A stair-step waterfall and distant river views are found along the .6-mile trail at August G. Beckemeier Conservation Area in Chesterfield.

Finding the Parking lot

The small park lot was right off Olive Boulevard. This 54-acre area is approximately 1.3 miles north of St. Louis County’s Faust Park. At the trailhead is a lone picnic table where I had lunch.

Starting the Hike

Beginning the hike, I headed on a path through open fields of high grass. A side path went to the left down through the grass, but I continued to the right on the main trail. 

Into the Woods

At the start of the loop, I went to the left where the trail winds through the woods on its way downhill. 

I began to see large homes that border the conservation area. One even with a pool. 

Then I looked further down and saw rocky surfaces.

Side Trail

I saw a side trail on the left going down below the hillside. It led to a frozen waterfall in rocky terrain.  (The main blog photo is from the front.)

I walked along the side trail as it skirted the stair-step waterfall. Eventually, it went back up to the main trail. 

An amazing place to see so close to the urban world of suburban West County. This was a secret place that I hadn’t heard about before. 

Back Along the River

Down through the woods, I saw the distant Missouri River and farther out St. Charles. Directly below the hill was a small dammed lake. 

I noticed a tree damaged by a storm and all that was left was the bottom portion which was now shredding apart. 

Then the trail headed back up through woods to the start of the loop.

Final Thoughts

For a short trail near suburban St. Louis, it was worth the time to checkout. I would come back here and do this trail with my son after a big rain shower. Water flowing down the ravine or large icicles would be beautiful to see again. Also, if I was alone and wanted to do a few loops in the woods near civilization this would be the place to go. 

History of Beckemeier Conservation Area

Minna Waldmann donated the land to the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1996. Named in honor of Waldmann’s father who bought the land in 1905. 

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Exit 19 off Interstate 64 and go north on Olive Boulevard. Look for parking for the conservation on the left side of the road after going by Faust County Park. 

Hours: 4 am – 10 pm

Address: 14415 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017

LUNCH STOP

Classic Red Hots Albasha

Today’s lunch was a gyro with spiced fries and a drink. They provided a large serving of meat in gyro and plenty of fresh fries. I was happy with the place and would go back. 

Hours: 11 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday- Tuesday, Closed on Sundays

Address: 41 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017

MORE ST. LOUIS COUNTY HIKES

Powder Valley Nature Center

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has paved trails for families to explore the woods crossing wooden bridges over small rocky brooks and streams.

Dad Hikes: Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park in West County St. Louis is the only place where you are guaranteed to see elk or bison in a gated park. Here you can hike the four-mile earthen and rock White Bison Trail in the elk section or you can see the wildlife by driving through the park on a mostly one-lane road.

Dad Hikes: Spending the Day At Castlewood State Park

Cliffside walks along the Meramec River and wading in Kiefer Creek were part of our day at Castlewood State Park.

This park has an interesting past and is known for its trail along the Meramec River and especially the cliffs at the top.

Dad Hikes: Rockwood Reservation

Hiking in Rockwoods Reservation you come across caves, old mines, and a spring. In this 1,880- acre conservation area just outside of St. Louis, you can hike a number of different trails through forest, grassland, and hills.

Dad Hikes: Alone in the Woods at Rockwoods Range

Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you.

Hiking Fox Creek Spur Loop at Rockwoods Range

On a spring day, I did about a 3.2-mile hike combining parts of four trails for a loop at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. This hike includes an uphill hike and then downhill following a brook with small waterfalls and green lichen rock.