Sunset Greenway: Oldest Church West of the Mississippi River Hike

Walk from the oldest church west of the Mississippi River to a bluff overlooking the Missouri River on the Sunset Greenway in Florissant, Mo.

This hike is 6.4 miles out and back on a paved trail through an urban environment that ends near the Missouri River.

Parking by the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

I parked in the lot at the end of St. Francis Street, near the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine (Main Blog Photo). The church at the shrine began as a log structure in 1780, with the current brick structure built in 1821. In addition to the shrine, the property includes an 1819 convent, an 1840 rectory, and an 1888 schoolhouse.

The settlement around the church began around 1767 in an area then called “Fleurissant,” meaning “flowering” or “flourishing” in French, which reigned over this area at the time. The town is now known as Florissant.

Start of the Walk on Sunset Greenway

After exploring the church grounds, I walked to the right of the parking lot on a sidewalk crossing Coldwater Creek. Then, I continued to the beginning of the Sunset Greenway on the left side of the road.

Unfortunately, Coldwater Creek has pollution problems due to radiation from a waste disposal operation.

The trail runs alongside the creek and then crosses St. Denis Street, where you must be cautious of traffic.

*Three raccoons peer at you in this painting.*

Next, the trail passes by some buildings and goes under Lindbergh Boulevard. The ramp walkway on the other side is adorned with paintings like raccoons peering at you.

Saint Ferdinand Park area

Baseball fields, part of Saint Ferdinand Park, appear on the right side.

Located near a trail intersection is an outdoor workout station.

To continue on the greenway, you need to go left. Going right would lead further into Saint Ferdinand Park, which includes a pond.

The sign tells me I still have 2.3 miles more to go to Sunset Park, my final destination.

Next, I cross Coldwater Creek again.

Then, the trail goes between the back of homes.

*To stay on the trail, head toward the shelter across Patterson and continue heading northeast along it.*

Patterson Road

I cross at the Mullanphy Lane and Patterson Road intersection and use the stoplight and crosswalks.

The trail turns right along Patterson. There’s a shelter here if you need a break.

Along Patterson, you will cross some lightly used neighborhood streets.

Humes Lane

The trail curves left along Humes Lane, passing through green space beneath high power lines.

Again, it intersects with lightly used streets. I pass by Walker Elementary School on the left.

*A second shelter where you can take a break and be out of the sun.*

Shackelford and Humes Lane

I arrive at the intersection of Shackelford Road and Humes Lane, where I find another shelter nearby. Across the street is a Family Dollar and a Walgreens, in case you want a snack or a drink.

You will find a crosswalk and stoplight at the intersection. After crossing Shackelford, Humes becomes Sunset Park Drive. From this point onward, there are no street crossings.

Sunset Park

The trail crosses Sunset Park Drive and leads to restrooms and Sunset Park.

You can continue on the Sunset Park trail section, which is also paved. It is a two-mile out-and-back route, running alongside the river with an elevation gain of 171 feet, making it a challenging workout. I have written a blog post about this winter hike I took.

*Seeing the river from the hillside in Sunset Park.*

I take a break at the upper part of Sunset Park, enjoying the views of the river before heading back.

Returning to the Sunset Greenway Trailhead

This time, I noticed Hazelwood Northwest Middle School on my left and the large fields around it.

*Noticing a playground when I walk back.*

When I came to Saint Ferdinand Park, I noticed a playground in the distance.

Along the section of the trail next to Coldwater Creek, I discovered a large garden full of various types of plants.

*On the grounds of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine*

Near where I parked, I briefly checked out the grounds north of the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, which includes pathways and a large gazebo.

Final Thoughts

The greenway connects the central area of Florissant with the Missouri River. It is not the most scenic hike since it follows a lot of streets, and might be better as a bike ride. I find the shrine and the river park interesting. Next time I walk the trail, I will use it to explore Saint Ferdinand Park. Walking in the summer can be quite warm since there is limited shade.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 170 north and then exit at 9C. Make a left onto North Hanley Road, which will turn into Graham Road and then St. Ferdinand Street. Next, turn left onto St. Francois Street and look for parking near the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., Daily

Address: 1 Rue St Francois, Florissant, MO 6303