Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park has a cave-like spring, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architect, and many hiking trails to explore.

I walked numerous trails in the park and have included the highlights of my adventures here.

Dogwood Trail

This trail is a two-mile loop going through woods and going up and down hills and through ravines.

Starting the Hike

I parked at Guy Park Trailhead. When I came to the loop, I went to the right to save the best for last.

Cochran Shelter

Heading up into the hills I came to the historic Cochran shelter. Constructed with wood timbers, stones and includes a fireplace.

It was worth stopping for a bit to take in the views and check out the shelter before heading on.

After the shelter, I came across the remains of a stone structure, uncertain of what it was for.

In Back

The trail winds around the hills in the middle of the park. Crossed some ravines and came across a small parking lot below. Then the trail turns back towards Guy Park Drive.

The Babler Spring

When I came to Y in the trail with a stack of logs I went to the right on a side trail leading to a spring.

The water flows from two elongated holes in the 20-foot rock ledge.

Crouching down and looking into circular holes in the rock I saw a short cave that ended in a few feet.

Down from the spring, remnants of a stone dam can be seen. If you walk further, you come to another trailhead for the Dogwood Trail.

I came across a family of chipmunks finding their home here. It was worth hanging around a bit and watching them scurry about.

During the spring season, Babler Spring has a flow of 236 gallons per minute.

Heading to Guy Park Trailhead

I walked around the hills more and then rounded a bend and I was back at where I entered.

Final Thoughts

It had rained recently, so the trail was a bit muddy. The Equestrian Trail crosses back and forth along the Dogwood Trail so follow the green trail markers to stay on the right path.

I enjoyed hiking it right to left and stopping at the spring on the way back to the trailhead. It was a decent two-mile hike with a lot of backwoods to explore.

Also, if you bring a lunch, up the road from the trailhead along Guy Park Drive there are picnic tables near a clear stony creek.

Woodbine Trail

The 1.75 mile Woodbine Trail has the same trailhead as the Dogwood Trail and blazed blue. This hike I did with my son.

From the trailhead, Woodbine Trail travels south following a valley. After crossing a small footbridge I went by a stand of sweet gum trees. These trees were likely planted to mark a homestead boundary more than 100 years ago.

Going Up

The trail wanders up into the hills before going back down again. There is not a lot to see here besides woods.

Exploring the Tunnel

After heading down we came across the CCC-constructed stone rock bridge that creates a tunnel for the trail under a park road. My son wandered in out of the tunnel for a while before we headed down the bike trail section of the walk.

Not Finding the Spring

The trail is supposed to pass Crystal Spring, one of two continuously flowing springs in the park.

I somehow missed it.

Locating According to Babler Park State Park

“Crystal Spring is located on the Paved Bike Trail near the first trailhead on Guy Park Drive. The spring is on the left side of the trail as you head towards the campground and equestrian parking lot. This spring is a subterranean cave that has not formed an open cave entrance.” Hopefully, I can find it next time I am here.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed the Dogwood trail more than the Woodbine. If you want an easier hike in the woods that is partially paved then the Woodbine is better.

NOTE: Dogwood and Woodbine Trails can be combined to create a longer hike.

Hawthorn Trail

A 1.15-mile trail blazed in yellow on a ridgetop off of Wirth Drive away from the main area of the park. This a different environment than the Dogwood Trail since it goes high above a valley.

Alta Shelter

First, I checked out the CCC-constructed Alta Shelter across from the trailhead and by the parking area for the trail. This is an amazing structure with wooden benches that surround a huge stone fireplace. It would be great to roast marshmallows in the fire sitting on these benches on a cold winter’s day.

Beginning the Hike

I headed out along this trail going to the right. On this side, the plants are thicker and greener and allow for pawpaw trees to flourish. In winter, you can look a long way down into the ridges below.

Going Along the bluffs

I made a turn to the front of the hillside. Here the soil became drier exposing underlying rock.

Hiking here in winter, I could see out over the lower valley along Wild Horse Creek Road. Staring out at green grass fields, white fences, and horse stables. After walking cliffside the trail finally turned back to the start of the loop.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed the views of the valley hiking along the ridge. It was a fairly level and little over a mile hike.

Virginia Day Memorial Nature Trail

A 1.5-mile trail blazed in red going through deep woods, hills, and creeks. Named in honor of Virginia Day, who spent many years as a volunteer naturalist at the park.

Start of Hike

The trailhead begins across the road from the visitor’s center. By the center, there is a sculpture of a CCC man. The center was closed the day I was here.

I crossed the road and entered the trail by an information board. I hiked the loop to the left to save the straighter section for last.

Beginning the Hike

I came to a boardwalk and bridge with views of a creekbed filled with leaves this time of year.

Then I walked by groves of cedars. I went left along another creek and then came to the spur that leads to the paved bike trail. You can also access the Virginia Day Trail from the equestrian parking lot by the bike trail.

Finding Spicebush

This part of the trail goes through spicebush, leaves of this tree were used as tea during the Civil War.

Note, you will find dogwood and redbud trees blooming during the spring here.

White Connector 2

Before you head back to where the trail splits into the loop there is the White Connector 2 branch trail that shortens the hike. It goes through a forest in the valley, traversing through a cedar patch before turning back to the main trail.

Back to the Start

I took the longer way and headed through a hilly area and then down to the connector. Then, I wound my way back to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

With the hills, creek views, cedar groves, and patches of shrubs, this was a good nature hike. Be aware that it can be muddy in parts and follow the red trail markers to stay on the right trail.

Other Trails at Babler State Park

Bicycle Trail

Asphalt trail that is 1.75 miles long or 3.5 miles round trip. This trail can be accessed near the first Guy Park Trailhead parking lot or from the Equestrian Trail parking lot. It includes tunnels, creek views, and crosses two natural springs.

The trail ends at a campground, but parking is not available there.

I was on part of this trail since Woodbine Trail uses a section of it and it was an easy walk.

Equestrian Trail

This 8.5-mile trail can be entered from the Equestrian Trail parking lot. It goes throughout the park connecting with other trails and through two-stone-lined tunnels. The surface is mostly rock and gravel. It is hilly in parts and stays wide. There is a deep hollow near the Cochran Shelter with a rock wall and large boulders. Make sure to watch out for horses and be careful around them if you come across them on the trail.

History of Babler State Park

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park or Babler State Park began after Edmund A. Babler, a renowned St. Louis physician, died suddenly from pneumonia at age 54 in 1930.

His two brothers, Jacob and Henry, gave the original 900 acres of land for the park as a living memorial.

After you enter the park you will find a bronze statue of Dr. Babler.

Jacob also lobbied the CCC for the construction of park facilities. They constructed stone buildings, shelters, bridges, and a huge stone park entrance.

Facilities at Babler State Park

The park also has an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, along with playgrounds and campgrounds.

River Hills Visitors Center is near the entrance to the park and by the parking for the Virginia Day Memorial Nature Trail.

Hours 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., April – October, Wednesday- Sunday, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., November – March, Saturday, and Sunday only; closed December through February. Check the website for more information.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 64 west to Exit 16 and make a left down Long Road. Follow the curve to Missouri Highway CC/ Wildhorse Road. Then make a left onto State Highway 109. Next, make a right onto Highway BA/Babler Park Drive. Look for the entrance to the park on your right.

Park Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., April- October daily; 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. November – March, daily.

Address: 800 Guy Park Dr, Wildwood, MO 63005

Nearby Hikes

Many Trails to Choose From at Rockwoods 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 several 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.

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.