St. Louis, MO: Emmenegger Nature Park
Escape the hustle of city life on this quiet, 1.4-mile loop in Emmenegger Nature Park that climbs a riverside bluff overlooking the Meramec River.
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Although Emmenegger Nature Park is often overlooked due to it’s proximity to the nearby Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, this 94-acre park offers hikers a scenic escape from St. Louis and picturesque views of the Meramec Valley.
The 1.4-mile route starts at the parking lot and follows the park’s main loop trail to the north. After 200 feet, the path crosses a large bridge, then skirts two wheelchair-accessible loops. The well-defined trail crosses the creek again near mile 0.5 before climbing 100 feet to the top of the riverside bluff. At the top of the bluff, soak up views of the Meramec River and the surrounding valley, then begin a gradual descent (you’ll catch more views on the way down). At the bottom of the hill, turn left to rejoin the paved path toward the trailhead.
Note: This trail can be hiked in either direction, but this counterclockwise route provides a more difficult climb and saves the scenic overlooks above the river for the final stretch.
-Mapped by Bill Yearout
Trail Facts
- Distance: 2.3
Waypoints
EMM001
Location: 38.5467725, -90.4329005
The trail begins as a paved path heading north from the parking lot. Stop at the kiosk for information about the park’s interesting history.
EMM002
Location: 38.547234, -90.4331875
Cross a large bridge over a creek that flows toward the Meramec River.
EMM003
Location: 38.5479955, -90.4337561
Bear right at the next few intersections. Stay on the east side of the two smaller paved loops to join the longer trail and circle the park.
EMM004
Location: 38.5480668, -90.4340109
Turn right again leaving the fist short, paved loop and connecting to the second.
EMM005
Location: 38.5485913, -90.4338044
You can go either way at this T-junction. The right-hand turn is shorter than the left, but both routes will take you to the dirt path ahead.
EMM006
Location: 38.5492164, -90.4333377
A post marks the start of the dirt trail. Turn right to hike into the bottomland woods and along the creek.
EMM007
Location: 38.551202, -90.433038
The topography in this 93-acre park allows for a diverse range of species. Stop to admire the uneven surface of the shagbark hickory near the bridge.
EMM008
Location: 38.5542045, -90.4340592
As the trail turns west near mile 0.75, it begins a 100-foot climb to a bluff-top ridge above the Meramec River.
EMM009
Location: 38.5528809, -90.4360253
At the top of the hill you can continue straight for a view of the valley before turning left above the river.
EMM010
Location: 38.551753, -90.435979
After a quick downhill, rest your knees at this rocky outcropping offering views of the developed valley and the Meramec River below.
EMM011
Location: 38.5484801, -90.434947
By mile 1.25, you’ve descended the bluffs and are on even ground with the river. From here, you’ll join the paved path and cross over the creek again en route to the parking area.
Bridge
Location: 38.5472382, -90.4331553
A view over the large bridge just north of the trailhead.
Small Bridge
Location: 38.5512028, -90.4330051
You’ll cross this smaller bridge along the loop’s eastern edge, before the climb out of the valley.
View
Location: 38.5517482, -90.435977
Meramec River
Location: 38.5484801, -90.4348826
After descending from the bluffs, the view of the river is from a more parallel plane.
