My first time biking Bangert I was alternately delighted and frustrated. A bicycle allowed me to…read morecover the entire island, something I've never done on foot. Every time I came to a path fork I took the trail heading away from the interior. So, it was a delight to cover the perimeter and finally explore areas I hadn't been in before. However, the lack of trail markers--even at the forks--meant much of the time I had little idea where I was. The trail map was no help and only by checking the sun's position and knowing where the river was did I have an idea of the general direction I was headed. That was frustrating. I kept thinking how a walker wouldn't know where they were, nor how far they were from the next fork that could take them back to Bangert's entrance. Beyond that, the island's trails are fairly easy. Paths nearest the River Road and along the north are solid and mostly flat. Trails along the river are sandy with frequent dips and switchbacks. I began by heading north toward Interstate 70 and its traffic roar. Once I made the turn south and biked further from the bridge the noise subsided and the ride became more serene. However, the trail also got narrower. Trees close in and it's easy to snag a handlebar or pedal. There were a few small tree trunks across the trail--part of the fun of mountain biking--but most were level with the ground. A few trunks showed recent evidence of large trees having been cut to allow the path to run between the sections. Carey in what you need: There are no facilities of any sort here.

Would love to give this a 5 star review, but went on the Slough Loop Trail and got about a mile…read moreinto the "loop" and hit a dead end with lots of downed trees and heavy brush covering the trail, with no real way to get around. Had to backtrack and try another trail. That trail was open with no dead ends. Hopefully St. Charles County parks will clear the downed trees this winter and open all the trails once again for Spring 2022. Anyway, nice overlook of the Missouri River just south of the I-70 Blanchette Bridge. The trails are mostly wooded with several spots that have views of the river.

We hiked 3 miles at the Matson Hill Park near Defiance/Augusta off 94. Within the fist 5 minutes,…read moreif you head counterclockwise, you'll come across a sinkhole on the right side of the path. There are several small stream crossings, but plenty of rock bridges to keep your feet dry. We were impressed that the trail was clear of rots/rocks/overgrowth. Makes sense that the trail was also intended for bikers. The trail was built by mountain bikes for mountain bikers, but the day we visited, there was a sign at the trailhead that said "hikers only." There was so much shade on this trail. Perfect for a hot summer day. The trail has a few loops depending on if you want to hike the smallest 1ish mile trail, the 3 mile hike on the Matson Hill Loop, or the 2 add-on trails: 3 miles Hays Trail and the 2 mile Oxen Mill Trail. The maps at the trailhead and throughout the trail indicate the historic 1830s stone homes on the property were closed to visitors. Checking out the St. Charles County website now, the Hays and Boone family homes are open to the public again after a renovation in 2020! We almost hit a deer on the side road after getting off 94. Just keep your eyes peeled and your speed appropriate on the curving roads.

If you want terrific trail cycling or hiking, this is the premier spot in the St. Charles County…read morepark system. The large park covers 475 acres--most of it natural, rugged, and forested. Trails include more than six miles of natural surface paths that wind and curve and roll across the landscape. Besides the trails a key feature is the 1830s stone home of a Daniel Boone's grandson, Daniel Boone Hays. The home/museum contains exhibits about the Boone and Hays families.

Rock Hollow trail is a 2.3 mile trail accessible from Ridge Meadows Elementary or via the Al Foster…read moretrail and Bluff View Trail. It is a wide, paved path meandering through the "hollow" between two ridges. From Ridge Meadows, the path gradually descends with many bridge crossings, benches, and rest areas located along the trail. The spring wildflowers fill the area with pops of color. We went on a weeknight and were practically the only ones on the trail, but I imagine it can get crowded with walkers, runners, and bikers on the weekends.

Paved shaded and a decent walk. Got to see a deer. Has a small waterfall. After a good rain the…read morecreek probably has a nice stream. Small view of the river at the end.

Great trail for hiking and biking with wonderful views of the Missouri River. I didn't bike as I…read morehad trouble balancing as a kid but enjoyed the walk in Augusta we did.

Beautiful trail with great access and not crowded in early May. Many birds (including a turkey.)…read moreRent bikes right on the trail in St Charles from the Bike Stop Cafe.

This Saturday was my first time hiking at this trail. I hiked with a group and we did almost 9…read moremiles. There were lots of leaves and it was somewhat slippery from the rain that we had all week long. The hike has a few challenging parts due to the leaves covering the pathway, which make the hike even more challenging. It was a great hike, the longest hike for me so far. I would definitely come back here again, however definitely need to have a map or some type of app on the phone because it is easy to get off trail. There was hardly any phone reception here.

It's a beautiful "beach", rock obviously. The parking is horrible. I've gotten there at 9:30am on…read morea Saturday and all the parking is taken. there were only 5 other people on the beach. Most people seem to use the parking lot and walk or ride bikes. There is plenty of space to add parking. The hike down to the beach isn't too far but the hill is a bit steep for the sand used on the path.

This is a good spot get on some trails in West County and still be able to connect to the…read moreCastlewood trails. There is also good access to the Meramec River for swimming or skipping stones. Becareful when visiting because the parking lot is limited in size and the park rangers write lots of tickets even during COVID when people are trying to get outside. Also watch out for people not being good about trail edicate. This is a great area for riding bikes, walking, and running. The paths are maintained really well.

Great running trail with step-up hills and nice mix of flora and fauna throughout the year!read more

Best hiking rest stop on the trail! Excellent views all around. Perfect snack stop while on your…read morebike ride or hike/walk.

It's great scenery while taking a walk on a nice day. Plenty of parking, path is wide enough to…read moreaccommodate those walking and running.

Nice and peaceful place to walk or run. It's a 4 mile distance from one end and back (2 miles long…read moreeach way). Sits right off of a busy road but not so noisy that it disturbs. The levee overlooks all the shopping stores off of THF and Boone's Crossing so you can easily park and walk over or simply park on the gravel levee parking lot. I enjoy a change in scenery and the levee gives me that. There is also a beautiful mural along the concrete barrier wall at the beginning of the trail decorated by local school kids.