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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 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JM on 6/17/2009 Agree with the previous few reviews - the mosquitoes are INSANE! Seriously, the only place that I could imagine might be worse would be the Everglades or something like that. We wore repellent and didn't seem to get too many actual bites as a result, but hundreds were constantly swarming us and landing on us faster than I could smack them. The trail was muddy and one section was completely underwater, probably because there was a hard rain the night before. The bluffs were awesome, and it was nice to be able to have such an authentic wilderness experience so close to STL, but save it for late fall to early spring - NOT during the mosquito season. 
Reviewed by nc on 6/14/2009 Terrible terrible mosquito problem made us feel like we were in an Alfred Hitchcock movie - the biting bugs were relentless - we couldn't even smile long enough to take a picture from the lookout over the bluff. Other than that, the view was pretty, forest like setting gorgeous. We didn't see any other animals which was disappointing.
Reviewed by ASE on 5/31/2009 Overall the trail is nice, although rather monotonous. There are a couple of overlooks over the Missouri river which are quite beautiful. But... OH GOD THE MOSQUITOES!!!!! 
Reviewed by Viewer on 5/27/2009 sever mosquitos, couldn't even go on trail 
Reviewed by Pam on 10/19/2008 What a great hike! We were so hungry afterwards that we had a late lunch at Annie Gunn's...lots of Sella and food! The trees were just about to turn, the views from the bluffs, magnificent! 
Reviewed by MRK on 8/31/2008 It was a wonderful hike, not too difficult for a great family outing, very safe, easy to get to. Wear good hiking or walking shoes, wonderful view. It took us less than 2 hours to complete the Clark trail, 5.3 miles and we stopped for photo op and a quick lunch overlooking the Missouri River.
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||