Meramec Greenway

Glencoe to Sherman Beach Park

The Al Foster Memorial Trail will be closed south of the Hamilton Creek Bridge October 18, 2023 through spring 2024 to accommodate placement of a new water main serving the City of Eureka. All other trails north of Hamilton Creek will not be impacted by this work and will remain open. We will keep you posted on any other updates!

Amenities | Getting Here | Things To Do | Trail Info

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.

There are several trails that connect within this greenway, providing outstanding views of the river and riverfront forest while linking Rockwoods Reservation, Sherman Beach and Castlewood State Park. This area 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.
If you visit this stretch of the Meramec Greenway on a Sunday, you can take a ride on the one-of-a-kind 12-inch gauge live steam railroad. Click here to learn more. You can also hike in Castlewood State Park, take a float trip, wade in the river or have a picnic.
Click here for the master plan, current status and future connections for this greenway!

Amenities

parking

restrooms

playground

benches

tables

shelter

trash

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.

Plan Your Route

Al Foster Trailhead Glencoe City Park Ridge Meadows Elementary Sherman Beach Park

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

fish

wildlife

grill

play

Trail Info

5.41 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 1.7-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 3.2 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!