Watching mountain bikers go down cliff-like steps and taking in the faraway views is part of the day at West Tyson County Park.
My Hike Overview
West Tyson County Park has the trailheads of both the Chubb and Flint Quarry Trails.
I am starting at the Flint Quarry Trailhead. The Chubb Trailhead is further up the main road to the park.
I am hiking the Flint Quarry Trail to the Chubb Trail and then the first section of the Prairie Loop. Then I turn around and back on Chubb Trail and stay on it for a loop going to the Chubb Trailhead and then using a .3-mile connector trail to the Flint Quarry Trailhead for a 6.2-mile hike.
The Flint Quarry and Chubb Trails come together at a picnic table, around 1.5 miles into either trail.
Chubb Trail Overview
The 12.4-mile Chubb Trail goes on from West Tyson County Park to Castlewood State Park and then to Lone Elk Park. It is a linear trail and not a loop trail.
Mountain Biking and Equestrian Use
Mountain bikers and horse riders use these trails so be aware of them as you walk.
The 1.5-mile Flint Quarry trail was built in September of 2000 with the help of over 90 volunteers from the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists.
MY HIKE
This is not an easy hike with lots of elevation changes and rocky surfaces so it is a workout.
Starting the Hike
From the parking area, I headed out on a paved park service road to the right.
Then looked for the trail sign on the right heading uphill from the road.
If you look along the Flint Quarry Trail section you will see a lot of exposed rock.
Named after the numerous flint quarries found in the area in which Native Americans mined the flint for tools and weapons. The Native Americans refined the flint in the valley below the hills.
I walked up into the hills with the cliffs to my left. Then you pass by a large grove of evergreens.
At the Top
Next, I came to a bench at the top with views of the surrounding hills and a valley in the distance. I could see housing on one of the far-off hills.
To the Chubb Trail
Continuing following the ridge, I came to the end of the Flint Quarry Trail at the Chubb Trail by a picnic table. If you go straight ahead you start the loop on Chubb Trail back to the trailhead. I wanted to hike down to the Meramec valley and to the Prairie Loop so I went to the right.
Also, there is a meandering trail nearer the picnic table that loops back to the Chubb Trail that goes to the valley. This is a good option on the way back if you want a less vertical hike to the picnic table.
Heading to “The Steps”
I made the right turn and I was on the Chubb Trail heading to “The Steps.” This part of the trail goes down the hills to the valley of the Meramec River.
At “The Steps” a mountain biker came by. Seeing him do this I saw that the direction he went was like a slanted rock road.
Lookout and Down Hill to Prairie
The trail next passed by a small lookout before descending down to the valley below. Towards the bottom, it goes along a rocky creek bed before coming to the prairie valley.
I headed to the right into the first prairie area on a cleared path through prairie grasses.
Then I came back to the Chubb Trail and went to the left to retrace my steps up the hill.
Looking back from this second intersection you can see the gate leading to railroad tracks than the other prairie loop and the Meramec River. Each loop hike is .75 miles.
Chubb Trail Towards Second Parking Lot
Next, I headed back the way I came up the hill, which is a workout. I decide to go straight up and then made the right on the Chubb Trail at the picnic table.
Now the trail goes along ridges and cliffsides with occasional views of hills and distant valleys.
Occasionally I would cross small brooks and then go up another hill.
A Word of Warning
Keep an eye on where you are going. I missed a quick turn and came to a sign that read “Leaving West Tyson Park.” I retraced my steps finding a switchback I had missed. If you see this sign you are going the wrong way.
Along the Road
The trail goes up and around the hills near Lewis Road and you can see traffic above you. This area is still scenic though with rock outcroppings and boulders scattered about.
Finally, I came to the second parking lot. Here is a shelter and the trailhead for the Chubb Trail. There is also a map box, but it was empty.
Connector Trail
Next to the shelter is the connector trail that took me back to the Flint Quarry Trailhead.
I enjoyed this section. There were places where the white rocky stream bed is part of the trail.
Then you follow this small creek to the Flint Quarry Trailhead.
Final Thoughts
This was a tough hike. I am glad I did it, but it was a workout.
An easier hike would be the 3.4-mile Chubb and Flint Quarry Trail loop pictured above which does not include the valley walk.
I did the longer hike to check out “The Steps” and go down into the Meramec River valley.
Short Hike: Chinkapin Trail
The .5-mile loop Chinkapin Trail allows you to gain an idea of the terrain with only a short hike. Marked with an orange acorn and is near the Flint Quarry Trailhead.
Park History
Initially, a part of the Federal Government’s Tyson Valley Powder Plant, the initial 240 acres of West Tyson was conveyed to St. Louis County in 1955. In 1979, St. Louis County purchased the additional 410-acre Mincke Tract with a grant.
DETAILS
Facilities
Restrooms, picnic sites, shelters, and water are available.
Drive: Take Interstate 44 out of St. Louis and then take exit 266 and merge toward Lewis Road. Keep right at the fork and merge onto North Outer Road. Look for the sign for West Tyson County Park on your right and make a right into the park. Next, take the first right for the road for the lower parking area to start along the Flint Quarry Trail.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset.
Address:
131 N Outer Rd, Eureka, MO 63025
MORE NEARBY 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.
Emmenegger Nature Park: Hiking Along Bluffs and Creeks
The walk at Emmenegger Nature Park includes a path along creeks, climbing up bluffs, and seeing a former beer baron’s retreat.
Powder Valley Nature Center
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has paved trails for families to explore the woods crossing wooden bridges over small rocky brooks and streams.
