Stealey Way Trail crosses small brooks and goes along Peruque Creek through Quail Ridge Park south of Wentzville, Mo.
The 2.3-mile natural surface trail is the longest one in the park and the most remote for being so close to the intersection of Interstate 64 and Interstate 70 in St. Charles County.
MY TIME HERE
I began at the Stealey Way Trailhead by the Group Shelter. On the opposite side of the park by the Disc Golf course is the other trailhead.
Heading Down
The trailhead is to the right of parking and at the edge of the woods and northeast of the shelter. I did not spot it at first and accidentally headed down the paved trail instead before I figured out I was going the wrong way.
Since it had rained recently, I crossed a stony brook as I went downhill.
At the bottom of the hill, a steel grate provides a bridge across a ditch.
To the right was a small creek and I walked alongside it and to the left was a field.
Along Peruque Creek
This was my favorite part of the walk as I followed Peruque Creek. It was full of water today with recent rains.
The trail came to a clearing and I took a side trail to a pond with a bridge stopping for a moment to check out some ducks.
Then back onto the trail along the creek. I would stop and look into the creek at times. Large trees had fallen in causing small rapids. Sand bars in places separate the creek. Then the creek would come close to a hillside carving out a bluff.
Suburban homes were high above the creek, but I kept my view down enjoying nature.
Going Along Brooks
After a long walk by the creek, the trail headed north hillside. A brook now flowed to my right.
Eventually, I crossed it and went by other small creeks that flowed out of the hills. This part of the park felt remote.
Finally, one last crossing led me up a hill to the other trailhead.
What to Do Now
Since the other trailhead is far away from where I started I now used the paved trail going west around the park to head back to where I parked.
With the paved trail, the walk is a little over three miles.
Final Thoughts
I wish the natural surface trail connected from both sides since the paved part was boring. After a heavy rain, I enjoyed the water flowing across the many brooks along the hike. The main creek might be nice to check out further in summer when it is less full.
Make sure to print out or have a park map with you. With other trails coming off of it and unclear signage in places having the map to follow helps.
Overall, I found it an enjoyable walk with easy access from the interstates. Although, you can hear the traffic on the north side of the trail.
Other Trails
Paved Trail: 3.3-mile trail goes throughout the park.
Dove Trail: .6-mile side trail that goes into the hills on the east side of the park from a connection from the Stealey Way Trail.
Finch Trail: .6-mile side trail that connects the Stealey Way Trail to the Paved Trail near Shelter #4. You can use this trail to split up the Stealey Way Trail into a shorter loop or explore the Paved Trail more.
Cardinal Trail: .4-mile side trail that goes off of Stealey Trail and connects to the Dove Trail on the east side of the park.
Bluebird Trail: .3-mile side loop trail off the Stealey Way Trail on the east side of the park.
DETAILS
DRIVE: Take Interstate 70 to Exit 209 and go south on Highway Z. Then a left onto Interstate Drive and look for the park entrance on the right.
Hours: 7 am to a half-hour after sunset
Address: 24 Columbine Ln, Wentzville, MO 63385
SNACK STOP
Mario’s Donuts and Café
I had donuts at this restaurant but they also offer gyros and breakfast sandwiches.
Hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily
Address: 2786 Muegge Rd, St Charles, MO 63303
Another St. Charles County Trail
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Hike
Like scenes of a post-apocalyptic nightmare or a zombie movie, abandoned cement bunkers are scattered throughout August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.
