Harry WishList

Very convenient location and it does give ya a good elevation hike for a short distance trail. One negative is the interstate noise. Otherwise it’s a nice green zone full of trees and a variety of ozark highlands and river bottoms. I hope they connect the park with others up and downstream. This place can’t match Castlewood, but it has a nice vibe considering you are in the shadow of I-270 and I-44. It’s also right next door to the last Lemp mansion (private property unfortunately!)

This is the best trail in the state. I have hundreds of miles here running, cycling, walking etc. plus they have restrooms near. Love Forest Park Forever!

This review is for the River Trail, which isn't listed on this site for Roaring River SP.
Blazed in Yellow. We accessed it from near the parking lots by the Fish Hatchery. You'll pass the Amphitheater, or you can pick up part of the trail there, since the Amphitheater kind of interrupts the trail.
This was a short trail but interesting scenery and features. No real climbing, and for most of the trail, you are hugging the River (though not really close enough to get down to it). Narrow along much of the trail, have to go single-file. Some cool rock overhangs and natural "benches." I think kids would like this trail and could manage it well.

I found the trailhead by going behind the Nature Center and crossing the road. TH signage is on the other side of the road.
Hiked only a portion b/c it was end of the day and we were losing daylight. I would rate this as more than "Moderate" due to the quick and steep climbs and rugged trail condition. It does flatten out at the top, and you can catch your breath! Late afternoon sunlight through the trees was really pretty. We took the connector trail to meet up with Deer Leap Trail and head back down to leave. I'll definitely return to do the whole trail.

Great easy trail with good views. A lot foot traffic though.

My family and I went on the trails here today and it was beautiful. if you have kids with you go to the nature center and ask for a back pack, it comes with binoculars, a leaf activity and other fun stuff for kids to check out on the hike.

Steep to begin. Looks like a WPA project. Well maintained. Pleasant with good markings.

eww

Great ride but can be busy ! Everybody understands the different levels of goals and you can’t beat the view .. 5 stars

Nice paved trail along the river. This trail is moderately to heavily populated depending on when you go. Some spots are nice and can view the river. The rest of the trail is very industrial.

There is a great free bike stop along the trail that has maps, water, and can help with bike fixes like; air, patches, and inner tubes. This spot made the trail earn the extra star.

Great views easy hike

Great trail with the kids. Enjoyed all the natural wonders!
Spent around 2 hours on the trail.

Very nice hike. The trail is well maintained. The waterfall and creek are well worth the visit! The suspension bridge if fun. Note that because this trail is in town and with having the waterfall/creek that it does draw in a crowd to get get in the water so be prepared depending on time of day/year that you may not get the peace and quiet you are looking for. With that said once you get away from that area the crowd disappears. There are plenty of benches along the trail where you can sit and take in nature. This is a cant miss hike!

Always a good walk. It’s really nice in the evening and the sunset over the lake is really pretty.

Beautiful trails with creeks, caves, and waterfalls. I highly recommend checking this trail out.

Very safe during the day. Family friendly. Love forest park!

Hiked this trail this morning. We started at the Chinkapin Nature Center. After walking the trail I definitely think this is the best place to start. Be aware that the first part of the trail is pretty steep and you will get a good workout but it is well worth it. The fire tower is no longer above the tree line as it was put in in the 30’s but you are allowed to climb it and you still get the feeling of being very high. Keep on traveling around past the fire tower and you will encounter a good downhill climb. Then a beautiful view of a bluffline and then the glades. Near the end you get a short walk along the river before it comes out in the campground. With a short walk back to the nature center. As was said by earlier posts you do have to cross the highway a couple of times but personally I don’t think it took away much from the overall experience. It was a great trail with lots to see.

We liked this one, but if river levels are low there is not much to see.
The trailhead is very poorly marked with virtually no parking lot, so just beware as you arrive. No bathrooms at trailhead.

Definitely would recommend, trail can get confusing. Easy to walk and even good if you wanted to run it!

This is one of the most scenic urban park that I've ever seen. The grand basin area in particular is amazing which overlook the art museum. The attractions in this park, the art museum and zoo are a must see destination if you're in St Louis. I find the history museum a bit of a bore though.

Short trail with interesting features.

This is a beautiful hike! Lots of benches for those they may need to rest. Clear trail.

love the different flora and fauna

Pretty easy trail for the loop that goes up to the glades. Can get through it in about 25 minutes if you have a moderate pace.

I love this hike! I go all the way around! You can hike the creek bed. Along the waterfall.
It is busy at times. But, overall it is a great place to hike.

A very short out and back walk to a cave that has been closed due to White Nose Syndrome. The trailhead is a little hard to find. From the parking area walk up the hill toward the brown cabins. The trail starts at the tree line half way up to the cabins.

Short but fun trail. The trail is steep and rocky in parts and passes mostly through forest, although there is one overlook of the valley below. The bluffs and Indian Cave are interesting. The cave is one of the few in the park you can still walk back into.

Very beautiful and shaded. There were a lot of dirt trails that went all over the place and were hard to follow. The main path was paved.

artsy :)

This trail is amazing, and I can’t believe that we haven’t been here before! It has history, varied terrain, a beautiful creek all along it, rock formations, a fantastic waterfall; we LOVED IT. Definitely will be back!