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Al Foster Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 233 Google reviews · Running trail in Wildwood, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Al Foster Trail'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.
Flat, easy path along the river at this outdoor spot featuring a narrow-gauge train ride for kids.
What runners say about Al Foster Trail
“Trails are awesome, well maintained, although spider webs are brutal if you're the first one on the trail.”
“A gorgeous walk through several different types of geology and landscape that never is dull.”
“The trail is in great shape, mostly flat, both sunny and shady and lots of neat geologic and natural features.”
The dynamic duo and I got 8 miles done the other day here. The Al Foster trail head is easy to find, a parking lot, restrooms and picnic pavilion. The trail is earthen tred and flat. It connects to both the Rock Hollow and Hamilton-Carr trails. It's quiet and mostly shaded.... Beautiful!
Wonderful place to hike! Wide, level and flat with river, bluff, prairie and glade views. Part of the larger Meramec Greenway, you can access more challenging trails. Home to the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific railroad.
Many thanks to Mr Foster and the people at Great Rivers Greenway who have been stitching our region with miles of connected trails like this one that runs along the Meramec River. In the "town" of Glencoe there is an old narrow gauge railroad my mom took us to as kids, but not running these days.
Very nice trail. My son is a cross country runner and there is mile markers on the trail to let him know how far to go. There's also a paved trail that goes up to Ridge Meadows school with some cool wood bridges. Just be careful when biking across them when they are wet or damp from dew because they are very slippery.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is in great shape, mostly flat, both sunny and shady and lots of neat geologic and natural features.”
“This trail is fully equipped with restrooms, picnic tables and parking, so I make it my regular entry point.”
“The trail is in great shape, mostly flat, both sunny and shady and lots of neat geologic and natural features.”
“A gorgeous walk through several different types of geology and landscape that never is dull.”
“A great combination of pea gravel and dirty, it can be a little sandy near Sherman Beach.”
“There's also a paved trail that goes up to Ridge Meadows school with some cool wood bridges.”
“This trail is fully equipped with restrooms, picnic tables and parking, so I make it my regular entry point.”
Plan your run at Al Foster Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofwildwood.com
- Phone(636) 458-0440
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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.
Bluffview Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Destination for hiking and biking featuring scenic views, from easy trails to technical routes.
Bluff View Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 240 reviews
Well maintained park with a system of trails for hiking and biking.
Lime Kiln Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Peaceful hiking area with a 3-mile loop trail featuring a creek, elevation, and rocky parts.
Al Foster Trail at Sherman Beach Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
Nature preserve featuring hiking and biking trails, and wooded areas.