The best walks and hikes around Clayton

Yes, the area is great for families. Most of the trails are rated as easy. A good option is the Yellow, Green, & Red Trail loop, which is a shorter walk at just over 2 miles (3.5 km) and perfect for a quick outing in Englewood Metropark.

The hiking experience around Clayton is defined by the gentle, rolling terrain of Englewood Metropark. You can expect well-maintained paths that follow the Stillwater River, pass through peaceful woodlands, and lead to features like small dams and waterfalls.

Yes, you can see waterfalls on some of the trails. The Oak Falls – Patty Falls loop from Englewood is a popular choice that specifically highlights two of the park's waterfalls within a pleasant 3.5-mile (5.7 km) walk.

While most trails are easy, there are moderately challenging options for those wanting a longer walk. The Green Trail loop is the longest in this guide at 7.1 miles (11.5 km) and offers a more extended exploration of the park's riverside and woodland scenery.

Englewood Metropark, where these trails are located, generally allows dogs on-leash on most paths. The riverside trails and gentle terrain are well-suited for walking with a canine companion. Always remember to bring water for your dog and clean up after them.

The routes around Clayton are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the serene riverside paths and the beautiful woodland sections within Englewood Metropark.

Yes, all of the featured hikes in this guide are loop trails, so you will start and end in the same place without having to retrace your steps. For a mid-length circular route, consider the Yellow and Orange Trails loop.

Englewood Metropark has several parking areas that provide convenient access to the trail network. The trailheads for the routes in this guide are easily accessible from these designated lots. It's best to check the starting point of your chosen route on the map to find the nearest parking.

The trails in Englewood Metropark are accessible and beautiful year-round. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, summer provides a lush green canopy for shade, autumn features stunning fall foliage, and winter reveals the landscape's structure and is often quieter.

Absolutely. The gentle hills and well-maintained paths, especially along the Stillwater River, make these routes popular for trail running. The relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation change is ideal for both beginners and experienced runners looking for a scenic workout.

Many of the trails follow or cross the Stillwater River, offering great waterside scenery. The Englewood Metropark loop from Englewood is a great example of a route that keeps you close to the river for much of the hike.