St Louis Riverfront Trail

Points of Interest Along the Way

**Reflecting on a River** — Near the Arch end of the trail, a 190-foot ceramic mural adorns the floodwall. Created by artist Catharine Magel with contributions from local schoolchildren, it depicts the flora and fauna of the Mississippi in colorful tile mosaics.↗

**Mural Mile** — A stretch of floodwall covered in legal graffiti art, adding a raw, contemporary energy to the walk.↗

**Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing** — Roughly the midpoint of the trail, this is Missouri's first nationally designated Underground Railroad historic site. A small rest area with native plantings and interpretive panels marks the spot where Meachum, a formerly enslaved woman, helped freedom seekers cross the river to Illinois. AmeriCorps Trail Rangers are stationed here during peak season to share the story.↗↗

**Branch Street Trestle** — An elevated former railroad viaduct converted into a nature walkway with native plant gardens and river views above the flood level.↗

**North Riverfront Park** — About nine miles north of downtown, the park provides picnic spots, fishing access, a playground, and a boat launch.↗↗

**Old Chain of Rocks Bridge** — The northern terminus. This legendary former Route 66 crossing stretches across the Mississippi with panoramic views of the river and the St. Louis skyline far behind you. It connects to the Illinois side and the MCT Confluence Trail, extending your ride toward Alton and beyond.↗↗

Planning Your Visit

The trail is flat, paved (asphalt), and open year-round for walking, running, and cycling. It's free to use and pets are welcome. The main trailhead with parking is at Lewis and Biddle Streets, just north of the former President Casino site. MetroLink riders can disembark at the Arch/Laclede's Landing station and walk east toward the river for quick access.↗↗↗

Amenities along the route include benches, drinking water, restrooms, shelters, and picnic tables—though they are concentrated at key stops like the Mary Meachum rest area and North Riverfront Park rather than evenly spaced. Shade is limited, especially on the levee sections, so bring sun protection and water in summer months.↗↗

Some portions of the trail double as levee roads shared with authorized industrial vehicles, so stay alert and watch for signage. The downtown section has an elevated sidewalk above the river along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and a lower-level path along Levee Road, connected by ramps and stairs.↗↗

How to Ride or Walk It

A short, satisfying out-and-back is the 3-mile round trip from the Arch area to the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing—about an hour of walking or 30 minutes cycling. A longer loop reaches the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge at roughly 11 miles one way; you can cross into Illinois and loop back on the opposite bank via the Confluence Trail for a scenic 20-plus-mile day ride.↗↗

Fishing is permitted along most of the trail, and the riverfront provides surprisingly good access to the Mississippi for anyone with a rod. Early mornings bring mist off the water, barge traffic, and a haunting industrial quiet that feels worlds away from a major American city.↗↗