BEDH_St_Louis-15

Distance: 8.0-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 4 hours

Difficulty: More challenging due to length and demanding climbs

Best season: Fall through spring

Park hours: 4 a.m.–10 p.m.

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: None

Maps: USGS Weldon Spring; park map and brochure available at the visitor center

Trail contacts: Missouri Department of Conservation, St. Louis Regional Office, 2360 Hwy. D, St. Charles, MO 63304; (636) 441-4554

Special considerations: Use caution near steep bluffs. Mosquitoes can be very abundant during warmer seasons. Hunting is permitted in the area during various seasons; contact the park office for details.

The Hike

Located in St. Charles County, the 8,359-acre Weldon Spring Conservation Area offers a variety of natural features, including large plots of forest, tall limestone bluffs, wetlands, glades, pastures, and some agricultural lands. This combination of habitats makes for a diverse collection of flora and fauna, despite the area’s close proximity to the city. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, and five-lined skinks (a type of lizard) are just some of the wild animals that flourish here. The southern border of the area is formed by the Missouri River. The Katy Trail, a 225-mile-long biking and walking trail, cuts across the southern portion of the conservation area.

Located next to the information kiosk, the Clark Trail and the Lewis Trail begin on the eastern end of the parking area. The trailhead is marked with a wooden sign for the CLARK TRAIL 5.3 MILES and the LEWIS TRAIL 8.2 MILES. Begin hiking north on the obvious path, passing eastern red cedar, roughleaf dogwood, honey locust, and eastern redbud trees. After 0.1 mile the trail forks; stay right (south), following the white arrow.

At 1.3 miles you gain sight of the Missouri River and come to an interpretive sign, which gives historical information on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Follow the trail as it turns sharply to the left (north).

After climbing a moderately steep ridge, pass several scenic overlooks at 2.2 miles. The impressive limestone bluffs tower above the Missouri River and the famous Katy Trail. From here the trail descends the ridge to a dry creek bottom (2.8 miles). Cross the creek and follow its bank to the intersection of the Clark and Lewis Trails at 2.9 miles. Stay right (east) to continue on the Lewis Trail. (Option: Turn left here for a 5.3-mile hike of about 3 hours.)

The trail follows an old fenceline (3.3 miles) along the bluffs before descending again via a series of mellow switchbacks through a mostly maple and oak forest. The trail crosses a small footbridge at 5.4 miles and then an access road at 5.6 miles.

At 6.4 miles the trail rejoins the Clark Trail, stay right (north) at this intersection to complete the loop. Cross another footbridge at 7.0 miles and continue southwest to the trailhead parking area.

Miles and Directions

0.0Hike north from the parking lot to the combined Lewis and Clark Trails.

0.1Reach a fork in the trail; turn right (south) to stay on the Lewis and Clark Trails. (The larger loop, our recommended hike, is the Lewis Trail; the smaller loop, the Clark Trail.)

1.3Come to the Lewis and Clark interpretive sign. Follow the trail as it curves to the left (north).

2.2After ascending a moderately steep ridge, come to a series of overlooks.

2.8Cross a dry creek bottom.

2.9Intersect with the Clark Trail; keep to the right (southeast) to stay on the Lewis Trail. (Option: Turn left [north] onto the Clark Trail for a 5.3-mile loop that takes about 3 hours to hike. Turn left onto the Lewis Trail at mile 6.4 below.)

3.3Follow the trail as it parallels an old fenceline along limestone bluffs.

5.4Cross a small footbridge.

5.6Cross an access road.

6.4Come to intersection with the Clark Trail; stay right (north) to complete the loop.

7.0Cross a footbridge and continue southwest.

8.0Return to trailhead parking area.