St Louis Riverfront Trail

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Anonymous on 8/25/2014 10:29:43 AM:

Has anyone used the St Louis Riverfront trail, crossed over to Illinois and then crossed back over at Alton to connect to the start of the Katy Trail? What is your experience with the St Louis Riverfront trail? Is it safe?

BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 8/25/2014 12:34:12 PM:

I have ridden the Riverfront trail quite a few times, crossing between IL & MO. You can now make a loop by crossing the McKinley Bridge (with its spectacular view of downtown)and continuing on the Confluence Trail on the IL side, and then crossing the Chain of Rocks bridge back to MO.

So you really have 2 routes from downtown up to Alton. I have never had a problem with safety on the Riverfront trail. You should know that some parts are very industrial, but that's a nice change. The trail goes up a steep hill on Riverview Drive as it approaches the Chain of Rocks Bridge, then comes immediately back down -- so a lot of riders just stay on Riverview for the 1/2 mile, but it is a very busy street.

Cross the Chain of Rocks bridge, and catch the Confluence Trail all the way up to Alton. Jump on the Clark Bridge and pick up 67 on the Missouri side. That is a busy highway, so be careful. Take 94 out to Machens, again, being careful. I have done this route a couple of times with no problems.

However, I would never park my car at the Chain of Rocks bridge, especially on the MO side.

Ray (webmaster) on 8/25/2014 2:07:54 PM:

I love the Riverfront Trail - the industrial stuff is fascinating. You'll see rail yards, barge docks, junk yards, ancient warehouses, etc from a perspective that you've never seen. And there's a thin strip of wilderness between the bike path and parts of the river where I've seen wild turkeys before (and some crusty old guys fishing). Very cool experience.

Dorothy and Brian from Belleville IL on 8/25/2014 6:58:52 PM:

We have ridden the Sam Vadalabene trail that goes all the way to Grafton, where you can take the Grafton Ferry across and make your way over to Machens. It's all back country roads. We are riding that way from west to east the second week of Sept. starting in Clinton and ending in Grafton IL

BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 8/26/2014 11:49:09 AM:

I have wanted to ride up through Grafton and take the ferry across to Machens. Unfortunately, the two times I was ready, the ferry was not (due to water levels). So check before going. The scenery along that route cannot be beat when the leaves are changing colors. And (I think) the ferry will let bikes on first even if there is a long wait for cars.

Anonymous on 8/26/2014 1:09:21 PM:

Thanks to everyone for their input. The ferry sounds interesting but since Amtrak gets in at 2pm and I am trying to get to St Charles before nightfall I think I will try to Riverfront and Confluence Trail to the Alton bridge, then go over to the Katy. Thanks again.

BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 8/26/2014 6:20:32 PM:

Depending on the Amtrak route you are taking, you might be able to stay on the train and ride it to Alton instead of getting off in downtown STL. That's a lot closer to the Clark Bridge.

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