Indian Camp Creek Park Hike

Hiking along Big Creek and exploring prairie fields and wooded hills is a day at Indian Camp Creek Park north of Wentzville, Mo.

It is St. Charles County’s largest park at 603 acres and has more than ten miles of trails.

*Information sign at the trailhead at Indian Camp Creek Park*

At the Parking Lot at Indian Camp Creek Park

I parked in the first lot after the equestrian parking.

Near parking are a playground, restrooms, and shelter.

To the right of the lot is Indian Camp Creek where people go swimming. Trails in the park go along Big Creek. The only trail that goes to Indian Camp Creek is the Toth Trail.

The map shows the Cannon Trail and the different trails that connect to it throughout the park.

Starting the Hike

I am hiking the six-mile Cannon Trail that goes around the whole park It begins to the left of the lot.

Flowers blooming along the trail. — *Flowers blooming along the route.*

I walked through prairie fields filled with blooming yellow and purple flowers.

The .5-mile Toth Trailhead is along here and goes to the equestrian parking lot.

Then the trail headed towards Big Creek with views of the creek in the woods (Main Blog Photo).

Big Creek Trail

Next, I came to Big Creek Trailhead.

Big Creek Trail is a mile loop along the banks of Big Creek. You could add this to the Cannon Trail for about a seven-mile hike. This trail can only be reached by the Cannon Trail.

Along Big Creek

Now the Cannon Trail follows Big Creek and has a sandy surface.

I come across a pond and hear the loud croaking of frogs.

Occasionally, there are side trails that go closer to Big Creek. I take one that loops back to Cannon Trail. In a deep area in the creek, I saw a huge turtle swimming about.

If you want to explore more of this area, then check them out.

I cross a small brook on large rocks. The water is cold and clear and I wonder if it is from a spring.

Back of the park

Then one last view of the creek before the trail heads into a field.

Bird blinds are set up along the trail if you want to stop and do some bird watching.

The trail crosses a park road and goes up into forested hills.

I pass by the .9-mile Flint Ridge Trailhead. Using the Flint Ridge Trail you can shorten the Cannon Trail hike.

Along the trail, I find a wooden teeter-totter, a fun stop for a kid.

Then I enter a cedar forest.

Camp Area

The trail comes out of the woods and into a camping area and here I had trouble following the trail. I think it goes behind the camping spots.

Going through the camp area I would recommend walking to the park road and finding where the trail crosses it once again to stay on track.

Woods to Prairie

I walk through the woods passing by a large boulder.

Then I cross the road once more heading to a prairie field.

Across the field in the distance along the road is a restored silo, which serves as an observation tower.

By it is a “ghost structure” display of the original log cabin believed to be built in the late 1800s.

In the Woods

Back into the woods, I pass by the trailhead for the .3-mile Great Plains Trail that connects to the .9-mile Flint Ridge Trail which you could use to explore another area or head to the road to follow back to the trailhead.

I continue on the Cannon Trail and walk among the trees near the main park road and I come to a hollow with a brook flowing through it.

Then a swamp where small frogs yelp and jump into the water as I pass by.

Windmill, gazebo ,and lake — *Windmill, gazebo, and lake*

Closer to the Road

I come out of the woods and walk closer to the road. In the distance is a small lake with a playground and windmill along with a gazebo.

Crossing back over the park road one last time. — *Crossing back over the park road* one last time.

Then one last time I cross the road and come to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

This six-mile hike does have some up and down and when you head away from the creek watch for rocks and roots since I tripped over a rock here. The walk along Big Creek was easier in the sand. Horse riders do use these trails so be aware of deep hoof prints and manure.

I listed the other trails as they connected to the Cannon Trail, which they all do. A paved trail also goes around the lake but does not connect to other trails. By the lake is a historic cemetery.

NOTE: Other parking lots can be used to reach the Cannon Trail if you want more remote access or if the parking lots are full.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 64 out of St. Louis You can also take Interstate 70 west which connects with Interstate 64 then go north where the interstate becomes U.S. Highway 61. Make a left on Dietrich Road just before Big Creek on 61. Look for the park entrance on the right.

Hours: 7 a.m. and close half an hour after sunset.

Address:

2679 Dietrich Road, Foristell, MO 63348

Lunch Stop: Pete’s Drive-In

I had a double bacon cheeseburger, slaw and fries and a pie to go. I stepped briefly inside and noticed a metal orange fireplace in the middle and then a painting of an A&W, which I think it was at one time judging from the inside. My favorite was the chocolate and Oreo-crusted pie, which I’ll have to get to go again.

Also, It like you might be able to do car-hop, but I didn’t see anyone using them so I was not sure about that.

Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday & Tuesday; 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday; 6:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday; 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday; 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday.

Address:

1009 E Pearce Blvd, Wentzville, MO 63385