Hike or Bike along the Scenic Meramec Greenway

Start your day on the Meramec Greenway at George Winter Park, where you can walk along the Meramec River and through the river town of Fenton, Missouri.

The route covers 8.3 miles and gains 113 feet of elevation. The hike was shorter for me since I didn’t go through Fenton City Park twice. You’ll walk on asphalt trails, sidewalks, and some road sections. Depending on your route, you might also use a natural-surface trail. I walked along the Meramec Greenway from George Winter Park to Unger Park.

*Meramec Greenway from George Winter Park to Unger Park*

Start of the Walk

I parked in the lot at the end of Goode Shelter Road on the park’s northwest side. This lot is separate from the main boat ramp.

The asphalt trail starts at the northeast corner of the lot, marked by a Meramec Greenway information sign.

After a short walk, the trail turns right and crosses a bridge over Fenton Creek. If you go left, you’ll find a connector trail to a neighborhood.

Next, I walked through the woods. On the left, there are natural surface trails that lead to nearby neighborhoods.

Fenton Section

After leaving the woods, I saw a field on the left and the Fenton Wastewater Treatment Plant in the distance.

I reached the water treatment road and turned right, walking along its side.

If you continue straight, you’ll reach Old Towne Plaza Park. I chose to stay along the river and kept heading northwest.

Next, I reached Gravois Road and crossed it. Be cautious at this busy intersection. From here, the walk continues on a sidewalk along Gravois Road. Watch for Meramec Greenway signs to guide you.

Then, I make a right onto a sidewalk along Water Street.

The sidewalk crosses the street, then crosses back again at the intersection of Mound and Water Street.

A plaque above a rock wall marks the location of the Old Fenton River Bridge.

The trail goes under Missouri Highway 30.

Crossing a stream that flows into the Meramec River.

A bridge crosses a tributary that flows into the Meramec River.

I missed the main trail into Fenton City Park and continued along the Greenway, which eventually dead-ends at Larkin Williams Road.

*Natural surface hike instead of going into the park.*

You could walk over to the park to continue along the main Meramec Greenway. Instead, I opt to walk along the grass until I reach the Meramec Greenway again, after it leaves the park and runs along the river. I will walk the park on my return.

North of Fenton City Park

I pass by the Riverside Golf Club, which is busy today. Then the trail goes under the Interstate 44 bridge.

This separated asphalt section of the Meramec Greenway ends at the corner of Soccer Park Road and Yarnell Road.

Next, I walked along Yarnell Road and saw a sign for Unger Park pointing left, and went down First Street and then turned right onto Club Road.

The Meramec Greenway trail returns in Unger Park near a greenway trailhead parking lot.

Unger Park

The greenway follows a field and ends at a back parking lot.

*Lake in the distance. The main blog photo shows the lake along the shoreline.*

There’s a lake on the left, and I walked down to get a closer look.

*Meramec Greenway deadends in Unger Park.*

This trail used to continue further, but it was closed due to erosion from flooding.

I turn around to head back.

Going Back

On the way back, I noticed a rocky area I had crossed earlier on the trail.

Then I saw rapids in the Meramec River. Here, you can see how the force of the river creates undertows.

Covered picnic tables and benches are located along the trail if you want to take a break for a snack.

Fenton City Park

This time, I crossed Larkin Williams Road and entered the park. The greenway curves east, then heads south at the front of the park.

You’ll pass a large war memorial along the way.

As you walk, pay attention to park roads with occasional traffic.

A park trail branches off to the right, but you should continue along Larkin Williams Road.

To the Trailhead

The trail then crosses the road.

On the way back, I noticed more trail parking under the Missouri Highway 30 bridge.

A bench along the walk offers views of the river and the houses that border it.

Then I am back at the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed the asphalt sections of the hike. It’s important to watch where the sidewalk section leads, but the signs are helpful. You might want to do this hike in parts, such as around Fenton City Park or Unger Park, since it’s a long route overall. Make sure to have a map with you to guide you. Just know that as long as you are heading along the Meramec River northward, you will be heading in the right direction.

DETAILS:

George Winter and Fenton City Park have restrooms.

Drive: Take Interstate 270 to Exit 2 and go south on Missouri Highway 30, then make a left onto Rahnning Road and then a right onto Gravois Road. Next, make a right onto S. Old Highway 141, then a right onto Allen Road, and then make a left into George Winter Park and a left onto Goode Shelter Road that ends at the parking lot.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Daily

Address: 401 Allen Rd, Fenton, MO 63026