The best running trails around St. Louis

St. Louis offers a wide variety of running routes, with nearly 100 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different fitness levels, including 16 easy, 76 moderate, and 7 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every runner.

The running trails in St. Louis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Runners frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from expansive urban parks like Forest Park to scenic riverfront paths along the Mississippi, and the well-maintained trail networks that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Yes, St. Louis has several easy routes suitable for beginners. The city's generally flat topography, with some gentle rolling prairies, makes many paths accessible. For example, the River des Peres Greenway Trail offers a consistent, greenway path that is popular for urban running.

For longer runs, St. Louis offers excellent options. The Katy Trail, a 240-mile trail stretching across Missouri, has several entrance points around St. Louis, providing a smooth, uninterrupted, and largely flat path. Within the city, routes like the Luther Ely Smith Square – Eads Bridge loop from Union Station offer a challenging 16.8 km (10.4 miles) run.

Absolutely! Many routes in St. Louis combine exercise with sightseeing. The Gateway Arch – Eads Bridge loop from 8th & Pine provides iconic views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. Forest Park also features numerous paths where you can run past cultural institutions like the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Many of St. Louis's parks offer family-friendly running environments. Forest Park, with its extensive network of paths and diverse landscapes, is a great choice. Tower Grove Park also provides a beautiful 4-mile loop with picturesque scenery, ideal for a family outing.

Yes, many parks and trails in St. Louis are dog-friendly, though leash rules usually apply. Forest Park is a popular choice for runners with dogs, offering plenty of space and varied terrain. Always check specific park regulations before heading out with your furry companion.

For those seeking a challenge, St. Louis has options with more significant elevation changes. Castlewood State Park, a short drive from the city, is known for its challenging trails, including the River Scene Trail with stunning views. Within the city, routes like the Luther Ely Smith Square – Eads Bridge loop from Union Station are rated as difficult due to their length and elevation.

Loop routes are very common and popular in St. Louis. Forest Park offers a well-known perimeter loop of approximately 5.6 miles, along with many internal loops. The Forest Park loop from Forest Park-DeBaliviere is a great example, covering over 10 km. Tower Grove Park also features a scenic 4-mile loop.

Many of St. Louis's urban parks and trails are well-served by public transportation. Forest Park, for instance, is easily accessible via MetroLink and bus routes. Routes starting near downtown, such as the Gateway Arch – Eads Bridge loop from 8th & Pine, are typically convenient to public transport hubs.

While popular spots like Forest Park can get busy, you can often find quieter sections or explore other areas. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, offers level paved paths through wetlands and forests that tend to be less crowded. Lone Elk Park and Rockwoods Reservation also provide a more secluded experience with opportunities to see wildlife.

St. Louis's running routes often pass by or are close to significant attractions. In Forest Park, you can run near the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Zoo. The Gateway Arch is a central landmark for riverfront runs, and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge offers historical interest along the Riverfront Trail.