Love Park Hike

The Chipmunk Trail passes by small creeks as it goes up and down forested hills at Love Park in Manchester, Mo. It is a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike with 184 feet of elevation gain.

*Look for this sign to the right of the parking area that marks the start of the trail.*

The trail to the Ballfield

The trail starts to the right of the parking area at the end of Love Park Road. You will see the trail next to the Ball Field sign.

I saw a small gurgling brook as I walked.

Then I crossed a short wooden bridge.

Next, the trail comes out near a ball field at .1 miles.

To the Shelter

I went to the left following a mowed path bordering the woods to the left.

*Blue post marks where the trail goes back into the woods.*

Then I saw a blue pole marking where the trail went back through the woods. If you don’t see the pole look for an opening in the woods.

*Follow the trail to the right of the log.*

I walked to the right of a large log and followed the trail as it curved downhill.

*Creek crossing in the winter. The main blog photo is of the crossing in the summer.*

Then the trail went into the creek at .3 miles. I crossed it over some stones that kept me out of the water.

I came to Muffin’s Shelter.

*The trail continues on the other side of the shelter. It is easier to see in winter.*

On the other side of the shelter is the continuation of the trail.

NOTE: This section of the trail can be overgrown in summer — NOTE: **This section of the trail can be overgrown in summer**

From the Shelter and Back

I went back through the woods filled with foliage.

Then found my way to the end of the walk near a playground at .6 miles.

Starts as a sidewalk before becoming a natural surface. — *Starts as a sidewalk before becoming a natural surface*.

Next, I headed back again on the trail through the woods.

*A cement gutter marks the trail back to the creek.*

This time by the shelter I noticed the cement gutter that trail follows down to the creek.

Then noticing this time by the baseball fields that the trail is marked by a green and white restroom sign.

Final Thoughts

It is a quiet place in the woods near West County Center. This is a good one to do with kids since it is short and has a small creek to check out.

History

John and Mary Love were successful business leaders and conservationists and donated 15 acres of land for the park to remain in natural condition. Dedicated in October 1968.

Named after their children, Mary and Cynthia “Muffin” are two picnic shelters.

DETAILS

More Amenities: Located near the first parking area are a soccer and cricket field. Seasonal restrooms are located up from the parking lot near Muffin Shelter

Drive: Take Interstate 270 to exit 9 for Manchester Road and go west and then make a left onto Mason Lane. Then in the park, I took Love Park Road on the right which led to a parking lot and the trailhead was to the right.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 30 minutes past sunset

Address: 2239 Mason Ln, Manchester, MO 63021