Trail of the Week • Missouri Research Park Trail Connector
Cyclists cruise the Missouri Research Park Connector in St. Charles County. (Harry Jackson Jr./P-D)
This newly opened paved path is entertaining, serene and scenic with a new surface, a noisy stream, wetlands, twisted trees — and it connects with the Katy Trail.
Where — Highway 40 (Interstate 64) to the Missouri Research Park exit in St. Charles County. Turn north, then south and follow the road and the signs.
How long — Three-fourths of a mile.
Surface — Paved.
Difficulty — Easy.
Can be used for — Walking, jogging, bicycling.
User's note — The trail includes a boardwalk over wetlands that can feature wildlife and wildflowers. This is a very popular path for bicyclists who use it as an entrance or a side trip from the Katy Trail. It's good for children because the shoulders are flat or walled on both sides so there's no worry about tumbles. Wear mosquito and tick repellent. The stream is from the water treatment plant near the trailhead.
Wheelchair accessible — Yes.
Parking — At the beginning of the trail inside the research park.
More info — 314-436-7009; greatrivers.info/Default.aspx
Source: Great Rivers Greenway District.
Reprinted with permission St. Louis Post-Dispatch @ July 2009
Wheelchair accessible — Yes.