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Al Foster Trail at Sherman Beach Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Wildwood, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 5.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Al Foster Trail at Sherman Beach Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve featuring hiking and biking trails, and wooded areas.
What runners say about Al Foster Trail at Sherman Beach Park
“Walking along the Meramec is beautiful.”
Really enjoyable trail with a bunch of branching side trails. The Al Foster Trail itself reminds me of a mini Katy Trail (shorter and narrower). It runs parallel to the river and has nice views.
The parking lot is out of the way unless you live in the Ellisville, Ballwin area. Better to park at Glencoe if you'll be on the western portion of Al Foster. The Sherman parking lot makes sense if you're going east.
Pretty flat easy hike along the Meramac from Sherman Beach past the Rock Hollow Trail. Small parking lot of about 16 cars at Sherman Beach. Could not believe it but saw pricky pear cactus in a tall grass field just past the end of the Rock Hollow trail. It was a well marked and wide trail. Great views of the Meramac.
One of the best biking trails in St Louis County, MO. You get to experience riding on asphalt, gravel, and dirt in the woods, between bluffs, and along the Merimac River.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is out of the way unless you live in the Ellisville, Ballwin area.”
“It runs parallel to the river and has nice views.”
“You get to experience riding on asphalt, gravel, and dirt in the woods, between bluffs, and along the Merimac River.”
“Pretty flat easy hike along the Meramac from Sherman Beach past the Rock Hollow Trail.”
“There’s an area to walk on a small beach and look for fun rocks (one of my favorite things to do), but mostly I took the paved trail with a friend.”
“I have walked back here with my dogs for almost 20 years !”
“The small parking lot is limited and on Sunday, March 3 at 2 pm, just as we were returning from a 5.5 mile out and back hike, the St.”
Plan your run at Al Foster Trail at Sherman Beach Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance5.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Wildwood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
West Tyson County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 278 reviews
Open space known for wildlife, picturesque scenery & hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Bluff View Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 240 reviews
Well maintained park with a system of trails for hiking and biking.