St. Peters: Country Crossing Trail Hike

Take a stroll along the clear, rocky branch of Dardenne Creek on the Country Crossing Trail in St. Peters, MO.

This is a paved 2.7-mile walk with a slight elevation gain. It includes a section of the Woodlands Trail from the Woodland Sports Park lot.

Country Crossing Trail does not have its own trailhead parking, which is why I started the walk at Woodlands Sports Park.

St. Peters: Country Crossing Trail Start

Upon entering Woodlands Sports Park off Woodlands Parkway, I parked in the first parking lot. Next, I went to the right side of the lot, where the Woodlands Trail is located.

If you turn left, you can follow the Woodlands Trail deeper into Woodlands Sports Park or cross Dardenne Creek to access the Dardenne Greenway for a longer hike.

Heading out of the park on the Woodlands Trail along Woodlands Parkway. — *Heading out of the park on the Woodlands Trail.*

Next, I made a right onto the Woodlands Trail to follow along Woodlands Parkway. This walk starts along sidewalks before reaching the Country Crossing Trail.

As I began my walk, I noticed four deer in the distance on the soccer fields to my left. I tend to see more deer in the suburbs than in the deep Ozark woods.

Next, the trail goes by a Tudor-looking apartment complex, then intersects with Ohmese Road.

*Crossing the parkway and heading down Ohmes Road.*

Along Ohmes Road

I walk across Woodlands Parkway and turn right onto Ohmes Road. This section of the walk follows the sidewalk.

*Crossing the street to hike on the Country Crossing Trail.*

After crossing the intersection of Sara Beth Court and Shady Path Drive, look for the start of the Country Crossing Trail on your left.

There is no crosswalk, so I waited for traffic to clear before crossing the street.

Starting Country Crossing Trail

After walking a few feet, I approached a narrow wooden bridge crossing a brook. I looked down into the water, looking for snakes or turtles. ( View of this section of the brook, which is the main blog photo.)

Next, I reached an intersection and took the right to continue on the trail.

The trail crosses over water once more.

Now I walked behind houses on the left and the brook on the right.

I look up on a small hill above the trail to see a tire swing hanging on a tree. It’s probably a fun activity for neighborhood kids.

I arrived at a point where the trail splits into two directions, left and right, and both end the hike.

*The bridge leads to the cul-de-sac end of the hike.*

At first, I went to the right, crossing over the brook and coming to a cul-de-sac.

*Taking the short hike to the left to where the trail also ends.*

I retraced my steps and went to the left this time. The trail came to a street with a sign with information on the trail.

Heading Back

Now I went to the right and then another right to do the walk back.

*A bench is located along the trail for a break.*

This time, I noticed more of the houses, large yards, and pools facing the trail.

Also, when the trail crosses the creek on an embankment, look for the continuing trail on the left.

*Garden Star of Bethlehem flowers blooming along the walk.*

Before I exited the Country Crossing Trail, I noticed white flowers near the ground.

At Ohmes Road, I decided to walk on the other side of the street this time and not cross.

Here, I pass by a neighborhood pond where I see geese swimming about.

Then, I could also use the crosswalk to return to Woodland Sports Park and the lot.

Final Thoughts

This hike can be paired with the internal Woodlands Park Trails or extended further along the Dardenne Greenway.

It had recently rained, so water was flowing along the rocky and sandy brook the Country Crossing Trail follows, adding to the enjoyment of this walk. The trail is stroller-friendly, and Woodlands Sports Park also has a playground for kids, although it is a long walk from this parking area in the park.

Parking for the trail is found in the far southeast area of the park. — *Parking for the trail is found in the far southeast area of the Woodland Sports Park.*

DETAILS

Drive: Drive north on Interstate 270 north and take exit 16 for Missouri Highway 364 and, go west and merge onto Missouri Highway 94 going west. Take exit 8B onto N. St. Peters Parkway, then make a right onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Next, make a left onto Ohmes Road and then a right onto Woodlands Parkway and look for the first lot on the right.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 1 Woodlands Pkwy, St Peters, MO 63376