Meramec Greenway
Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park
This section of the Meramec Greenway has some of the more beautiful views in the River Ring. From the soaring limestone bluffs, the wildflowers in the springtime, and the ever-changing views of the Meramec River, it has something for everyone. It stretches from Sherman Beach in southwest St. Louis County along the river to Glencoe, with a spur north called Rock Hollow, which includes a major hill at the end.
Click here to download a printable Greenway Adventure Guide for the Meramec Greenway: Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park.
Amenities
Getting Here
The trailhead at the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad is located near Highway 109 and Old State Road in Wildwood. If you live near Ridge Meadows Elementary School, you may be able to walk to explore this greenway.
Each greenway is managed in cooperation with different municipalities and parks departments, who set the rules for greenway use, parking and hours of operation. Greenways often span multiple municipalities, so please be aware that these rules can change as you travel along the trail. Please be sure to follow all posted rules and regulations while you are living life outside!
Click one of the buttons below to plan your route with Google Maps.
If you’re not too far from this greenway, you may be able to connect to it on your bike. Check Google Maps to see if there is a route that is right for you. If you are on the Western Greenway or on the Rock Hollow Trail in Wildwood, you can access this trail on your bike.
You cannot currently access this greenway via bus.
You cannot currently access this greenway via Metrolink.
You can park at the Trailhead near the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad as well as Glencoe City Park. Both are located on Grand Avenue, just about 1/4 mile away from each other. Parking is also available at the top of the Rock Hollow Trail at Ridge Meadows Elementary School.
Things To Do
explore history
You can explore history with the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Steam Railroad in Glencoe. Check out the WFP Railroad website to learn more.
fish
You can access the Meramec River to fish at several points along the greenway.
wildlife
You can see an abundant variety of birds on this greenway. In fact, The National Audubon Society has designated this area within the Meramec Greenway as an Important Bird Area. You may even find yourself sharing the trail with a white-tail deer!
grill
You can grill out on the grills located in Glencoe City Park.
play
You can play at Glencoe City Park in Wildwood.
Trail Info
3 Miles
There are several trails that connect 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.
One of our connections, called the Rock Hollow trail, stretches from atop Ridge Road, 2.2 miles down the bluff where it connects to this greenway. Rock Hollow is paved and mostly shady, with soaring bluffs through a dense forest. If you love a hill, you will love this one! If you don’t love a hill, the birds, wildlife and views make it worth the climb.
The nearby Western Greenway includes a 1.57-mile paved asphalt trail that connects the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific miniature railroad in Glencoe to Rockwoods Reservation. There are two tunnels, one under Old State Road and the other under Highway 109 that make it much safer for people who are walking or riding bikes to cross these busy roads.
This greenway (also called 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 beside soaring limestone bluffs.
Please be aware that the additional 2.5 miles of trail between Sherman Beach County Park and Castlewood State Park is primitive, and a complete trail washout has occurred at the Castlewood Narrows section of the trail within Castlewood State Park. Choose your shoes and bike tires accordingly!


Don't miss the Bluebells in the springtime!

Dogs are always welcome on the Greenways!

Heading down the Rock Hollow Trail from Ridge Road.