The best MTB trails around Town And Country

The Bootlegger's Run Trail in Creve Coeur Park offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding around the scenic Creve Coeur Lake. You'll navigate hard-packed dirt, enjoy banked turns, and encounter fun dips and even a rock garden on the Main Loop. The route passes through areas of new growth trees, providing a pleasant, flowing ride that's engaging without being overly technical. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and get some miles in.

This moderate 4.5-mile (7.2 km) trail features 218 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 37 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for beginner mountain bikers looking to build skills, but also offers a fast and enjoyable ride for more experienced riders. The trail is bi-directional and shared with runners, so keep an eye out for others on the path.

What makes this trail stand out is its accessibility and well-maintained features, including the multiple ravine crossings and roller coasters. The park is also home to the charming Dripping Springs Waterfall, adding a natural landmark to your ride. Its beginner-friendly sections make it a popular choice for those new to the sport, while the overall design ensures a fun outing for all skill levels.

The Grotpeter and Lone Wolf Trail Loop in Castlewood State Park offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, weaving through deep forests and along Kiefer Creek. You'll encounter a mix of flowy singletrack on the Grotpeter Trail, contrasted with the steep, rooty, and rocky technical descents of the Lone Wolf Trail. A highlight is the scenic viewpoint overlooking the Meramec River from the Lone Wolf Trail, providing a rewarding vista amidst the challenging terrain.

This 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route, with 423 feet (129 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy overall but includes advanced sections that will test your skills, particularly on the Lone Wolf Trail. Expect to complete the loop in about 47 minutes. It's wise to check current trail conditions before you go, especially if there's been recent rain, as the technical features can become more demanding.

What makes this loop stand out is its blend of challenges, from the notorious "Cardiac Hill" climb on Grotpeter to the "waterfall crossing thing" on Lone Wolf. This combination ensures a varied ride that caters to different skill levels within a single 5.3-mile (8.5 km) circuit, making it a popular choice for those seeking both speed and technical prowess in their mountain biking adventures.

The Grotpeter Trail – Riverscene Trail loop from Lake Pogo offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending easy riverside paths with more challenging forested singletrack. You'll enjoy smooth riding along the Meramec River on the River Scene Trail, then transition to the Grotpeter Trail's flowy terrain with significant elevation changes and technical features like roots and loose rock. This 11.6-mile (18.7 km) loop, rated easy overall despite its varied sections, includes 665 feet (203 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete.

When planning your ride, be mindful of trail conditions, especially on the River Scene Trail, which can develop large muddy puddles after rain. There's also a notable sand trap near the beach section that might require dismounting. This loop is located within Castlewood State Park, a well-known mountain biking hub, so consider arriving early on weekends to ensure parking.

This combination of trails provides a diverse workout and scenic contrast, moving from expansive river views to dense woodland. The Grotpeter Trail is considered the heart of Castlewood State Park's mountain biking, known for its climbs and descents, while the River Scene Trail offers a gentler, more relaxed ride, making the combined loop a compelling option for riders seeking variety.