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!
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!
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.
Volunteers will remove invasive bush honeysuckle along the Western Greenway in the city of Wildwood, by cutting the plant with handsaws or loppers, dragging, and piling debris to be chipped. No experience is necessary for this activity, but it does involve physical labor and walking in the woods over varying terrain.
No experience necessary: Great Rivers Greenway staff will teach volunteers how to identify, remove, and treat bush honeysuckle.
What to wear: Please dress for the weather and bundle up. Long sleeve shirts, pants and closed toe shoes are required. Eye protection and gloves will be provided.
What to bring: All tools will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own loppers or hand pruners if you have them. Please bring a water bottle to help us reduce plastic waste. Light snacks and water will be provided.
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