Cottleville Dardenne Greenway Loop Hike

Hike along Dardenne Creek, around two lakes, and through woods on the Dardenne Greenway and other trails in Cottleville, Mo.

I hiked 2.8 miles on the Dardenne Greenway and used other side trails to form a loop. In addition, I did a .8-mile out-and-back hike on a natural surface trail through the woods on Kountz Fort Trail. This walk totaled 3.6 miles with 102 feet of elevation gain.

Driving To the Trailhead

I drove through the old town area of Cottleville where they turned small cottages into restaurants, antique stores, and boutiques. I will have to come back sometime and check out a store or two and have a meal.

***Located by the trailhead is a Dardenne Greenway information sign.***

At the Parking Lot

I started the hike from the trailhead in Legacy Park off Missouri Highway N. It was a winter’s day, so I had the park to myself.

Log Cabin

The start of the trail is on the northwest corner of the lot near a log cabin, which was originally owned by the Sergeant Family. It was once located on Eagle Hill, just north of Cottleville. You can walk inside it and the cabin includes a self-composting restroom.

Starting the Walk

I headed down the paved path walking by the metal-fenced enclosed dog park. The trail then goes to the right along Dardenne Creek.

*Walking to the left across the bridge.*

Then I came to a paved pathway on the left leading to a cement and metal railing bridge that crosses the Dardenne Creek below (main blog photo). In doing a loop I took this connector trail to the Vantage Park Trail to go around Vantage Lake.

Around the Lakes

After crossing the creek, I went left on the Vantage Park Trail on the west side of the lake. If you want a longer hike you can do the .6-mile Warren Cottle Trail out and back to Highway N.

I went to the right going up and around the lake and stop for a moment at a red wooden gazebo.

Next to it is a white double-decker birdhouse that had birds flying in and out.

I spy a flock of Canadian geese down by the shoreline.

Then I came to the dam. You can make a left and continue along a paved trail that goes along the north side of Harmony Lake and leads to a pavilion and playground then comes back to Dardenne Greenway.

*View of Harmony Lake* with the fishing dock in the distance

I went right to head toward the south side of Harmony Lake. Then I made a left onto the Podham Park Trail along the south shoreline. This trail comes to a fishing dock with a pavilion.

The sign talks about aquatic life and plants. — *The sign talks about aquatic life and plants*

Nearby is an informational sign on aquatic plants and animals that call the lake home.

Along the Main Roads

Then the trail curves up to Cottleville Parkway and I went to the right. This connector trail leads to the Dardenne Greenway along Mid Rivers Mall Drive.

*Greenway going towards St. Charles Community College*

The Greenway Crosses Cottleville Parkway goes north through the St. Charles Community College campus and then to other St. Charles County Parks. You could do this for a much longer hike.

*Making a right along Mid Rivers Mall Drive*

I continued along the Dardenne Greenway going east to Mid Rivers Mall Drive where I make a right to follow the trail along the road crossing the creek once more.

Then I came to the Cottleville Dardenne Greenway section and made a right onto this trail. This involves a switch back to this trail below. If you continued walking along Mid Rivers Mall Drive you would come to shopping centers.

Back to the Creek

This trail is straight ahead along the creek. When I came down to the creek, I took a few steps off the trail to look at the creek and saw a small herd of whitetail deer scamper off. This is why I love being outdoors, you never know what you might see even on trails near subdivisions.

On the left side of the trail is a wetland slightly ice-filled in winter.

A small stream feeds into it. Looking down I come across a beaver dam and lodge.

KOUNTZ FORT TRAIL

Next, I come to the natural surface of Kountz Fort Trail on the left that goes through the bottomland forest. Located along the path are many benches for breaks.

Stone Markers

Placed along the route are stone markers providing a history of the trail and area. The first one talks about Koontz Fort. Built by Nicholas Koontz during the War of 1812 due to attacks from Native Americans and its importance as a stop on the Boone’s Lick Trail.

The next stone marker states that a mail stop was located at the fort in the early 1800s.

Then the last marker says the settlers and citizens that made up the militia were sometimes referred to as “The Minute Men.”

Trail’s End

The trail comes out in a subdivision and I turned around.

Going Back

This time along the Kountz Fort Trail I noticed a brook that flowed by the trail.

Also, natural surface side trails go off the trail and into the woods if you want to explore the woods more.

Return to Dardenne Greenway

When I returned to the Dardenne Greenway I went left towards the parking lot.

This time I was along the creek instead of the lakes. I took a moment to look across the creek seeing a distance bridge that crosses a ditch from the lake.

Then I walked around the back of the dog park to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

I am glad I took the time to do the Kountz Trail. It went into the woods and I liked reading about the history of the area. You can spend more time exploring connecting trails or going further on Dardenne Greenway through St. Charles Community College and then other parks.

DETAILS

Added Attractions

On the southeast side of the trailhead lot is a playground with slides, a climbing wall, walkways, swings, rope ladders, and even a wheelchair-accessible swing. It is a large playground and I will return with my son in the future for some playtime.

A huge sand volleyball court surrounded by seating is on the west side of the lot, must be a busy place in the summer.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to exit 10 and then make a right onto Missouri Highway 94. Then make a left onto Breeze Road and then a right onto Old Missouri Highway 94. Then a left onto Motherhead Road which becomes Missouri Highway N and look for the park on the right after passing through downtown Cottleville.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily

Address:

5445 Highway N, Cottleville, MO 63304