Machens to St.Louis arch

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Rick from KC on 11/2/2025 9:27:05 AM:

I know this been done to death, but I finally have the time this week to ride this part of the trail and want to know if this route is still viable?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=10pT0DWCIWs9I7xKTnzq3tfX99QKhqHw&usp=sharing
I’m attempting it from Machens to the Arch.
Appreciate any guidance you could throw my way!
Rick

Mark from Lee's Summit on 11/2/2025 2:21:18 PM:

That paved Mississippi Riverfront Trail is open and you want to ride it during the daylight hours. The section just north of Downtown St. Louis and the Arch is very industrial and you just jog a couple of blocks away from the river due to one closed flood gate at Carr. Take Biddle Street up to 2nd Street and not 1st Street as you head towards the Arch grounds.

Rick from KC on 11/3/2025 8:11:56 AM:

Thanks so much Mark.
I believe it’s your map on that link that I’m following? I’ll check it out the week!

Eric from KCMO on 11/3/2025 1:31:17 PM:

The topic about the trail ending at Machens trailhead has been discussed a lot including it being trespassing to go beyond there. I saw a recent YouTube video about the trail and although it wasn’t discussed in the video I noticed that in the background the trail appears to be growing over with trees and shrubs. If this is the case it may create a barrier that will eventually make this “problem” go away for the unfriendly landowner. My Katy ride in 2021 was a ride across the entire state and my route took me through that way before I meandered back west towards the St Charles airport area to reach the Grafton Ferry across the Mississippi (seasonal route, google that name for more info) If the east end of the trail is closed there appears to be another access to Machens Road further west and very close to the “A” on the map link you posted. Please follow up with this page if you observe more information about these access points. Of course that’s theoretical information….wink, wink and I’m not encouraging unlawful behavior, but anyone that does, I hope they leave no trace, bring no vehicles, and generally get out of the area without incident. Safe travels!

Rick from KC on 11/4/2025 5:58:55 PM:

Are there any no trespassing signs out there that you know of?

Eric from KCMO on 11/5/2025 5:19:30 PM:

Yes. If you want to exit the trail lawfully, and avoid any drama the very closest place to do so is Ell Road which is 1.3 miles west of the Machens shelter. Obviously easier than backtracking 3 miles to Black Walnut. Note that Ell Road gives good access due north to the Our Lady Of the Rivers Shrine in Portage Des Sioux. This is a lesser known place to stop and see the Mississippi up close.

Rick from KC on 11/6/2025 5:12:01 PM:

So... I did the Ell Road turn off and didn't even try the Machens trailhead.(it's a trailhead, shouldn't it have public access?) and Ell Road worked great. You're on Hwy 94 a little longer but it wasn't bad (w/ a great tailwind). My only problem with this route is the West Alton Trail which is nearly impossible to get to on the South end. It doesn't make it all the way to Machens Club Dr. on the map. Or maybe I just flat out missed it but I ended up having to drag my bike and stuff up an embankment made of loose dirt. This was a little further North up the highway 67 shoulder. I'm glad I attempted this route but not sure I need to do it again. Thanks for the help Eric.

Eric from KCMO on 11/7/2025 6:44:54 PM:

Good to hear. You had a better trip than me, or at least my recent one. Two months ago I traveled to St Louis by Amtrak, visited the Arch and began my 30 mile ride on a scenic route through the city with the destination being St Charles. I made it to the last intersection before Creve Couer park when I collided with a car. I ended up in an ambulance which was my first time as a patient for this 30 year career paramedic. Worse, I had to call my wife to come get me from home near KCI. And my Salsa Cutthroat was totaled. My 23 mile ride was mostly enjoyable before that. Could have been much worse. Big shout out to Maryland Heights Fire Department for taking my bike and belongings to their station for safekeeping.

Rick from KC on 11/9/2025 8:20:56 AM:

Sorry to hear that man. I’ve been hit as well. On a county highway in Wisconsin and rehabbed for months. Also could’ve been way worse.

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