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In the early 1900s, the area that’s now Castlewood State Park was a popular retreat for partying St. Louisans. The dance clubs are gone, but the winding Meramec River and the lush valley that surrounds it remain. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time. The park is considered one of the best mountain biking locations in the St. Louis area. Good fishing, as well as, broad meadows filled with wildlife, and plenty of recreational facilities make the park a favorite for people who want an adventure or just to get away.
WATER SYSTEM
The park straddles both sides of the Meramec River and stretches in linear fashion for nearly five miles. Castlewood had one of the first piped water systems outside of St. Louis that supplied water to the hotels and cabins. Water from a well along the river was pumped to a cistern atop the bluffs, which remains in the park.
At the heart of the park, the last mile of Kiefer Creek meanders toward the Meramec River. The river itself swings south, east, north and east again through the park, with broad floodplains averaging more than a half-mile wide.
Just as it was 100 years ago, majestic white limestone bluffs tower above the Meramec River, while some 250 feet below is River Scene Trail. On the south side of the river near the old community of Morschels, nature lovers can find a small stand of native bottomland forest, a rapidly vanishing natural feature. By contrast, on the north side, a more typical upland forest of white oak, northern red oak and shagbark hickory dominates the landscape. Wildlife includes cricket frogs, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and river birds, such as kingfisher and great blue heron.
PICNIC & FISHING
Castlewood State Park features several picnic sites, two picnic shelters and a playground, making it a perfect place for family gatherings. The shelters can be reserved. Fishermen will enjoy angling for bluegill, as well as, largemouth bass and catfish. River activities include canoeing, as well as, rafting and sunbathing.
HIKING
Hikers and equestrians can explore the park on several trails. Grotpeter Trail winds through the park’s wooded uplands and is accessed near the first picnic shelter. River Scene Trail is a loop trail that begins opposite the entrance road to the first picnic shelter, ascends the tall bluffs along the Meramec River, then descends to the floodplain along the river’s edge and back to the starting point.
Chubb Trail was developed jointly by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation. Located on the south side of the river, it is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians and may be accessed from either Lone Elk or West Tyson county parks.
The World Bird Sanctuary, located on land leased from the park, is open to the public. It houses live birds and features interpretive displays on birds of prey and their activities. It can be accessed from Lone Elk County Park. See their website for more information and hours of operation.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
636-227-4433
PARK ADDRESS
1401 Kiefer Creek Road
Ballwin, MO 63021-7338
For more information click HERE.
Have you visited this state park? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
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