High Point Meramec River Views on Bluff View Trail Hike

You can enjoy beautiful views of Crescent Valley and the Meramec River by hiking the Bluff View Trail in Wildwood, MO.

The trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back hike with 344 feet of elevation gain. You can start from Bluff View Park at 1900 Old State Road or from the Al Foster Trailhead at 225 Grand Avenue, both in Wildwood, MO.

Parking at the Al Foster Trailhead

I parked at the Al Foster Trailhead at one of the numerous spots here, although this place can get busy on the weekend, and you might have to park at the other trailhead.

*Head towards the train tracks for the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad*

You will see small railroad tracks here since on weekends the small-gauge Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad runs here for family fun. My son has enjoyed a ride on this steam train that runs through the woods near the Meramec River.

Heading towards the Meramec River. I have hiked this trail in winter, when you need to be more careful in the snow. — *Heading towards the Meramec River. I have hiked this trail in winter, following the Al Foster Trail to Sherman Beach.*

Starting the Hike

I walked along the start of the Al Foster Trail connector passing by a parking lot.

Making the left on a winter's day. — *Making the left on a winter’s day.*

When I came to the Meramec River I went left along the wide gravel trail here.

*Take the left heading right for the Bluff View Trail off the Al Foster Trail.*

At about 0.3 miles, on the left, is the sign for Bluff View Trail access to the trailhead along the narrower natural surface. The trail is maintained in part by the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists mountain bike club. Be aware that mountain bikers will also be using parts of this trail.

Cliffside Bluff View Trail

On the left are some large cliffs and small rock shelters.

*Trail sign for the Rock Hollow/Zombie West Trail*

Next, on the right, I came to a connector trail for the Rock Hollow/Zombie West Trail. You can hike quite a lot of miles if you go along these trails.

I stayed to the left heading up on the Bluff View Trail. Along here, I came across more rock outcroppings along with a few dry streambeds.

I also spotted a large eroded rock covered with plants and lichen.

At 1.4 miles, I came to Gateway Off-Road Cyclists, a mountain biking club, and a downhill biking trail. This trail is only for bicyclists, and signs warn hikers to stay off it.

You will come by another section of it at 1.5 miles, and a sign pointing in the direction of the Bluff View Trail. A map of the area is nearby.

*Steep ascents can be found along the hike.*

Next, I walked over a large rocky area that I had to be careful on, and where it might be slippery after a rain.

*Far off views from the top with nearby yucca plants*

High View

After passing through some woods, I came to a bench, and the view opened up. This was the scenic view I was hoping to see. In the distance, huge forest hills. A valley with a golf course and a hay field.

*Meramec River lies below, and along the distant hills, you might spot a mansion.*

Far below the Meramec River. If you look directly ahead in the far distance, you can see huge mansions along the hilltops.

Along the cliffside are numerous benches where you can take in the view. Further down is a paved trail that connects to the Bluff View Parking area, another access point for the Bluff View Trail.

You can stop here or go another 0.5 miles to the Bluff View Park trailhead. I decided to keep going.

*Heading onto the unpaved trail behind the benches.*

To Bluff View Trailhead

I passed some yucca plants before heading down the dirt path that goes behind the benches. On the way back, I will do the paved trail.

Next, I crossed what would have been a gate with cement posts, and on my right, I noticed a large gravel area with yellow rocks around it.

*Mound at the start of the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists trail*

The Gateway Off-Road Cyclists have their trail starting up here, which includes a mound to help you gain some speed to head down the trails.

Next, I passed what the cyclist calls a “pump track.” It looks like a small track for bike workouts, with many bumps.

Then I was at the other trailhead parking lot checking out the information sign before heading back the same way.

In the middle of the parking area are picnic tables if you want to take a snack break. Restrooms are also located here.

Paved Trail

I went to the right of the unpaved trail and took the paved trail back to the lookout. Along this trail, you can see more of the old fence with cement posts.

In winter, you can look through the trees and see the white snow of the Hidden Valley Ski Resort in the distance.

This trail descends and then emerges to the left or west of the lookout area.

Then I walked back to the unpaved Bluff View Trail, past the benches.

Going Down and Finding Edible Mushrooms

At the start of the Bluff View Trail, there’s a B1 Emergency Locator sign. You’ll see these signs along the trail, and they help first responders find your location if needed.

Chicken-Of-The-Woods" edible mushroom — *Chicken-Of-The-Woods” edible mushroom*

I noticed a small rocky bluff with a small shelf on my walk back this time. Then saw a hardwood tree with a large orange-and-yellow mushroom growing on its side. This is a sulfur shelf, or what my hiking friends call “Chicken-Of-The-Woods.” Its species name is Laetiporus sulphureus.

These mushrooms should be cooked, not raw. One can bring out their meaty texture and hearty flavor by sautéing them with butter, adding them to vegetable dishes, or mixing them into omelets.

Similar-looking mushrooms grow on conifer trees, but they are poisonous. Also, note that many mushrooms are deadly poisonous, so it is risky to eat them if you are not absolutely sure of their identification.

Near the start of the trail, I noticed a large white-and-yellow rock shelf. Coming up, it didn’t stick out, but going down, I noticed it.

I always enjoy how walking a trail in the opposite direction lets you discover new things.

River Access

Before I turned to the right to head back to the trailhead on the Al Foster Trail, I went left down a short, narrow River Access trail to the Meramec River. It heads straight down, so watch your step. It was probably the hardest part of today’s hike.

The river is low today, so a small rapids flows through here. I took a moment to listen to the river and watch fly fishermen catching fish.

It is not part of the official hike, but I was glad I did it. Sometimes it is nice to check out an area, even if it isn’t part of the day’s plan.

NOTE: This stop can only be done when the river is low. I’ve been here other times when, if you did this, you would only come to fast-moving water.

Final Thoughts

Hiking from the Al Foster Trailhead meant the best part of the hike was at the far end. If I hiked this trail again, I would do it this way. I liked the cliffs and rocky terrain along this trail. The best part of the course was the cliff view and one of the better ones along the Meramec with the large valley below. Also, if you only want the view, you can do the one-mile out-and-back hike from the Bluff View Park Trailhead. Longer walks can also be done with connections to the Zombie, Al Foster, and Rock Hollow Trails. A lot can be explored in this area!

DETAILS FOR BOTH TRAILHEADS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 west out of St. Louis. Then take exit 264 to go north on Missouri Highway 109, then make a right onto Old State Road, and then a quick left onto Washington Avenue that goes to the trailhead parking lot.

Address: 225 Grand Ave, Glencoe, MO 63038

Drive: Take Interstate 44 west out of St. Louis. Then take exit 264 to go north on Missouri Highway 109, then make a right onto Old State Road, and then look for the entrance to Bluff View Park on the right.

Address: 1900 Old State Rd, Glencoe, MO 63038

Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily