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Castlewood State Park

October 1998

Saint Louis County, Missouri

In Castlewood State Park, October is a fine month to hike to the top of the bluffs overlooking the Meramec River.

hiking trail Castlewood State Park

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Meramec River, viewed from the bluffs The view from the top of the bluffs is worth every step of the climb up.

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If you look near the center of the photograph, you can just make out the railings of a wooden observation deck on the edge of the bluff.

You often see more adventurous individuals sitting at the edge of sheer bluffs along the trail.  But the observation deck allows the more cautious to feel safe while enjoying the spectacular view.

 observation deck

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spider

berry

Hikers could see a daddy long legs enjoying the warm autumn sun.

For those who do not like spiders, the berries were prettier to look at.

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train Trains run on tracks which lie between the river and the base of the bluffs.

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wooden stairs wooden stairs

Because of trail erosion, a gorgeous flight of wooden stairs replaced the rough trail which led from the top of the bluffs down to the bank of the river.  Before the wooden stairs were built, the path was so steep that even the sure footed had to be careful not to slip.

steep descent

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The stairway leads down to a tunnel, built in 1930, which passes beneath the railroad tracks and leads to the hiking trail along the Meramec River.  

tunnel under railroad tracks

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trees near the Meramec River Meramec River

A  dense growth of trees shades the trail along the riverbank.

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Even with frequent stops to take photographs- that is, to pause and rest- the walk along the bluffs and back along the riverbank takes just several hours.  On a beautiful day, the experience is superb.

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