BEDH_St_Louis-16

Distance: 2.2-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate due to modest elevation change

Best season: Year-round

Park hours: Apr–Oct, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; Nov–Mar, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Other trail users: Equestrians on portions of the trail

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: None

Maps: USGS Eureka; park map available at the visitor center

Trail contacts: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, 800 Guy Park Dr., Wildwood, MO 63005; (636) 458-3813; http://mostateparks.com/babler.htm

Special considerations: Ticks, poison ivy, and mosquitoes are common in warmer months.

The Hike

In 1938 Jacob and Henry Babler presented the State of Missouri with sixty-eight acres of hilly countryside as a way to commemorate their brother, Dr. Edmund A. Babler, a well-known and well-loved St. Louis surgeon. Since then the park has grown to 2,500 acres—a precious “green-space oasis” amidst the ever-growing suburbs of St. Louis County.

Visiting old-growth forests featuring white oak, eastern red cedar, sugar maple, walnut, dogwood, pawpaw, and redbud is a rare treat for park visitors so close to a major urban area. A favorite with bird-watchers, the park is home to many species of birds, including downy, redheaded, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers.

The Dogwood Trail is one of the best ways to experience the park’s many natural treasures. This loop is the longest and most challenging, albeit still moderate, hiking trail in the park and provides a good overview of the flora and fauna found in the area. The hike is easily extended by adding the 1.8-mile Woodbine Trail, which shares the same trailhead, to the end of this hike.

On the northeast end of the parking area, locate the information kiosk, which marks the trailhead for both the Dogwood and the Woodbine Trails. Follow the Dogwood Trail, marked with green arrows, to the north through a typical Missouri hardwood forest. At 0.2 mile come the beginning/end of the loop portion of the Dogwood Trail and turn right (east).

At 0.5 mile the Dogwood Trail merges with an equestrian trail and becomes wider and rockier for 0.2 mile as it ascends the ridge. Near the top of the ridge, pass the stone Cochran Shelter and restroom. During the 1930s this site was built by groups from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which used the park as a base and constructed many of the roads, trails, and stone structures found here.

At 1.1 miles come to a spur trail to the right, which leads to the Bates Picnic Area. Stay left (southwest) to continue on the Dogwood Trail. Briefly merge with an equestrian trail at 1.3 miles and then turn right at 1.4 miles to continue on the Dogwood Trail. At 1.5 miles the trail forks again; turn left (south) to stay on the Dogwood Trail.

After hiking 1.6 miles, enter a grove of eastern red cedars and cross a small footbridge, which leads you to a fork in the trail. Stay left to continue on the Dogwood Trail.

At 2.0 miles reach the end of the Dogwood Trail loop and return to the parking area.

Miles and Directions

0.0From the trailhead hike north, following the green arrows for the Dogwood Trail.

0.2Come to the loop portion of the hike; stay right (east).

0.5Dogwood Trail merges briefly with an equestrian trail.

0.7Stay right (northeast) at the fork to continue on the Dogwood Trail.

1.1Reach the spur trail to Bates Picnic Area; stay left (southwest) to continue on the Dogwood Trail.

1.3Merge onto an equestrian trail for 0.1 mile.

1.4Stay right at the fork to continue on the Dogwood Trail.

1.5Turn left (south) to stay on the Dogwood Trail.

1.6Cross a footbridge and stay left at the fork to continue on the Dogwood Trail.

2.0Reach to the end of the loop. Bear right (west) toward the trailhead and parking area.

2.2Return to the trailhead and parking area.

Option: Continue on the Woodbine Trail (marked with blue arrows) for an additional 1.8 miles.