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Frenchman’s Bluff Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Troy, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Frenchman’s Bluff 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.
What runners say about Frenchman’s Bluff Trail
“Absolutely beautiful 😍 highly recommend you go enjoy a walk along this space.”
“For a 78 year old woman who is used to walking a lot this was a fairly easy trail, but varied enough to make it a moderate workout.”
Blue is a Great easy trail. The gravel road is only eye soar. It’s hard to tell when you get to the gravel road at 2 spots where you should go to stay on trail. Make sure you cross the road at both those points to stay on easy blue trail.
It is a heavily wooded area. If you get lost listen to the highway. I liked the hike. I also did a little exploring. I'd advise keeping a mind where you go. The paths are not marked very well. The park service needs to post bigger maps and signs on the path. I couldn't tell where I was on the map.
Another beautiful day for hiking in eastern Missouri. This natural trail starts at the CCC Stone Shelter and Picnic Area and was one of four shorter trails I hiked today - Mossy Hill, Turkey Hollow, Hamilton Hollow, and Frenchman's Bluff.
For a 78 year old woman who is used to walking a lot this was a fairly easy trail, but varied enough to make it a moderate workout. I used my walking sticks, which were helpful on inclines and downhill.
Trail conditions & character
“When we got to the summit and the panoramic view of the valley we didn't see blue blazes and supposed the trail continued to the left of the road that is along some of the trail.”
“Too bad about the stupid dusty gravel road that parallels the trail along the top of the bluff.”
Plan your run at Frenchman’s Bluff Trail
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
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Troy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cuivre River State Park
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Prairie & forest trails for hikers & equestrians plus lake access for boating, fishing & swimming.
Mossy Hill Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Avery Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 209 reviews
Clean, shady, family-friendly park featuring playgrounds, swings, a BBQ grill and picnic tables and shaded spots.
Kiwanis Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Dog-friendly park featuring a fenced playground and a splash pad.
Weinand Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
Kid-friendly green space with paved paths, a play area and picnic benches.