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 1/2 hour after sunset.
  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: 9/20/24

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.

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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.

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