al foster memorial trail

The Al Foster trail is part of a cooperative trail system that follows the north side of the Meramec river for approximately five miles from highway 109 east to Castlewood State Park and eventually on to Lone Elk Park at highway 44 and highway 109. Here’s a link with directions: http://www.greatriversgreenway.org/trails/al-foster-memorial-trail.aspx The trail offers a smooth crushed rock surface suitable for walking or biking and remains level throughout on the trail. The trail follows the river and provides interesting views of the river and of the cliffs to the North. There are several substantial bridges crossing creeks that run into the Meramec River. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail, biking and hiking only. There are alternate trails running off the main trail that are less formal and offer bikers and hikers a more varied terrain. Eventually the trail will be connected to the existing paved trails North in Wildwood, allowing residents to hike or bike from Town Center to the Al Foster trailhead. There is a small park with playground and restrooms near the parking lot for the trail. There is also a unique narrow gauge railroad that runs along part of the trail. The railroad operates on Sundays and provides a unique experience to enjoy riding through the woods behind a small steam engine. Highly recommended, the trail is well drained, open and functional in most weather, free and open to the public.

Every time I walk this trail, I am amazed and thankful for the foresight of some of our civic leaders. This trail is well managed, well marked and connects to several other trails. It's a great place to bike with kids and family. Some of the trail is rock based but you can connect to The Rock Hollow trail which is asphalted. The trail lies along the Meramec River which is always changing color and flow. Their are mile markers in several locations so by adding several trails together you could actually train for a marathon . The Al foster is completely flat, but the last mile and a half of The Rock Hollow trail is hilly.

Walked this trail today - it was really nice for hiking or biking. Cool and shady; runs close to the Wabash Frisco and Pacific small scale steam train in Glencoe, MO ( near Old State Road and Highway 109. Off it is the trail that used to be called the haunted "Zombie Road" now the Rock Hollow Trail - it is nicely paved; we saw deer and other wildlife and lots of hikers and bikers --- no ghosts! It was a really pretty walk. Maybe after dark, another story -- but you're not supposed to be there after dark anyway! The small guage train that runs near here is sure to be a hit with any kids in your group -- and maybe some of the adults --- the train only runs on Sundays, May thru October.