11 Lone Elk County Park: White Bison Trail

Herds of elk and buffalo are undoubtedly an uncommon occurrence in St. Louis County, yet a trip to Lone Elk County Park can offer wildlife lovers sightings of both. The White Bison Trail presents wildlife viewing opportunities rarely seen in this part of the country.

Distance: 3.0-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate due to modest climbs

Best season: Year-round

Park hours: Open 8 a.m. to half hour past official sunset

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: No dogs permitted in park or on trails

Fees and permits: None

Maps: USGS Manchester

Trail contacts: Lone Elk County Park, 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., Valley Park, MO 63088; (314) 615-4386, www.stlouisco.com/parks

Special considerations: Ticks and chiggers are common in warmer months.

Finding the trailhead: From St. Louis take I-44 West for 17 miles to exit 272 for MO 141 and merge onto North Highway Drive. Make a slight right onto MO 141 and then take the ramp to North Outer Road. Turn left onto Meramec Street and stay straight onto West Outer Road for 2 miles. Turn right onto Lone Elk Park Road. Drive 0.6 mile to the park entrance on the left, and then drive 0.2 mile more, staying left at the fork. Follow the road for another 0.3 mile to the visitor center, parking area, and trailhead. Modern restrooms and water are available at the visitor center. GPS: N38 31.873 / W90 32.600

The Hike

Lone Elk County Park, an interesting park with a peculiar past, makes a memorable day trip for hikers in and around St. Louis. Part of a large cattle operation in the 1800s, the area that now makes up Lone Elk Park was purchased by the Military Department in 1941 and used as an ammunition depot until the end of World War II. After the war, the area was declared surplus and taken over by St. Louis County Parks.

Taking advantage of the 8-foot-tall perimeter fence, the new park was stocked with ten elk from Yellowstone National Park. In 1951 the park was taken over by the Department of the Army and used once again for military purposes.

By the end of the 1950s the herd had grown to more than one hundred elk, and the animals were beginning to run out of food. With winter approaching, it was decided that all the elk would be exterminated and the meat donated to local hospitals. One lone bull escaped this fate and roamed the hills alone for several years.

In 1963 the area was taken over by Washington University, and in 1966 students from Rockwood School District partnered with the West St. Louis Lions Club to purchase more elk from Yellowstone, bringing the lone elk some much-needed company after eight years of solitude.

Today hikers in Lone Elk County Park can expect to see elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and bison. The forest is a typical Missouri hardwood mix, full of oaks and hickories. Visitors who want to extend their trip can visit the World Bird Sanctuary to see bald eagles, hawks, owls, and more.

The White Bison Trail loops around Lone Elk Reservoir, and hikers will more than likely pass right by the elk herds that rest near the trail. Visitors will have to enjoy the bison from their vehicles, as the herd is kept separate from the rest of the park.

From the visitor center parking area, locate the White Bison Trail on the west side of Lone Elk Park Road. The trail begins near the picnic area, just across a small footbridge, and is marked with a white buffalo trail marker. The trail ascends a steep, rocky slope and curves northeast through hickories, oaks, maples, and redbuds. The trail passes through a woodland area that includes an abundance of pawpaw trees. The trail bends sharply to the right (north) at 0.9 mile and descends the hill.

Come to a park road at 1.1 miles and turn right (east). Follow the road for 0.1 mile, crossing Lone Elk Park Road and following the trail east into the woods. (The lake will be to the south of the trail.) Cross Elk Hollow Road and a picnic area at 1.6 miles and continue following the trail south.

At 2.0 miles the trail turns to the right (west). Come to another park road at 3.0 miles; the visitor center and trailhead parking are just ahead (west).

Miles and Directions

0.0From the footbridge begin hiking west.

0.9The trail bends sharply to the right (north) and descends the hill.

1.1Come to a park road and turn right (east), following the road up a short hill.

1.2Cross Lone Elk Park Road and continue east into the woods.

1.6Cross Elk Hollow Road and a picnic area.

2.0Follow the trail as it curves to the west.

3.0Cross a park road and continue west to return to the visitor center.