Shady Springs Park Bushwhack Hike

You can enjoy a short hike and find adventure in the woods at Shady Springs Park in St. Peters, Mo., north of Interstate 70.

Hiking here is not easy, as the trail is not well-marked. I managed to complete a 0.15-mile loop on a natural surface with a 3-foot elevation gain.

The Park

I parked in the paved lot next to the playground, which has a nature theme and includes swings.

One large play structure features two-story slides, a rock wall, a bridge, tube slides, and various bars and poles. A small playground structure features slides, ramps, and a tic-tac-toe board.

The Trail

To the left of the playground is the start of the nature trail.

I came down a hill, passed a bench, then came to a log across the trail. Next, I went to the right from there through heavy foliage.

I came to an intersection and continued straight ahead, coming to a gate where this trail ends.

Seeing the gate, I backtracked to the intersection and turned left and west to continue down the trail.

*Second entrance on the other side of the playground*

Then I found another entrance to the trail system on the other side of the playground, which marked the end of the hike.

*Follow along the streambed for a more leisurely short hike in the woods.*

Easty Short Hike

If you want an easy walk in the woods without bushwhacking, go right at the streambed on the first section of the hike and follow it to the other part of the trail that leads out by the other sign.

*The overgrown nature of the trail system*

*A flowering Trillium I found in the woods.*

Final Thoughts

This is not an easy loop trail to follow, as it is overgrown, not well-maintained, and you have to walk over logs.

Embark on this adventure only if you’re truly ready for it. The area is small, so you’ll unlikely get too lost. Be sure to bring a compass, or keep in mind that you’ll eventually need to head west to exit the woods.

DETAILS

The park features a restroom and a picnic pavilion located near the playground. Soccer and baseball fields can be found across the parking lot from the trail and the playground.

Drive: Take Interstate 70 to exit 225, make a right onto Harry S. Truman Boulevard, and then a quick left onto North Service Road. Next, make a right onto Shady Springs Lane, and the park entrance will be on the left, near a wood park sign.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Daily

Address: 3888 Shady Springs Ln, St Peters, MO 63376