Hike beneath cliffs alongside the wide Meramec River on the Al Foster (Memorial) Trail to Sherman Beach in Wildwood, MO.
This is a 4.7-mile out-and-back hike with 72 feet of elevation gain on a gravel surface.
Along with this hike, I did an optional short 0.2-mile run up to a bluff on a natural surface side trail for a distant river view. This hike features a challenging ascent with an elevation gain of 200 feet, making the total distance 4.9 miles.
From the Parking Lot
I parked at the Al Foster Trailhead, which had numerous spaces available.
From the parking lot, I headed toward Grand Avenue to the Hamilton Carr Trail and went left.
If you go right, you will be on the Hamilton Car Trail, which eventually leads to Rockwoods Reservation. You are on this trail for a small segment.
Small railroad tracks pass through this area. On warmer weather weekends, the small-gauge Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad offers a fun train ride for families. I’ve done this with my son, who really enjoyed it.
Start of the Trail
Then, I came to the Al Foster Trail and turned left.
If you go right, the trail dead ends after 0.5 miles at a scenic overlook.
This trail follows a former railroad track that led to summer resorts and speakeasies for St. Louis residents during the early 20th century. Remnants of these structures can be seen along the trail.
Along the walk, I took in the views of the Meramec River, which had beaches with snow on them from earlier winter weather. (Main photo)
I found small icicles on the bluffs that would eventually melt as the sunbeams hit them as the day warmed up.
With the ice and snow on the trail, I had to watch my footing.
Trail Intersects
Next, I arrived at the intersection for the Bluffview Trail, which leads to an overlook in Bluffview Park. The overlook offers distant views of the Ozark hills and the Meramec River valley. I have traversed this trail in the past.
Shortly after that, I came to the Rock Hollow Trail, which goes through a canyon. The trail that goes into the hills above it is called the Zombie Trail based on strange happenings, and it is said to be haunted.
The narrow gage railroad tracks led away from the trail across a small bridge.
Side Trail
Before I reached a wooden railing bridge on the trail, I went to the left on a side trail that led up to a cliff lookout. This trail is located after you pass by the Rock Hollow Trail.
It is fronted by two rectangular blocks, with the trail going between them.
The trail ascends with stair-like steps over large rocks, then turns left along the cliffs.
Before you turn left, you will see the cement foundation for a former building’s basement.
At the top are tiered cliffs, from which you can gain views of the valley below.
On the highest cliff point, you can see snow on a hill to the west in winter for Hidden Valley Ski Resort. I took a few photos of the valleys, hills, and large homes in the distance before going back down.
Be cautious on this lookout. The path is rocky and muddy in places involving steep ascents. Cliffs can also be hazardous, so pay attention to your footing and where you walk to avoid falling.
Back on the Al Foster Trail
I made a left and headed towards Sherman Beach. I crossed a wooden bridge, and a creek flowed below me. Then, a short way, I came to another one.
Next, I come to two benches with a large boulder between them. On my walk back, I stop for a sandwich and chips for lunch at this spot.
The trail goes near sliced up rock formations.
In the woods, I see the remains of a rock foundation with spaces for doors and windows. A fence blocks the entry, and signs say no trespassing, so I admire it from the trail.
I come to another creek that flows below with snow on its banks.
Narrow Bluffs
Then I come to a sign that reads, “Caution, Falling Rock, Do Not Stop on the Next 25 Miles of Trail.”
Now, the trail snakes by eroded bluffs. One solitary bluff has a flag, while other bluffs approach the trail with deep crevices.
Sherman Beach
After passing the bluffs, I come to a railroad bridge.
On the other side is the Sherman Beach trailhead with a parking lot. You can continue on the Al Foster Trail, which leads to the Glencoe Trailhead, for two miles or take the Stinging Nettle Trail for two miles.
Also, off the Al Foster Trail is the Cedar Bluff Trail loop.
This was my turn-around point. If I return, I will do these trails from this parking lot.
A muddy trail led down to Sherman Beach, a sizeable pebble-filled area along the river. Signs warn against swimming in the river due to dangerous conditions.
From the beach, I took a photo of the train bridge.
Going Back
Walking from this trailhead, I go back under the train bridge, stopping to check the graffiti.
Also, next to the bridge, in large vines, are four poles; I’m not sure what they were once used for.
Along the trail, I noticed the letter E. The Al Foster Trail has white-letter designations bordered in green for emergency locators if you find yourself injured and need assistance.
When I walk back by the bluffs this time, I notice a small cave in the rock, which, with a nearby crevice, gives the cliff a face.
Returning, I came to a spot with two benches and full river views. I looked across the river, and in a tree was a large eagle’s nest. On another tree, two eagles sat together on a branch.
After this stop, I found a triangular-shaped iceberg still holding its shape from the recent cold spell in the river.
Then, I look right to an icy swamp with snow on its banks.
Finally, I am back at the trailhead, tired from a hike that involved watching my footing in snow and ice along the trail.
Final Thoughts
This is an easy hike on gravel since it is flat and wide along the Meramec River. Navigating mud and ice is more difficult in winter. I enjoyed the river views and cliffs on the left side of the trail, along with the creek crossings. The side trail up the hill is a workout, but it comes with far-off views, which I enjoyed.
DETAILS
All year long, restrooms are near the parking lot. Dogs should be leashed.
Drive: Take Interstate 44 west out of St. Louis. Then, take exit 264 to go north on Missouri Highway 109. Make a right onto Old State Road and then a quick left onto Washington Avenue, which goes to the trailhead parking lot.
Address: 225 Grand Ave, Wildwood, MO 63038
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily
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A Route 66 Ghost Town
Hiking along a former street in a ghost town near the skeletal remains of a Route 66 bridge across the Meramec River was my destination. This area has a lot of history, from once being a resort town to becoming contaminated by the dangerous chemical of dioxin.
Minnie Ha Ha Park: Playing and Hiking
Take a walk that goes by multiple playgrounds and along the Meramec River at Minnie Ha Ha Park in Sunset Hills, Mo.
