Walk the paved Lakeview Trail around a big, clear lake and check out Dripping Springs waterfall at Creve Coeur Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Starting the Hike
I parked near the Taco Bell Shelter, which is named after the taco chain that helped build both the shelter and a boat dock on the lake. If that lot is full, you can find more parking along Marine Avenue to the north.
Lakeview Trail is a mostly flat, paved path that loops 3.8 miles around the lake.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is just a few steps from where I parked.
A sign by the springs shares the legend behind their name: It is a scene of the tragic death of the lovelorn Indian girl whose broken heart is said to have given the lakes their sorrowful name, “Creve Coeur.”
The springs are a bit off the main trail, and the small bridge and path nearby can get muddy sometimes.
During winter or after rain, the area around the falls can get slippery, so watch your step.
Going by the Highway
I walked past some bald cypress trees as I made my way toward the Page Avenue/Missouri Highway 364 bridge towering above.
The trail goes under the bridge and then runs alongside the highway heading east.
Next, I crossed Creve Coeur Creek on a bridge to reach the other side of the lake.
I went under the highway bridge again. This time, I noticed a sign warning about the dangers above: “watch for falling ice, snow, or debris from the bridge.” Be extra careful in this spot, especially in winter.
Heading Towards the West Shore
The paved trail first winds through woods along Creve Coeur Creek, then follows a branch of the lake with an island across the water. I spotted a bright white egret out in the lake.
West Shoreline
Here, tall trees line the lake on the right, while a big soccer complex sits on the left.
Then I came across an open field with a wooden gazebo with a bench built in the middle for those needing a break on a hot day.
Next, I came across a trail leading to the soccer fields. I kept going along the lake.
After the soccer fields, the trail approaches a railroad line.
Sailboat area
At the north point, I crossed Creve Coeur Creek again.
I passed the rowing area, which is shared by the Washington University Sailing Club and the St. Louis Rowing Club.
Charted in 1875, the St. Louis Rowing Club participated in the 1904 Olympics rowing contest at this lake. Ranked 10th in the US. The club sponsors an annual regatta here.
Tremayne Shelter
After passing a boat ramp, I walked by Tremayne Shelter.
Next, I reached a sandy, beach-like area along the lake, with Marine Avenue on the left.
A big group of Canadian geese were enjoying the beach.
Along the Beach Area
I also saw a few workout stations for anyone who wants to do more than just hike.
Creve Coeur Lake Rentals
Next, I reached Creve Coeur Lake Rentals. If you want to do more than walk, you can rent a kayak, paddle board, or canoe. I was tempted to try, but I didn’t have enough time today. Maybe next time, especially if my son joins me.
They also rent out surrey bikes, which are four-wheeled bikes you can ride with a child or another adult along the bike trail.
Back at the Trailhead
I was now back at the parking and walked once more to admire the waterfall before heading out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to walk a few miles on a paved trail around a big lake near St. Louis, this is a great option. It can get busy, so you probably won’t have the trail to yourself. It’s also stroller and kid-friendly.
Note: Swimming is not allowed anywhere at the park.
OTHER TRAILS
Bootleggers Run Trail – Earthen Treadway, 2.5 miles
This trail is up above the lake in the hills and loops around the woods as a dirt path with lots of switchbacks, with views of the lake.
Creve Coeur Connector Trail – Paved, 3.8 miles
This trail connects the park to the Katy Trail system at the Page Avenue/Highway 364 Bridge.
Mallard Lake Loop Trail – Paved, 1.7 miles
This paved trail goes around the Mallard Lake area. Located along the trail is Lakehouse Restaurant. Open seasonally.
Mallard Lake Unpaved Trail – 1.2 miles
This trail is on the other side of the Lakehouse Restaurant and can be combined with part of the Lakeview Loop Trail and Mallard Lake Loop Trail for a 2.6-mile hike.
Meadows Loop Trail – Paved, 3 miles
This trail includes part of the Lakeview Loop Trail.
Trails from the Creve Coeur Connector Trail
- Out N Back Trail – unpaved, 1 mile
- Beaver Bayou Trail – unpaved, .3 mile
- Skunk Prairie Trail – unpaved, .6 mile
- Audubon Trace Trail – unpaved, 2.5 miles
- McKelvey Woods Trail – unpaved, 2 miles
NEXT BLOG: Learn about my adventure with small waterfalls and a tasty lunch at Lakeview Restaurant along my hike around Mallard Lake!
History of the Park
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park’s lake was formed several thousand years ago when a meander loop of the Missouri River was cut off.
In 1881, the Missouri Pacific Railroad built a spur line to the lake from Laclede Station.
Jacob Studt, a local farmer and general store owner, built the first of several hotels, dance pavilions, and boat houses on the lake, which are gone now.
In 1889, he offered grounds and a subsidy for the annual St. Louis County Fair, which was held here for about thirty years.
Other Activities Here
- Spray Fountain Play Area
- 4 Playgrounds
- Disc Golf
- Archery
- Tennis Courts
- Boating
- The Quarry at Crystal Springs Golf Complex
- Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Course
DETAILS
Drive: It is about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis to the park. Take Interstate 64 west to Interstate 270. Go north on Interstate 270 and then take exit 17 for Dorsett Road. Make a left on Dorsett Road. Then make a right onto Marine Avenue. When you see the lake, make a left into the parking area around the lake. I parked in the farthest part of the lot, closest to the waterfall.
Hours: 8 am to 30 minutes past sunset.
Address: 13450 Marine Ave, St. Louis, MO 63146
MORE CREVE COUER PARK HIKING
Creve Coeur Park: Bootlegger’s Run Hike
Hiking along ravines, wooded river hills, and high above Creve Coeur Park is a walk on Bootlegger’s Run in Maryland Heights, Mo.
Explore Mallard Lake Loop: Waterfalls and Lakeside Views
On the Mallard Lake Loop hike, you’ll see cliffside drip falls and lake views, then have lunch on the deck at the Lakehouse restaurant in Creve Coeur Park.
MORE NEARBY HIKES
Halloween Hikes: Monastery Ruins at Saint Stanislaus
Hiking around stone foundations on the grounds of a former monastery was the highlight of my time at Saint Stanislaus Conservation Area.
Fort Belle Fontaine Hike
The grounds of a former 19th-century U.S. Military installation and ruins of a popular summer retreat in the 1930s can be explored at Fort Belle Fontaine County Park in North St. Louis County.
