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Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 170 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Louis, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area'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.
Former dairy farm converted into a wildlife park with walking trails, a pond, and a playground.
What runners say about Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area
“Doesn't look like much from the road, but it's fairly large, educational and beautiful.”
“No playgrounds, but lots of shady paths, benches, and a single pavilion.”
Nice little park with several small trails, some benches and plaques to explain what was once there and the wild life, plants, flowers and trees that still exist within the area. It's a quick little get away within the city.
This was an outstanding summer escape! Great shade, plant life, birds, and turtles! Awesome place to take the kids, just be sure to watch out for the poison ivy
Great place for turtles. There are a lot of them in the pond. The trails are nice and as you get deeper in the place feels like you are away from the city.
Love this place. Lots of nature and walking trails. The turtles like pet food kibble. We don’t keep any just catch them and let them go.
Trail conditions & character
“Doesn't look like much from the road, but it's fairly large, educational and beautiful.”
“No playgrounds, but lots of shady paths, benches, and a single pavilion.”
“Trail is woodchips and goes through a small wooded area.”
“There are some issues like dog poop on trails from time to time because some people do bring their dogs, so just keep that in mind to watch out for.”
Plan your run at Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesunset-hills.com
- Phone+1 314-842-7265
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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