Fall puts on a vibrant show in the St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· area. The landscape transforms into a collection of warm hues — burnt orange, fiery red and golden yellow. We hit peak leaf peeping time from mid-to-late October to early November.
There are several destinations known for their iconic autumnal scenes: Forested river bluffs at Castlewood and Pere Marquette State Parks, the Lime Kiln Trail at Rockwood Reservation and the vast variety of towering trees in Forest Park and Tower Grove Park.
In addition to these well-trekked trails, there are lesser-known gems also worth a visit. Keep in mind that it starts to get dark sooner in the fall, so plan a hike in an unfamiliar park earlier in the day. A few state parks may be closed on a given weekend in the fall for managed deer hunts. For example, Babler will be closed and restricted to hunters on Nov. 1-3, and Castlewood will be closed on Dec 7-8. Check the Missouri Department of Conservation ().
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Here are our top picks for a colorful fall hike off the beaten path.
Emmenegger Nature Park, next to Possum Woods Conservation Area, Kirkwood and St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· County: This park features a few hiking trails, the longer of which is 1.8 miles, with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. There’s also an easy 0.7 mile trail and a 1.4 mile loop trail. The Meramec river runs along the western boundary of the area. The park features a diverse mix of upland hardwoods, such as white oak, red oak, post oak, shagbark hickory and sugar maple, along the ridges and bottom lands.
Queeny Park, St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· County: Many established trees along two trails, Hawk Ridge (4 mi.) and Hawk, Goose and Owl Creek loop (1.9 mi.) are marked with informative green plaques. The oldest tree, a white oak, sits on the far extreme northern boundary and is believed to be around 280 to 300 years old. Several native trees have QR code plaques that share information about the species, human uses and other fun facts. In addition to the oak and hickory species, other trees include elm, maple, pawpaw, dogwood and serviceberry.
Al Foster Memorial trail, Glencoe and Wildwood: This secluded and wooded trail features an 8-foot, crushed stone path that travels along the Meramec River, ideal for hiking or biking. It runs five miles — three miles to Sherman Beach and another two miles to Castlewood State Park. It goes through more of a lowland forest. The Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Miniature Railroad, which runs through the park, is near the trailhead, although tickets should be reserved in advance online.
Fort Belle Fontaine Park, St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· County: This park, at the far north end of Bellefontaine Road, is open to the public, but it shares an entrance drive with the Missouri Hills Campus of the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Visitors may be asked to stop at the guard house at the entrance to the property, where they will be directed to parking areas. Fort Belle was the last stop for Lewis and Clark on their way back to St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ·, and it is the first American fort west of the Mississippi River. This was a popular recreation area visited by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1930s. A grand staircase overlooks the river.
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LaBarque Creek Conservation Area, Jefferson County: This rustic, hilly hike is moderately challenging. It features plenty of sandstone formations, forested hills, cliffs and steep narrow valleys. If you visit after a heavy rain, you may spot a waterfall. It is approximately 3 miles long.
Engelmann Woods Natural Area, Franklin County/St. Albans: This old growth forest is home to 200-year-old trees that offer spectacular color in the fall. It’s adjacent to the Missouri River. A moderate-level trail descends to a creek bed and goes back up again. The 1.9 mile hike features elevation change of 331 feet. The parking is limited, so it’s better to carpool if heading out with a large group.
Katy Trail State Park, St. Charles: Well-known as the longest rails-to-trails conversion park in the nation, this is a popular hiking and biking trail. It travels through some of the most scenic areas of the state, with much of the trail following along the Missouri River. However, given that the Katy Trail is 240 miles long, with 26 trailheads, there are plenty of lesser traveled parts up and down the trail. Try starting at the Busch Greenway trailhead in Weldon Spring. A paved .75-mile path takes you right to the Katy Trail, past a manmade waterfall, creeks, over bridges and through a valley of trees.
Chubb Trail to Lone Elk Park, Valley Park and St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· County: This moderate-to-challenging hike connects a county and state park. It starts at Lone Elk County Park (outside the animal area where bison and elk roam), 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 and passes through flat, forested bottomland and restored prairie fields. It’s seven miles long. If the river is high, parts of the trail can flood. It’s a more secluded hike along the river.
Don Robinson State Park, Jefferson County: Relatively new to the state park system, this is a smaller park with limited parking. Visitors are encouraged to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to improve chances of finding a spot. There is a 4 mile trail with an elevation gain of 528 feet. The Sandstone Canyon Trail is known for the St. Peter’s sandstone and several box canyons along the trails. Hikers can experience the dramatic terrain change in areas where the forest floor drops vertically as much as 40 or 50 feet. Visiting a few days after it rains, increases your chances of seeing a waterfall.
Salt Lick Point Trail, Valmeyer/ Monroe County: This 1.8 mile moderate-to-difficult hike with steep climbing is in a reserve containing 12 hill prairies and seven limestone glades with 700 acres of mature, upland forest. It includes the highest point in Monroe County, Salt Lick Point, at 810 feet above sea level. It is three miles east of the Mississippi River, and the bluff tops offer a stunning view out across the American Bottoms.
For more information
Travelers can check the fall report and other tips and resources from the Missouri Department of Conservation, at . To contact the St. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùµ¼º½ÍøÖ· Regional office, call 636-441-4554.