Walk the Centennial Greenway’s Ackert Walkway, starting from the Delmar Loop, where you’ll find the “Father of Rock and Roll” Chuck Berry statue, and then explore the Washington University campus.
The walk covers 2.7 miles with a 141-foot elevation gain, all on a wide sidewalk. The walk involves stairs or ramps, depending on your preference for ease of access.
I parked in the first third of the hike, where parking was available. Then, I walked north to do the first section as an out-and-back. Then, I walked south to Washington University to complete the main section of the hike, which took me through the university campus and back to the Delmar Loop.
Start of the Walk
I headed towards the east side of the parking lot that borders Leland Avenue. I made a left turn onto a sidewalk along Leland Avenue, heading north, and came to a connector trail leading to the walkway.
Ackert Walkway to Vernon Avenue
At Ackert Walkway, I turn right to head north. I pause to read a sign about the walkway’s history. It used to have streetcar tracks, and the last streetcar ran here in 1948.
In 1967, the old streetcar tracks became a linear park named after Harold C. Ackert, a former mayor who helped grow University City’s park system.
Next, at 0.15 miles, I came to a two-blue-seal spray fountain that kids can play in.
Then at 0.3 miles, I came to Vernon Avenue and turned around. Another information sign on the history of the walkway and rail line is located where the trail ends at this street.
On the way back, I see numerous benches set up for a game of Chess.
Towards Washington University
I proceed past the connector towards Delmar Boulevard, passing under the Ackert Walkway arch.
To my left, there’s a courtyard with a life-sized statue of rock and roll legend Chuck Berry, a St. Louis native (Main Blog Photo). Behind him, a wall lights up in rainbow colors. Delmar Boulevard in The Loop also features a Walk of Fame honoring famous St. Louisans.
After stopping here, at 0.7 miles, I cross Delmar Boulevard. I wait for the light since Delmar Boulevard can be busy with traffic. After Delmar, the walkway becomes a wide sidewalk along Melville Avenue.
Then the walkway resumes after crossing Kingsbury Boulevard, near a concrete pylon.
Next, at 1.05 miles, the walkway rises above Forest Park Parkway on a pedestriann bridge. You can cross using either a curving ramp or go directly ahead on the stairs.
Walkway Through Washington University Campus
On the other side of the pedestrian bridge, I enter the Washington University campus and face another set of stairs and a ramp. I go up the ramp and follow the signs for the walkway on the other side.
Then I pass by a sculpture made up of tall rods.
I keep heading south and see another trail sign pointing left. I decided to walk straight ahead through Washington University to Forsyth Boulevard in a more direct path. You can choose to go either way.
I head down some stairs and then through covered walkways to Forsyth Boulevard at 1.4 miles. At this street, I turn left.
Across the street are large historic homes, some of which have been converted into student unions and university offices. The Centennial Greenway path through Washington University reconnects along Forsyth Boulevard.
At 1.7 miles, I come to the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Skinker Boulevard. You can cross the street and then spend a whole day hiking around Forest Park.
A Walk on Washington University Campus
You could turn around and walk back the way I came. I decided to check out more of the Washington University Campus. I make a left on a sidewalk along the Washington University Campus side of Skinker Boulevard.
Along Sinker Boulevard, I come to a statue of Robert Burns. He has no connection to Washington University, but he was the favorite poet of many of the trustees, who formed the Burns Club of St. Louis.
Then at 1.8 miles, I make a left onto a sidewalk near the middle area of campus, near the Lindell Boulevard and Skinker Boulevard intersection.
I head into the main lawn of the Washington University campus.
On the left is Chakaia Booker’s monumental sculpture, Shaved Portions.
Then I come to a small sculpture garden with numerous statues. Nearby is the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
Next, I follow a sidewalk that goes around to the right of Brookings Hall, with a large stairway leading up to it, and at 1.9 miles, I head northwest around a courtyard where students are studying.
I walk under a stone archway and up some stairs through an open hallway. I began to go east, coming to the Rod sculpture once more, where I made a left to head back over the bridge.
Final Thoughts
This urban walk let me explore the Washington University campus, University City neighborhoods, Forest Park, and The Loop. It’s a great way to experience a unique part of the St. Louis area.
NOTE: If the hike is a little confusing around Washington University, head to the north side of campus towards Forest Park Parkway and go west until you see the bridge for the walkway once more.
DETAILS
Drive: (NOTE—I parked in a lot near the Delmar Loop since there is limited / nearby street parking at the trail’s end at Vernon Avenue.) Take Interstate 64 to exit 33 and go north on Big Bend Boulevard, then make a right onto Delmar Boulevard. Next, make a left onto Kingsland Avenue and then a right at the Arrow Park sign into the parking lot. You may want to look for parking on the far right side of the lot, near the start of the walkway.
Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., Daily
Parking Address: Parking Lot, University City, MO 63130
MORE NEARBY HIKES
Lewis Park Walk
Take a walk around a small lake that has a fish on a bicycle at Lewis Park in University City near the Delmar Loop.
Oak Knoll Park Stroll
Oak Knoll Park is a picturesque destination, featuring a serene pond surrounded by bald cypress trees and vibrant tulips that bloom in the spring.
Take a Six Mile Hike in Forest Park
You can hike around the perimeter of Forest Park on the Heels Path, passing by the Zoo and Science Center, through the woods, and by many streams and lakes.
