Take a walk deep in the woods crossing streams and through prairie grass in Forest Park at Kennedy Forest.

Dedicated in 1964, John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest consists of more than 60 acres of mature forested habitat and was the first area in Forest Park to be set aside for environmental conservation.

In the forest, I hiked 1.4 miles with 95 feet of elevation gain along mostly the gravel and paved path through the interior of the forest.

Start of the Hike

I parked near Wells Drive and the park road to Picnic Shelter 11 intersection.

I walked up along the park road to a paved trail curving to the northwest.

Then I took a connector trail and went left onto the Kennedy Forest gravel trail.

This is the start of the internal Kennedy Forest trail system.

Past Government Drive

Next at .1 mile, I headed down grey metal stairs to cross Government Drive.

Near the intersection is a map that shows your location. You will come across a few of these to help guide you in the right direction.

Then I came to stairs and a bridge crossing a small leaf-filled stream.

I will come to a side trail on the left then cross a bridge then come by a side trail on the right.

Next, I go left to a paved trail at .3 miles.

I cross a bridge with a stone railing.

Then right after the bridge, I make a right up the gravel trail.

Nearby is a small pond on the right with a stone with John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest written on it.

Skinker Section

At .4 miles I cross another paved trail before coming to the Wheels and Heels Trail along Skinker Boulevard.

I walk through a small grove of evergreens (main blog photo) and then find a bee collecting nectar on a purple flower.

Make a left onto a paved trail and take this trail until you come to a gravel trail on your right to keep walking through the Kennedy Forest and into the savanna area.

As I head along this part of the trail, I look back to see large apartment buildings along Skinker, giving an urban experience to this field walk.

At .6 miles I am back by the first paved trail I crossed. A sign talks about the restoration of an oak savanna and native plants in this area. On the signpost is also a bee habitat.

Back in the Woods

Then I cross a paved trail at .7 miles and pass by side trails on the left and right as I stay going straight ahead.

Then I come out onto a field and go right towards Government Road.

Two Paths to Choose From

Once more I come to Government Drive at 1 mile and cross it.

On the other side is a bridge that goes over a creek and wetland area and I head up some stairs on the gravel trail to a paved loop at 1.1 mile.

You can go either direction. If you go left it is a more direct route back to the trailhead but is steeper and includes switchbacks and then the trail goes into a field area along the park road by Picnic Shelter 11.

My preferred route is to the right which goes above a wetland and a small stream below and leads to a few boardwalks. It is also having switchbacks but at a more gingerly pace.

Then at the top at 1.4 miles, the two trail sections meet again, and you are back near the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

If you want to be out in the woods in the middle of the St. Louis Metro area, then this is the location for you. I like that it goes through some savanna area along with woods and crosses a few small streams. I also enjoy the urban feel of seeing nearby buildings. It is a good place for a walk in the woods without leaving the city.

DETAILS

Map and More Information: Forest Park Forever Website

Difficulty: Easy

Surface: Gravel, paved, and wooden boardwalk

Hike Details: 1.4-mile loop hike

Elevation Gain: 95 feet

Conditions: Well-kept gravel path. In the warmer months, you can enjoy the greenery.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to the McCausland Avenue exit go north and follow it as it becomes Skinker Boulevard and then make a right onto Wells Drive. Look for parking along Wells Drive after passing Government Drive near the next park road that leads to Picnic Pavilion 11.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: 13 Wells Dr, St. Louis, MO 63139

Note: Seasonal restrooms are located by picnic pavilion 11

FOREST PARK VISITOR CENTER

The Visitor Center is also a place to receive a Forest Park Map or to gain more information about the many different offerings in the park, such as the Free St. Louis Zoo or St. Louis Art Museum which are both near the Kennedy Forest.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday- Friday; 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday

Forest Perk Cafe

You can also have lunch or breakfast at the Forest Perk Cafe located in the Visitor Center. It has assorted breakfast items, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks available.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday; Closed, Monday-Tuesday

Address: 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112

MORE FOREST PARK EXPLORING

St. Louis Art Museum: Sculpture Garden Walk

Sculptures grace the grounds of the St. Louis Art Museum and in the Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden. The sculpture park is in the back of the Art Museum and you can also see more sculptures throughout the area around the art museum. 

Forest Park: Check Out Turtle Playground

Turtle Playground is a magnet for children of all ages who love climbing on the backs of the giant cement reptiles.

ST. LOUIS CITY PARK WALKS

Favorite Urban Hike: Tower Grove Park

Victorian-era Tower Grove Park has one-of-a-kind picnic pavilions, one with a circus tent-like roof or another with Chinese dragons. It is my favorite park in St. Louis.

Urban Dad Hikes: Compton Hill Water Tower

Compton Hill Water Tower stands 179 feet at the highest point in the city of St. Louis. It is an attraction in itself. Yet, it is also paired with a controversial statue in Compton Hill Reservoir Park where I took a hike in the city.