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McKelvey Woods Nature Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 31 Google reviews · Running trail in Maryland Heights, Missouri · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from McKelvey Woods Nature 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.
What runners say about McKelvey Woods Nature Park
“nice place to take a break fron the hustle n bustle, needs some brush clean up, but its to be expected.”
Ugh! These directions were wrong!! It took us to a parking area with what looked like a cool trail and a bridge, but it was only 100 yds long and ended at a picnic table. Google maps needs to revise these directions. I read that the trail is now called Fee Fee Greenway.
So its easy to miss from the road. It appears at first to be just a parking lot with a bridge in it. Once you walk across the bridge there are 2 benches spaced out and all the way down the path is a picnic table. This area would be great if you were further away from 270. Really pretty well maintained
This small patch of nature is mostly tucked away. A bridge leads you over a stream to a path, which branches throughout your walk, some leading into mowed areas and others on to dirt. They let the native grasses grow high, which draws in droves of butterflies and small woodland critters (we saw a groundhog).
The wooded park is a definite place to adventure especially if you want to allow your kids to explore some and still be there with them. If that makes sense. Only I'd never suggest anyone under say 13 or 14 to go it alone. Child predators are having a hard and harder time hiding in or society.
Trail conditions & character
“It took us to a parking area with what looked like a cool trail and a bridge, but it was only 100 yds long and ended at a picnic table.”
“My dog hunts constantly (as far as his leash will go).”
Plan your run at McKelvey Woods Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websitemarylandheights.com
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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