Hike Along Shady Grove Creek at Larson Park

Take a walk along Shady Grove Creek to see a small waterfall and a rain garden full of blossoms at Larson Park in Webster Groves.

The walk is about 0.7 miles long, mostly on natural surfaces, with two loops along mowed paths and about 20 feet of elevation gain.

Start of the Walk

I parked at the Larson Park South Entrance lot. If it has rained recently, you might see a small waterfall trickling down a rock wall. (Waterfall is shown as the main blog photo)

Please note: The creek is not for swimming or wading because it is part of the stormwater management system.

Paved Area

Next, I walked along a grassy area behind the baseball field.

A bridge crossing a stream on the trail.

Just past it, there is a paved section of the trail that leads to a bridge over the creek.

ThenI came to another bridge over a stream.

Then I reached a playground on the left with swings, a boardwalk, slides, and a climbing wall.

*Large blossoming red flowers in the rain garden.*

Walking to the right of the playground and parking lot, I found a rain garden. Large red flowers were blooming when I visited.

Second Field Walk

After passing through the garden, I came to another grassy field and walked across it. At the end of the field, I turned left toward the tennis court, then turned right to follow the creek for a short distance before looping back to the paved trail.

If you bring lunch, the large wooden triangular picnic shelter is a great place to stop and take a break.

Mowed Loop Two

I walked back over the bridge and noticed another mowed loop to the left, which I followed to a creek lookout point. From this field, you can loop back to the main trail, cross the bridge again, and return to the baseball field and parking lot.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy exploring parks and finding your own way along mowed paths, this is a fun place to visit. Just keep in mind that the grass can be wet, and the trail is not stroller-friendly. The directions might seem complicated, but it is not a large area, and just know the parking area is on the south side of the park.

DETAILS

Driving directions: Take Interstate 44 south to exit 280, then turn right onto Elm Avenue. Next, turn left onto Jackson Road, right onto Lockwood Avenue, left onto Oak Street, and finally left onto Harper Avenue. Parking is on the right.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., Daily

Address: 501 Harper Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119