Park Trails

Al Foster Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate

Al Foster Trail is a gravel-based trail with little or no gradient converted from an abandoned railroad bed. The trail follows the river from the town of Glencoe west to Sherman Beach parking area then turns to the north then west again through Sherman Beach County Park to a native soil surface that dead ends at the Meramec River in Castlewood State Park.

The first 3.5 miles of trail from Glencoe to Sherman, is constructed of compacted rock, eight feet wide. The trail follows the original route of the Pacific Railroad, constructed in 1854. The trail passes through the remains of an old gravel plant complete with sunken barge in the river before skirting the bottom of the Palisade Bluffs. As Al Foster Trail enters the state park, the trail surface goes from gravel to dirt and the width narrows significantly, allowing for a wilder, more natural experience. Here, the trail goes through forested bottomland until reaching the Meramec River and a junction with Stinging Nettle Trail.

Return to the trailhead by retracing steps back along Al Foster Trail or return via Stinging Nettle Trail. To shorten or enhance one’s hike, white connectors 8, 9 and 10 are available. These are marked with white blazes.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Water/stream crossings without bridges
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Castlewood Loop

Trail Rating: Moderate

Castlewood Loop can be accessed via Chubb Trail. The trail passes through old farmland that is now in various states of succession. The trail also skirts along the edge of Lincoln Beach, a popular swimming hole and gathering place from 1915 to 1940. The entire length of the trail is in the floodplain, so some sandy areas will be encountered near the river. The trail passes through field and forest and its seclusion from developed areas makes it an excellent place for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Occasional water over trail
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail           
• Low hanging vegetation

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Cedar Bluff Loop

Trail Rating: Rugged

Cedar Bluff Loop is isolated from any vehicular access and can only be reached from Al Foster Trail through two early 20th century tunnels under the Union Pacific Railroad. Just on the other side of the tracks, the trail splits, either direction may be taken. Contrary to its name, the trail does not actually go along Cedar Bluff. On a clockwise path around, the trail passes through forest and meadows before climbing to the knob of a large hill, which happens to be the highest point in the entire park. The trail then plunges back into the valley, crosses a creek and then weaves up a ridge on the opposite side of the valley. It then follows the ridge back down to the start of the loop. During the summer months, look for two large blackberry brambles in the low creek wash between the two higher slopes in the back of the valley.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Physically challenging obstacles
• Steep grades and inclines more than 10 percent
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Water/stream crossings without bridges
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail          

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Chubb Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate

Chubb Trail is a multi-use (equestrian, biking and hiking) trail that starts at Lone Elk County Park, goes through Castlewood State Park and ends up at West Tyson County Park on the south side of the Meramec River. The trail is hilly at each end, especially on the West Tyson side. Through the middle, the trail passes through flat, forested bottomland and a couple of restored prairie fields.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Occasional water over trail
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail           
• Low hanging vegetation

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Grotpeter Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate

Varied routes and the challenging terrain with numerous elevation changes make this a popular trail with all users. In addition to the main trail, five white connector trails, totaling 2.6 miles, are available to enhance, shorten or lengthen the user’s experience. From the trailhead, east of the park office, the trail crosses Kiefer Creek Road before climbing up and over a hillside. The trail then winds up another hill to the top of a long ridge. White connector trails 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be used to bypass steep sections of the trail. After reaching the pinnacle, the perimeter trail follows the crest of the ridge before starting a long downhill back into the Kiefer Creek valley and back to the trailhead. 

There are several road crossings; always stop and check for oncoming traffic before continuing. In case of emergency, look for "Emergency Response Signs" located at various points along this trail system.

You may experience:

• Road/highway crossing
• Emergency response signs
• Wood or stone steps
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Water/stream crossings without bridges
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Lone Wolf Trail

Trail Rating: Rugged

Lone Wolf Trail parallels River Scene Trail after it climbs the former old Ridge Road to the top of the bluffs. Take in a view of the river valley before breaking away from the bluffs as the trail separates from River Scene Trail. Lone Wolf Trail descends through shaded, fern-covered hillsides into the Kiefer Creek valley below. Access the stream crossing in the valley that connects to Grotpeter Trail for an extended trek, or keep following Lone Wolf Trail as it follows the meanders of Kiefer Creek until returning to the trailhead. Lone Wolf Trail was named in honor of Castlewood’s most notorious roadhouse tavern/speakeasy of the resort era. Unfortunately, all that remains of the Lone Wolf Club today is a stone fire place and memories.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Steep grades and inclines more than 10 percent
• Bluffs or drop-offs next to trail
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail          

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

River Scene Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate

River Scene Trail features the parks most spectacular views. The first quarter mile wraps around a forested hillside and then turns sharply uphill towards the top of the bluffs. The trail follows the edge of the bluffs for about a mile past scenic overlooks that provide stunning panoramic views of the Meramec River valley more than 200 feet below.

Along the way, hikers will pass some old foundations that serve as a reminder of the resort era during the 1920s and 1930s. At the end of the bluff, a wooden boardwalk descends into the river valley past the crumbling remains of the “Grand Staircase” to a tunnel under the Union Pacific railroad. This area was the site of the Castlewood Railroad Depot and the steps provided access to Castlewood Hotel and resort cabins on the bluffs. The trail passes through the tunnel and then turns left as it meets the Meramec River. The trail remains level as it follows the river over the next two miles, traveling through seasonally flooded woodlands and a large open field that was the past site of the hotel known as Lincoln Lodge. The lodge was across the river from Lincoln Beach, which was the prime gathering spot of fun-seekers during the resort era.

After going back under the railroad tracks at the Kiefer Creek Road underpass, the trail follows Kiefer Creek Road back to the trailhead. Hiking only is allowed on the bluff portion In addition, White Connector 7 is available to shorten or enhance one’s hike.

You may experience:

• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail
• Wood or stone steps
• Steep grades and inclines more than 10 percent
• Bluffs or drop-offs next to trail
• Bridges and/or structural crossings
• Water/stream crossings without bridges
• Occasional water over trail
• Road/highway crossing
• Emergency response signs

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette

Stinging Nettle Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate

Stinging Nettle Trail follows the Meramec River from Sherman Beach County Park to a junction with Al Foster Trail in the Cedar Bluff Unit of Castlewood State Park. The trail’s varying contour is the result of gravel dredging on the site prior to state acquisition of the land. Hikers and mountain bikers alike will appreciate the up close and personal views of the river. This is a great trail to get away and commune with nature.

You may experience:

• Emergency response signs
• Water/stream crossings without bridges
• Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
• Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail

Find the trailhead on the park map

Missouri State Parks Trail Rules and Etiquette