Home › Missouri › St. Louis › Fort Belle Fontaine
Fort Belle Fontaine
4.6 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Louis, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Fort Belle Fontaine'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.
Site of a former military installation on 300+ riverfront acres with trails, wetlands & wildlife.
What runners say about Fort Belle Fontaine
“In the end, it's a great view and cool piece of more modern history (the real fort is long past gone) and the only relic is from an old WPA project.”
“With each step, the Mississippi River comes into view, adding to the serene beauty.”
Fort Belle Fontaine is a remarkable place where history, nature, and a sense of peace seamlessly come together. As I entered the park, a guard greeted me, asking for my name and my reason for visiting. I simply replied, "To walk the trails.
Very creepy park, but beautifully historical and great place for photography. I didn't even go all the way down the grand staircase because I had an eerie feeling of being watched. There was not 1 single soul at the park besides the guard at the entrance that asks for your name and the reason you're there.
A beautiful place for a walk and brisk hike. Although we did this in January, 30 degrees with snow and ice still on the ground, it was beautiful nonetheless. I can't wait to come back a different season too.
Hiked the loop trail with a group of 6, plus my pup for an early Saturday afternoon visit in November 2021. It measured 4.34 miles with an elevation gain of 298 feet and completed it in under 2 hours. We took a very leisurely pace to enjoy the fall colors, sit beside the river, and explore the fort itself.
Trail conditions & character
“In the end, it's a great view and cool piece of more modern history (the real fort is long past gone) and the only relic is from an old WPA project.”
“With each step, the Mississippi River comes into view, adding to the serene beauty.”
“As you walk the gravel path, ruins pop up all along the way.”
“Hiked the loop trail with a group of 6, plus my pup for an early Saturday afternoon visit in November 2021.”
Plan your run at Fort Belle Fontaine
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Websitestlouiscountymo.gov
- Phone(314) 615-8800
Running trails near St. Louis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Two Pecan Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 22 reviews
Russell Commons Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 153 reviews
Clean area for dogs and kids featuring bike trails and river views.
Riverview Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 334 reviews
Park featuring a gazebo and sweeping riverfront views, plus a serene atmosphere.
Castlepoint Park
3.7 ★★★★☆ 107 reviews
Family-friendly space with a playground, picnic tables and walking trails.
Champ Trails
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Park featuring a well-maintained figure-eight trail that's popular for hiking.
