Area

A good portion of the Busch Greenway passes through second-growth upland and bottomland forest, shrubland, and cropland areas managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. All of this great breeding and stopover habitat means great birdwatching! If you want to see lots of birds, focus on the area between the Duckett Creek trail head and Katy Trail or the section that stretches between Weldon Spring and August A. Busch Conservation areas.

Birdwatching for Beginners: What do you need?

  • A pair of binoculars
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • A field guide to birds. There are several options:
    • The Audubon Society has a list of recommended field guides here. You can also borrow one for free from your local library!
    • If you prefer to use an app on your phone, Cornell Lab of Ornithology has created the Merlin Bird Identification App. It prompts you to answer five questions about the bird you have seen and it offers suggestions about what kind of bird it is based on your location. Learn more about Merlin here.

The Audubon Society also has a free app for identifying birds. Learn more about the Audubon Society app here: https://www.audubon.org/app

Birdwatching Tips

  • Walk slowly
  • Use quiet voices; no shouting
  • Smaller groups are better
  • Observe; do not interact with the birds
  • Look low along the ground in “shrubby” areas and high up in the tree tops
  • Listen carefully (If you want to familiarize yourself with different bird songs, visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All about Birds” field guide. You can enter the name of the bird and hear their song. Find it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ )

Become a Citizen Scientist: Share the birds you have seen on the greenways!

eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. This collaborative effort is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  eBird lets you:

  • Keep track of your bird lists, photos, and sounds
  • Explore latest sightings from around the world
  • Join the world’s largest birding community
  • Contribute to science and conservation
  • Find the latest bird hots spots in your area
  • Track migration of birds through your area

Registration on eBird is free and it an excellent resource for beginning and expert birdwatchers alike. Click here to learn more about ebird.

10 Great River Views You Can Only Enjoy From a Greenway

Posted on Monday July 15, 2024

Almost every greenway is either named for, connected to, meanders alongside or crosses over one of our region’s rivers or creeks.

Whether it’s the Mighty Mississippi or Dardenne Creek, greenways are great places to not only see stunning river views, but also enjoy the calming side effects of flowing water. There’s a good chance you’ll also spot some of the many birds and animals who make their home or migrate along the rivers. Here are 10 amazing river views you can enjoy on foot or bike via a greenway:

1. Mississippi River at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Take the Mississippi Greenway: Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Riverfront Trail) to its northernmost point and walk or ride out to the center of the Historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Depending on the season, you might spot a family of eagles. Look downstream and you can see the Gateway Arch. Listen closely and you can hear the water rippling over the chain of rocks below. If you want to drive, park on the Illinois side of the bridge here.

2. Missouri River at the Page Avenue Extension/364 Bridge Walking & Biking Lane
The Page Avenue Extension/364 Bridge has a dedicated walking and biking lane that connects to the Katy Trail at mile 42.8 just south of the Family Arena in St. Charles County. On the east side, it connects to the 3.6 mile Creve Coeur Park Connector Trail. In the middle of the bridge there is a bump-out where you can pause to enjoy a bird’s- eye view of the Missouri River.  The Centennial Greenway: Katy Trail to Schaefer Park and Spencer Creek Trail connects to this bridge on the St. Charles County side. In St. Louis County, you can take the Fee Fee Greenway: Aquaport to Creve Coeur Park all the way from the Maryland Heights Community Center, through the park to link up with the Connector Trail to the bridge.

3. Mississippi River from Mississippi Greenway: River City Casino to Jefferson Barracks Park
This section of the Mississippi River Greenway offers magnificent views of the river as it stretches from Jefferson Barracks County Park north along the river. Be sure to slow down to watch the barges working the river. Plan your visit here.

4. Missouri River at Sunset Park
The more the leaves fall, the better the views of the Missouri River in Sunset Park via the Sunset Greenway: Old Town Florissant to Sunset Park. Plan to spend the day exploring this greenway and finish with a sunset!

5. Mississippi River at Cliff Cave Park
The Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park offers stunning views of the river from an overlook nestled into the rocky bluffs towering 170 feet over the river. You can also watch the river flow by on the paved 5 mile greenway in the lower section of the park.

6. Missouri River on the Boone Bridge
The walking and biking path on the I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge lets you slow down and enjoy the Missouri River from the middle of the bridge—something you can’t do in a car. You can connect to the bridge via the Busch Greenway and Katy Trail in St. Charles County. The Missouri Greenway: Monarch Chesterfield Levee will get you there too!

7. Meramec River at Lower Meramec Park
The greenway and St. Louis County Park not only offers great river views, but also serves as a natural flood plain so the river can spread out during high water and flooding. As you walk or ride, you’ll enjoy a mixture of woodlands and open fields. The trees are highly diverse with some of the best remaining woodlands in the Lower Meramec Valley. Plan your visit here.

8. Meramec River at Al Foster Trail
Views of the river from the Al Foster Trail along the Meramec Greenway is sure to improve your mood as you meander through a bottomland forest next to soaring limestone bluffs. It’s a must see! Plan your visit here.

9. Meramec Greenway: Greentree Park to Arnold’s Grove
The Meramec River makes a big turn near Kirkwood’s Greentree Park and it’s especially lovely to watch the light sparkling on the water in the morning and late afternoon. You can start your walk or ride in Greentree Park and follow the river all the way to Arnold’s Grove in Valley Park…or vice versa. Either way it’s a great way to enjoy the Meramec River. Plan your visit here.

10. Missouri River via the MO 370 Discovery Bridge
Just completed in summer 2020, the protected bicycle and pedestrian path on the westbound side of the MO 370 Discovery Bridge offers beautiful views of the Missouri River. You can get there via a paved connector from the Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee just north of Highway 370 at the trailhead on Missouri Bottom Rd. In St. Charles County, you can connect to the bridge via a paved connection near the Katy Trail access in DuSable Park on the north side of 370 off N. River Rd. You can also make your way there from the Boschert Greenway.

BONUS #11. Mississippi River at downtown St. Louis Riverfront
This is St. Louis after all, so we couldn’t forget the southern end of the Mississippi Greenway: Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Riverfront Trail). There’s nothing better than watching the Mighty Mississippi roll by beneath the Gateway Arch!

Join Oasis for a walk: Meramec Greenway: Al Foster Trail

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 • 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Tuesday, September 5, 20239:30 am - 11:30 am

Event Details

AL FOSTER TRAILHEAD GET DIRECTIONS

Al Foster Trail Head Parking Lot, Grand Avenue, Glencoe, MO, USA

Join us in Wildwood! You will walk a flat gravel trail to discover a miniature railroad, the Meramec River, a variety of birds, and more. A turnback option is available for a shorter walk.

Visit stloasis.org or call (314) 862–4859 ext 24 to learn more or to enroll.

Al Foster Trailhead Get Directions

Al Foster Trail Head Parking Lot, Grand Avenue, Glencoe, MO, USA Get Directions on Google Maps

Train Ride on the Meramec Greenway

Saturday, June 8, 2024 • 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Saturday, June 8, 20249:00 am - 1:30 pm

Event Details

Al Foster Memorial Trailhead

Enjoy a 1 hour open-air narrow gauge train ride along the scenic Meramec Greenway. Group size limited. Train rides at 9am, 10:30am, and 12pm. Registration is free and required. Click here to register.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Spaces are limited for this free train ride on the Wabash Frisco and Pacific miniature train. If you are unable to attend the event after you register, please cancel your reservation so someone else can use that spot. We want to have a full train of fun!

Al Foster Memorial Trailhead