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Watson Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 513 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Louis, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Watson Trail 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 Watson Trail Park
“Fantastic course, well maintained, signs are sparse but use the map I added to photos or should one by the small parking lot next to the range.”
“This is a small and beautiful county park, that is well maintained.”
Great park for hot, sunny days. Newer playground structures for a variety of activities. Walking trails (pet friendly from observations) with lots of shade and next door to the Sunset Hills Aquatic Center.
I love this park because it has a lot of interactive features. There are plenty of ducks and feeders throughout the trail around the lake. It stops people from feeding them bread! Lots of critters living happily here and cool playgrounds for kids.
Beautiful, well cared for park. Great playground areas with nicely paved trails. The lake and surrounding area is beautiful. Fishing is available for $2.00 adults and $1.00 children. Feed the ducks.
Wonderful park. The cicadas greeted us with loud song. ♿The trails are all paved and wheelchair accessible. There are steps to access some parts of the trail from the parking lot, but if one goes to the end of the lot, there is a paved way that is accessible.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a pretty park with lots of walking paths and various areas of flowers, besides a small lake with a waterfall.”
“♿The trails are all paved and wheelchair accessible.”
“♿The trails are all paved and wheelchair accessible.”
“Best of all, there were attached restrooms and they were super clean.”
“Walking trails (pet friendly from observations) with lots of shade and next door to the Sunset Hills Aquatic Center.”
Plan your run at Watson Trail Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — 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
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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