Wildwood: Nature Trails, Route 66 and History

Wildwood can be explored through two clearly recognizable aspects: extensive paths through forests, valleys and river landscapes, as well as historic traces within the city. Would you like to include paved routes, natural trails or history along Route 66 in your travel planning?

Key facts on the topic

• The Wildwood Greenway includes approximately 18 miles of paved paths.
• A round trip on the Bluff View Trail System starting from Bluff View Park is approximately 12.7 miles long.
• The Hamilton Carr is 1.7 miles long and connects the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Miniature Railroad in Glencoe with Rockwoods Reservation.
• The Rock Hollow Trail is paved; thirteen wooden bridges are located along the route.
• Historic Route 66 runs through the center of Wildwood and is now called Manchester Road.
• The early settlements can still be located by means of historic markers.
• State, county and city parks cover 11 of the 68 square miles within the municipal boundaries.

Nature Trails by Distance and Surface

For a longer paved route, the Wildwood Greenway offers approximately 18 miles of trail. The Rock Hollow Trail is also paved and available to pedestrians and cyclists. Thirteen wooden bridges are located along this trail and give the route a distinctive feature. If you pay particular attention to the surface when planning, these trails clearly differ from the Bluff View Trail System.

The Bluff View Trail System is described as a natural single-track trail for hikers, runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The round trip from Bluff View Park is approximately 12.7 miles long. The system also includes Sperm Whale Rock. The Al Foster Memorial Trail generally follows the Meramec River and begins at the Al Foster Trailhead in Glencoe.

Another option is the Hamilton Carr. The 1.7-mile paved trail leads from the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Miniature Railroad in Glencoe to Rockwoods Reservation. It leads to a flat, shaded limestone-gravel route along the Meramec River that passes high limestone bluffs. For planning your day, it makes sense to consider the length, surface and starting point separately rather than classifying all trails in the same way.

Landscape and Historical Orientation

Wildwood's natural surroundings include dense forests, gentle hills, beautiful valleys, lush meadows and clear streams. The parks within the municipal boundaries occupy 11 of a total of 68 square miles. Those who want to combine nature and local history can mentally supplement the trails with the historic markers throughout the city. The Historic Markers Program places descriptions of historic areas at historic sites within the city.

A defining historical theme is Route 66. Historic Route 66, now called Manchester Road, runs through the center of Wildwood. The section follows the original route of the road, dating from the early 1930s. Wildwood's early settlements can also still be located by means of historic markers. Old Pond School adds to this profile: It is a restored one-room schoolhouse from 1914 on a one-acre property and is considered one of the finest examples of a one-room schoolhouse in Saint Louis County.

Practical Selection for Your Accommodation Search

When looking for accommodation in Wildwood, it is best to organize your selection according to your preferred daily itinerary. For paved paths, the Wildwood Greenway and the Rock Hollow Trail are possible reference points with different characteristics. For a longer round trip on a natural single-track trail, the Bluff View Trail System is a different option. The Hamilton Carr, by contrast, combines a paved route with a flat, shaded limestone-gravel route along the Meramec River.

Check the respective starting point separately for each trail. The Al Foster Trailhead is in Glencoe, the Bluff View Trail begins at Bluff View Park for the round trip mentioned, and the Hamilton Carr refers to the Miniature Railroad in Glencoe and Rockwoods Reservation. This allows you to choose accommodation more specifically according to your personal travel plan without assuming an unverified proximity to any particular trail.

There is also a specific requirement for trips with a dog: Membership is required for Buddy's Place Dog Park. The location is listed as Community Park, Wildwood, Missouri 63038, 17155 Pond Grover Parkway. For another destination comparison, you can also include Eureka and Ellisville in your orientation.

FAQ

How long is the Wildwood Greenway?

The Wildwood Greenway includes approximately 18 miles of paved paths.

Which trail runs along the Meramec River?

The Al Foster Memorial Trail generally follows the Meramec River. The Hamilton Carr also leads to a flat, shaded limestone-gravel route along the Meramec River.

What is known about the Bluff View Trail?

A round trip from Bluff View Park is approximately 12.7 miles long. The trail system is a natural single-track trail for hikers, runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders and includes Sperm Whale Rock.

What is Route 66 called in Wildwood today?

Historic Route 66 is now called Manchester Road and runs through the center of Wildwood. The section follows the original route from the early 1930s.

What is Old Pond School?

Old Pond School is a restored one-room schoolhouse from 1914 on a one-acre property. It is considered one of the finest examples of a one-room schoolhouse in Saint Louis County.

Is membership required for Buddy's Place Dog Park?

Yes. Membership is required for Buddy's Place Dog Park. The park is located at Community Park in Wildwood, Missouri 63038, 17155 Pond Grover Parkway.

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