Best attractions and places to see around Parkdale feature a variety of natural landscapes, including extensive forest areas and riverfront trails. The region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, with a focus on hiking and cycling routes. Visitors can explore diverse terrain, from paved greenways to more challenging woodland paths.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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The Meramec Greenway Trail is a scenic route that connects riders to the Meramec River and many parks in the region as it winds along the river and limestone bluffs through woodlands and several communities.
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Lone Wolf Trail is a fun woodland trail in Castlewood State Park. Parts of the path can be rocky and rooty underfoot, so be mindful where you step. There are some wonderful views on offer across the Meramec River from parts of the trail.
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This is an 8 foot (2.4m) wide trail made of crushed stone that follows the Meramec River between Glencoe and Sherman Beach. The suburban trail has coined the nickname 'Zombie Road', due to its supposed supernatural activity. The trail provides wonderful views of Bluffs Forest and the river.
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The Forest 44 Conservation Area directly borders Lone Elk County Park and is just across the street from Castlewood State Park. There are a handful of grassy trails on the property with some rockier areas. The trails are mostly wide and seem more like forest roads and horse trails than a normal hiking trail.
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The section of the Al Foster Trail between the Jefferson City Bridge and the turn for Rock Hollow Greenway has a lot of spur trails offering viewpoint and rock climbing access. The rock climbing sections are obvious, and the cliffs are real, so use caution if you decide to walk up to one of the lookouts with kids or pets.
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The Lone Wolf Trail is right in the heart of Castlewood State Park. The trail shares a path with the Riverscene Trail very briefly near an observation deck and also offers some views of its own along the path. The loop has a number of trail intersections with other paths in the park, but they are mostly well-marked and easy to follow.
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The Riverscene Trail is the most popular trail in Castlewood State Park. The trail passes through a forest scene, a wide open are next to a beach area, and along the banks of a shaded river. The variety of scenery with pretty smooth terrain makes this loop trail a perfect choice for a lot of different occasions.
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The Forest 44 Conservation Area directly borders Lone Elk County Park and is just across the street from Castlewood State Park. There are a handful of grassy trails on the property with some rockier areas. The trails are mostly wide and seem more like forest roads and horse trails than a normal hiking trail.
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Parkdale offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on hiking, running, and cycling. You can explore extensive trail networks, dense forests, and scenic river views. Popular options include the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section for cycling and walking, or the more challenging Lone Wolf Trail for hiking.
Yes, Parkdale has several family-friendly options. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section is suitable for families, offering a good surface and winding along the river. The Riverscene Trail in Castlewood State Park is also a popular choice, featuring varied scenery and relatively smooth terrain, passing through forests, open areas, and along river banks.
For scenic views of the Meramec River, consider the Lone Wolf Trail within Castlewood State Park, which offers several viewpoints. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section also winds along the river and limestone bluffs, providing picturesque vistas.
Popular hiking trails include the Lone Wolf Trail in Castlewood State Park, known for its woodland path and river views, though parts can be rocky and rooty. The Forest 44 Conservation Area also offers a handful of grassy trails, some with rockier sections, suitable for hiking.
Yes, Parkdale is home to mountain biking opportunities. The Grotpeter Trail in Castlewood State Park is particularly popular, offering a mix of flowy hardpack, steep rooty downhills, and challenging climbs like 'Cardiac Hill.' It's suitable for intermediate to advanced riders and can be linked with other trails like Roller Coaster and Lone Wolf.
The terrain around Parkdale is diverse. You'll find well-maintained, smooth surfaces on trails like the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section. Other trails, such as the Lone Wolf Trail, feature more natural woodland paths with rocky and rooty sections. Areas like the Forest 44 Conservation Area offer wider, grassy trails that can sometimes be rocky, resembling forest roads.
For a leisurely walk or run, the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section provides a good surface winding along the river. Another excellent option is the Riverscene Trail in Castlewood State Park, known for its varied and generally smooth terrain, making it a pleasant choice for many occasions.
There are numerous running trails available. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, including the 'White Bison Trail' (easy) or the more challenging 'Chubb and Castlewood Loop'. For more detailed information and routes, explore the Running Trails around Parkdale guide.
Yes, road cyclists can enjoy several routes around Parkdale. Options include the 'Meramec Greenway Trail loop from Valley Park' (easy) or longer, moderate routes like the 'Eureka to Missouri River loop'. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Parkdale guide.
For touring bicycles, Parkdale offers several easy routes, such as the 'Route 66 State Park Outer Loop Trail' or the 'Grotpeter Trail – Riverscene Trail loop from Castlewood State Park'. These routes provide diverse scenery and accessible terrain. More options can be found in the Cycling around Parkdale guide.
The Forest 44 Conservation Area is notable for directly bordering Lone Elk County Park and being across the street from Castlewood State Park. It features a handful of grassy trails, some with rockier areas, that are mostly wide and often resemble forest roads or horse trails, offering a different kind of outdoor experience.


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