Route 66 State Park Inner Loop

The estimated hiking time for this 2.0-mile loop is approximately 58 minutes. It's an easy trail, so you can enjoy a leisurely pace.

The Route 66 State Park Inner Loop trail is rated as easy. Its mostly flat and even terrain, with no significant obstacles, makes it suitable for hikers of all experience levels.

The trail features a mix of natural surfaces, including dirt, mud, gravel, and shifting rocks, along with paved and concrete sections. While parts of it utilize a road shared with two-way traffic, the majority follows the designated outer shoulders of a one-way loop road. It is largely flat and even.

As you hike, you'll pass a small wetland, wooded areas, open spaces, and several small ponds. The trail runs alongside the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks and parallels Interstate 44. You can also enjoy views of the Meramec River and the historic, closed Route 66 bridge. Don't miss the 'Town Mound,' where the former town of Times Beach structures are buried, and the visitor center, housed in the historic 1935 Bridgehead Inn.

Yes, the route passes through sections of several other trails, including the Meremec Greenway, the West Trail, and the White Connector 2. This offers opportunities to extend your hike if you wish.

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer can be warm but provides lush greenery. Winter hikes can be serene, but be mindful of potentially slippery conditions on natural surfaces.

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access Route 66 State Park or to hike the Inner Loop trail. It's a public park, making it freely accessible for visitors.

Parking is available within Route 66 State Park. The trail passes by the entrance to picnic and shelter areas, which are good points of access. The visitor center area also provides convenient parking.

Absolutely! The Inner Loop trail is rated as easy, with mostly flat terrain and no significant obstacles. It also passes by picnic and shelter areas with a playground, making it a great option for family outings.

The park is built on the site of Times Beach, Missouri, a former town that was dismantled due to dioxin contamination. The 'Town Mound' is a point of interest, and the visitor center, housed in the former Bridgehead Inn, displays Route 66 memorabilia and provides information about the town's history and decontamination efforts.