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 Reporter |
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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by DHV on 7/28/2008 I did the 5.3 mile Clark loop again today but in reverse. It was much easier on the legs if starting from the westmost trailhead. Not a great workout. Note: it rained overnight and you have 3 things to deal with: 1) a lot of bugs and spider webs 2) a few jumps over creeks 3) mud. I came home pretty buggy and messy but not very tired.
Reviewed by DHV on 7/27/2008 This is quite an easy hike. I did the 5.3 mile "Clark" loop. You can also do the 8 mile Lewis loop. It's all smooth dirt path and you can make great time wherever you are. Just a few long treks uphill, but nothing too bad. Nice river views. Wore deet and had no insect problems.
Reviewed by BVB on 5/9/2008 vERY NICE HIKE REALLy pretty in the fall some diffuctly with unmarked side trails
Reviewed by David on 4/7/2008 Loved it. Going back for the 8 mile hike this weekend
Reviewed by Sarah on 3/31/2008 Nice trail! Somewhat strenuous for a Missouri trail, and some nice views of the Missouri river. It was pretty busy on a Saturday morning (when it was cold) so I imagine it would be very busy in better weather.
Reviewed by Marty on 11/20/2007 Mid November, first frost is gone and leaves abound on the trail floor. Excellent trail. Many different elevation and senery changes. Easy to pause and enjoy the peacefulness. 
Reviewed by Robert on 10/6/2007 This is a beautiful trail only about 30min (good traffic) from North St Louis county and well worth the drive. Experience astounding vistas of the Missouri river valley from bluff vantages no doubt used by Native Americans and early settlers alike. I'm 24 in ok shape and I must admit that I was a bit tired at the end of the 5.3mile Lewis Trail. The varying grade and switchbacks are excellent leg exercise. If you live in St Louis and want to go where there is no sign of civilization and no sounds either (no traffic), you definitely need to hike this trail.
Reviewed by JP on 9/9/2007 September 9th - Just got back from the trail and loved it. It was cool at 6:30am which made for a great hike. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||