St. Charles: McNair Park Hike

A botanical braille trail and a scenic stop along Cole Creek are part of a hike at McNair Park in St. Charles, Mo.

I first walked a quarter mile along the Braille Trail, which had only seven feet of elevation gain. After that, I took a much longer 1.7-mile walk around the park, using paved paths and fields, with a total elevation gain of 148 feet.

Braille Trail Walk

I parked in the small lot near the park entrance, where the Braille Trail begins. If there’s no parking in this lot, you can park along the park road.

Signs written in English and Braille about the different flowers and plants found in the botanical garden are posted along the walk.

The first sign says that the plants included are perennials that do not require replanting annually. They were selected for their unique colors, scents, and textures and can be found at local garden centers.

In the garden, plants bloom at different times of the year, allowing for a unique experience each time you visit.

I didn’t read all the signs, but you are welcome to interpret them.

Next, I came by a large white blooming lilac bush.

Then, I crossed a cement pond.

Next, I passed by a purple flowering rhododendron. It is near where the paved trail divides into a narrow loop.

Purple and white daylilies front this separation.

Then, I saw some violet daylilies.

*A pond with a fountain is in the middle, surrounded by plants and trees.*

After rounding a curve, I came across a cement pond with white flowering bushes behind it and a bubbling fountain in the middle.

Ferns grow to the left of me below some trees.

Next, I encountered small red flowers and large leafy plants before returning to the small lot.

Final Thoughts

This is a pleasant walk among flowers and leafy plants, and it is worth doing if you are at this park, especially if you want to see what is blossoming during the time of year you are there.

MAIN HIKE

How It Starts

Next, I walked to the front of the botanical garden and entered a paved trail to the right, which was lined with trees.

Then, I made a left to continue on the trail. The other way leads to a neighborhood.

Make a right at this intersection near a playground. — *Make a right at this intersection* near a playground.

Next, I turned right by a parking lot. The other way leads to a roller hockey court, a basketball court, a playground, and a large parking lot.

Back of the Park

Another turn to the left led to another playground. Going straight ahead leads to more baseball fields and would be an out-and-back walk.

As I arrive at the parking lot, I walk past the aquatic center, not realizing there isn’t a walking path in this area.

To get back to the paved trail, I decide to walk across the field in front of me.

At the paved trail, I go to the right and then come to an area used by maintenance to store mulch.

I make a right onto the paved trail that goes through this area and then curves to cross Cole Creek to do a second loop.

Connector Trail

I stop for a moment by the bridge crossing Cole Creek.

Below the bridge on the right is a low-water dam and piled rocks backing up the water. This is a scenic spot to take a moment in nature.

Day Use Area

After the bridge, I came to more paths and went to the right. I pass by baseball fields. Then, I came to another path to take me around this baseball field.

I decided to keep going straight ahead and follow the curve around a playground busy with kids, then by tennis courts. The trail dead-ends at the lot.

I decided to walk through this area of the park straight ahead, returning to the loop trail I had passed earlier.

Back on the trail, I pass between the ball fields and take the connector trail back to the other side of the park.

In the Main Park

Now, I turn left onto a paved trail that loops around the park and walk past the entrance sign before arriving at the small lot where I parked.

Final Thoughts

My favorite part of the hike was crossing Cole Creek on the connector trail. I made my hike more challenging by venturing into areas of the park that are not on designated trails. Sticking to the two loops connected by the connector trail might be easier than taking my route.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 70 to exit 228 for 1st Capitol Drive, then make a left onto Clay Street, a right onto Droste Road, and a right onto McNair Park Drive.

Hours: Dawn – 12 a.m. April 1 -November 14 and Dawn – 10 p.m., November 15- March 31

Address: 3100 Droste Rd, St Charles, MO 63301