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Riverscene Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (22)
  1. Areas
  2. MO
  3. …St. Louis Metro Area
  4. Castlewood State Park
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“A rocky bluff trail with great vistas over the Meramec River descending to the floodplain. ”

Kerry Nikolaisen
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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.7

KM

Loop

674' 205 m

High

406' 124 m

Low

350' 107 m

Up

360' 110 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The wooden staircase on the west end of the trail might make completing this route difficult for those with limited mobility.

Description

This trail features a steep uphill that starts right from the trailhead but the views are definitely worth it. The trail is fairly rocky most of the way with some dirt paths interspersed throughout the trail. A long descending flight of wooden stairs on the west side of the bluff carries you down to the flood plain. Once you've descended the stairs, the trail flattens out considerably, and you'll be able to enjoy a stroll along the river as you work your way back toward the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Bluff hardwoods (oak, hickory) and cottonwoods and elms in the floodplain.

Contacts

Land Manager: Missouri State Parks Department

Shared By:

Kerry Nikolaisen
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 22 votes

#1

in Castlewood State Park

#433

Overall
  4.3 from 22 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
5%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Castlewood State Park

#3

in Missouri

#433

Overall
24 Views Last Month
3,845 Since Aug 24, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
5%
5%
65%
10%
15%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Another great bluff view
Aug 22, 2016 near Valley…, MO
One of the first views one the trail, overlooking the Meramec River.
Aug 9, 2017 near Valley…, MO
Bluff vier overlooking the Meramec River
Aug 22, 2016 near Valley…, MO
A five-lined skink hanging out along the trail.
Aug 9, 2017 near Valley…, MO
A panoramic view from the River Scene Trail
Aug 22, 2016 near Valley…, MO
Typical view of trail conditions on the bluff
Aug 22, 2016 near Valley…, MO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 7, 2023
Matt Callaway
Feb 5, 2023
Randy Turner
Oct 29, 2022
Private User
Oct 16, 2022
Michelle Pfaffmann
Very steep at beginning. Great scenery can get to the water. Great for an afternoon of exercise. My Lilly and I went and had a great afternoon. — 2h 30m
Jul 10, 2022
Joseph Higgs
at the river — 18h 12m
Jun 10, 2022
Art Gebbia
Apr 1, 2022
Art Gebbia
Apr 4, 2021
Rick Ihnat
3.5mi

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