7 Great Biking and Hiking Trails in St. Louis

Bicyclists and nature fans alike will enjoy miles of bike paths and natural wilderness running through the heart of St. Louis. Next time you visit bring your bike or running shoes along! Here are six places to get started:

Grant’s Trail
The family friendly 8 mile long trail through South County is flat and perfect for biking, running, inline skating or walking. The path takes you by the Clydesdales stables and pastures, Grant’s Farm, the historic Sappington house and much more!

Katy Trail
The longest trail in Missouri, this 237-mile-long path runs from Machens through St. Charles, Jefferson City, Sedalia, and ends in Clinton. Whether you're up for a 5-mile run or a 10-day excursion, this trail has a variety of businesses and services along the route for your trip.

Lakeview Loop at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
The glassy Creve Coeur Lake trail in Maryland Heights provides a beautiful background during the 3.7-mile Lakeview Loop. As you’re riding be sure to stop and check out Dripping Springs and look for rowers on the water (Creve Coeur Lake is home to the St. Louis Rowing Club). For those who wont to continue past the 3.7 miles trail also connects to the Katy Trail.

Laumeiere Sculpture Park
For a different kind of scenery, Laumeier Sculpture Park has a one-mile-loop trail, primarily for walking, that takes you by impressive, large-scale works of art and is accessible year-round.

Route 66 State Park
With 420-acres and four trails that are hiker, biker, and horse friendly, Route 66 State Park offers a startling view of nature. The park is in close proximity with Castlewood State Park and Rockwoods Range

River Des Peres Greenway Trail
This popular trail for recreation allows cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy some of the parks and greenways that bound the banks of the River Des Peres. The 6.5-mile trail is the perfect length for novice cyclists, and the paved paths never get too steep or too swift.

Riverfront Trail
The 11-mile St. Louis Riverfront paved trail runs along the Mississippi River, between the Gateway Arch and the Old Chain of Rocks bridge. The trail starts at Biddle Street and heading north and trail terminates at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, part of the legendary Route 66. The trail passes through the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, North Riverfront Park and over Maline Creek.

Forest Park Trail
The 1,371.75 acre Forest Park is a haven for active recreation. The paths run throughout the entire park, and the hilly sections of the path provide runners, walkers and bikers with a excellent workout. Overall, whether it’s the dual path system that circles the park or the many hiking paths in the Park’s interior, it's a perfect place for exercise enthusiasts to get a great workout.

To find additional trails in St. Louis check out Great Rivers Greenway or St. Louis County Parks