Hike the Lewis and Clark Trails
Details
Distance
8.5 miles
Elevation Gain
557 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by The Outbound Collective
Close to St. Louis, this trail offers great views of the Missouri River.
Located in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, this hike links together the Lewis and Clark Trails. At first the two trails overlap one another. When the trails split, for a shorter, 5.2 mile hike, you can stay on Clark Trail for the entire loop. For a longer hike take the 2.3 mile Lewis Trail loop, which circles back to the Clark Trail as it returns to the trailhead. Both trails are well marked.
Starting at the trailhead, keep right at the Y to head onto Lewis and Clark Trails. You will have views of the river from up on the bluffs. A trail map can be consulted here.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Saint Charles.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Saint Charles.
Reviews
Leave a ReviewLookouts, Creeks, & Hills
Nice popular trail with scenic lookouts over the river, hills, and mosquitos (mid-May). Would recommend. There’s a shorter Clarke trail ~5 miles with an optional adder Lewis trail +~2 miles for the loop.
4.0
20 years hiking this trail
This is one of my favorite trails locally. The trail skirts the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River and currently has a few stream crossings where the trail is not as easy to pick up on the opposite side. Park benches are located at a few stops along the trail but there are numerous outcroppings of rocks where you can picnic. Easy access to the Katy Trail can be found a short distance from the trailhead and also to Hamburg trail. Great for biking or hiking
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.