Hike Along the Meramec River on the Chubb Trail

Hiking part of the Chubb and the Flint Quarry Trail leads to views of the Meramec River and cliff-like terrain along hills.

This hike covers 8.8 miles on natural surfaces and gains 968 feet of elevation. With many ups and downs and a rocky trail, I would call it difficult.

I hiked down to the Meramec River on the Chubb Trail, doing the Low Water Route and High Water Route Loop.

Flint Quarry Trailhead

I parked at the Flint Quarry Trailhead lot.

At the start of the hike, you cross a creek bed with an overhanging escarpment up a park service road.

The natural surface trail then branches off to the right of the paved park service road. Follow the green sign that looks like a cliff with rocks.

*Flint was used by Native Americans for tools.*

Next, I came across cliffs and a rocky section. The trail is named after the numerous flint quarries in the area, where Native Americans mined flint for tools and weapons. The Native Americans refined the flint in the valley below the hills.

Next, I came to the top of a hill with a lookout through the trees over the hills towards Interstate 44 and Eureka, MO.

A side trail goes to the far right. Keep following the main trail to the right.

*The picnic table acts as a trail marker on the hike.*

Then I came to a picnic table. You can continue on the Chubb Trail, going to the left of the picnic table for a shorter hike. I went to the right to start the downhill section of the Chubb Trail to the Meramec River.

It is interesting to watch the mountain bikers traverse "The Steps." — *It is interesting to watch the mountain bikers traverse “The Steps.”*

Chubb Trail Start

This is a tough section for mountain bikers, as they must go down “The Steps,” a slanted rock section. It is worth stopping if you are here when mountain bikers are doing this section.

Next, the trail comes to another small lookout over the Meramec hills and valley.

Then descended down the hillside. The rocky terrain can be muddy and slippery after a rain, so take care going down.

To the River

At the bottom, you come to the 1.5-mile Prairie Loop section on the right. I continued going straight towards the river.

You will come to the other end of the loop, where a gate is. Go to the right of the gate, and you will come to a railroad track. Watch for trains. Across the tracks is another trailhead for the Chubb Trail.

Continue going straight ahead.

A sign points out that prairie grass has been planted in the areas where the mowed paths go around.

Low Water Trail Section

I continued straight ahead. You will come to a sign for the High Water Trail and the Low Water Trail. I passed it and continued to the Low Water Trail along the river.

Walking on, I came across a small black snake. I went to the back of it.

The trail continues down to the river through the middle of an embankment, making it the lower trail. Do not attempt when the area is flooded. The Meramec River can be swift. Next, I came across a slough to the left. ( Main Blog Photo) Then a connector to the High Water Trail.

Finally, a sign for the High Water Trail to the right, which I was to take on the way back.

*View of the Meramec River along the trail*

I continued a short way to get a view of the Meramec River, then turned around. This stop is marked by Mile Marker 4 for the Chubb Trail.

You can continue on the Chubb for a much longer hike. The Chubb Trail is a 12.6-mile out-and-back trail, not including the Flint Quarry Trail.

On the way back, I noticed two large turtles out in the river, sitting on a log, pointing up to the sky.

*Upper trail with connector trails through the prairie area.*

High Water Trail Section

On the way back, I made a left onto the High Water Trail. Continued on this trail, following the trail line on the left. Connector trails do go through the prairie area on the right.

Heading Back Up

Going west, prairie flowers attract monarch butterflies. Then I was back to the Chubb Trailhead by the tracks.

*Grown over ruins along the Chubb Trail.*

This time, I had to wait for the train to pass by before crossing the tracks. After the tracks, I noticed an old train stop that had almost grown over by trees and plants. At one time, grain was delivered here for shipment by locomotive.

Easier Route

At the top of the hill, I went to the right to take a trail with an easier ascent than the main Chubb Trail to the picnic table turn-off. It is also scenic following a ridge line.

Chubb Trail Back

Then, at the table, I went to the right on the Chubb Trail. The trail going to the left along here goes back to the Flint Quarry Trailhead. I was heading for the Chub Trailhead and the connector to the Flint Quarry Trail.

A tree is wedged against a boulder along the route. Not sure if the boulder or the tree came first. Then I follow along an eroded bluff.

*Marking a property line along the trail.*

A sign here says “End of County Property Switch-Back Here,” meaning continue along the switchback and don’t go straight ahead.

Finally, I came to the Chubb Trailhead in West Tyson Park.

Flint Quarry Trail Connector

To the right of the Chubb Shelter is the connector trail to the Flint Quarry Trailhead.

*Cool rocky terrain to walk along here.*

This is a scenic walk. I go down a dry creek bed, using it partway. Then cross at the top of another, possibly the top of a waterfall in times of rain. Finally descending to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

This is a difficult and long hike, definitely a workout. Be prepared; on a hot day, bring two water bottles. I drank all of the one I had. There is a lot of up-and-down on rocky surfaces, so watch where you step. I find the hilly terrain and river views scenic, but it takes a full morning, from early morning until early afternoon, to hike.

History

Originally, a part of the Federal Government’s Tyson Valley Powder Plant, the initial 240 acres of West Tyson were conveyed to St. Louis County in 1955. I came across a pit from this time period.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 out of St. Louis and then take exit 266 and merge toward Lewis Road. Keep right at the fork and merge onto North Outer Road. Look for the sign for West Tyson County Park on your right, turn into the park, and head for the lower parking area to start along the Flint Quarry Trail.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset.

Address: 131 N Outer Rd, Eureka, MO 63025