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Weldon Springs Clark Trail

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

Stunning views of the Missouri River Bluffs, Best hike in Metro Area
Near:Saint Charles, MO
Scenery:
Distance:5.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:100 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop



Summary: This is the most scenic hike in the Metro St. Louis Area. Three sections of the trail pass by limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments where hikers enjoy a beautiful view of the Missouri River. These sections require you to take a short spur off of the main trail. The bluffs are usually about 25 yards from the main trail. These sections come up in the first 2 miles of the hike. Moderately strenuous for Missouri hiking. One possible, yet easy, creek crossing in wet weather. Be sure, at the creek crossing, to take the fork that heads NORTH or else you will be doing the full 8.2 mile loop (Lewis Trail). Apres Hike Activity: hop back onto Highway 94 and head south for approx. 15 scenic miles to Augusta. Stop by Mount Pleasant Winery, The Augusta White House Inn, or the Augusta Brewing Co. Well worth the drive!
Trailhead: From St. Louis, take I-64 into St. Charles County, South on Highway 94, Continue on Highway 94 approx. 2.5 miles, Gravel parking lot for trailhead is on LEFT, Look for a wooden sign labeled "Weldon Springs Hiking Trail". (Lat:38.675 Lon:-90.7667)
Trail Guides for Weldon Springs Clark Trail:
Hiking St. Louis
by Evie P. Harris (Evie P. Haris)

Conservation Trails-A Guide to MO Dept of Cons Hiking Trails
by Teresa Kight (Missouri Department of Conservation)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: MO Dep't of Conservation, St. Louis Regional Office, (636) 441-4554
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Chris Rufkahr. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 8   Submit your own review
Reviewed by AMS on 4/21/2013
This trail offers beautiful scenery and is moderately challenging in places. I especially liked the view of the Missouri River from the high bluffs right off of the trail.

Reviewed by Dan Y on 11/25/2012
Great hike. It took us 2:08 to complete 5.74 miles. If you have small kids, keep them close to you once you get near the Missouri River. The bluffs drop off 50-60 feet or so. Beatiful views however.

Reviewed by Eric S on 10/12/2012
I have been running this trail for years and continues to be one be my favorite for a fun scenic trail run.

Reviewed by BYK on 6/25/2012
Error: Reserved Word Found: --

Reviewed by Aaron on 6/17/2012
I hiked this trail today after a pretty good overnight rain. There was mud in spots but not really a problem. I used bug spray beforehand and was not bothered by any bugs. I only came across 4 other hikers and 2 runners on the 5.3 mile Clark Trail. Good photo ops on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.

Reviewed by DEC on 3/26/2012
I love this trail. It is beautiful scenery with some challenging hills. The best time to go is in the spring but winter and fall are very nice too. I don't recommend this trail in the summer because of the voracious mosquitoes.

Reviewed by RayC on 1/1/2012
Wonderful trail in most seasons. Great for hiking and running. In mid-summer can be heavy with mosquitoes - wear good repellent and keep moving. Great vistas overlooking the MO River and Katy Trail. Some nice vertical climbs on both the longer and shorter loops. Most often hike the trail counter-clockwise to get to the bluffs earlier in the hike.

Reviewed by Maggie on 10/15/2011
Me, my husband and our dog Maggie just did the Clark Trail for the first time and it was absolutely beautiful!!! The fall colors, the bluffs and the scenery were just breath taking oh yeah and so were some of the inclines! Unfortunately my husband and I are somewhat couch potatoes but we really enjoyed this hike, for me it was challenging at times but again I know I'm not in the best shape. However, it has totally motivated me to get my life together and get healthy so I can enjoy this wonderful state we live in by exploring the outdoors. Enjoy


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Missouri Hiking, Missouri Trails, Missouri Hikes, Saint Charles County Hiking, Saint Charles County Trails, Saint Charles County Hikes


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