TAILS ON THE TRAILS-STL

COULD WE GET LUCKY AND HAVE OUR FIRST SNOW HIKE?

Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated Easy to Moderate. We will go to the small cave on the Rock Hollow. Mud here. Maybe we'll get to see the waterfall...depends on how much rain we get overnight.

We hike in a light rain, but not thunderstorm. Watch website in morning, if weather threatens.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Please revise your RSVP by 9 a.m. if you're not coming.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

HIKING BOOTS very strongly recommended but not required. Wear something with treads, there are hills and some loose rock.
POLES strongly recommended.
YAK TRAX on snow/ice.

Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours.

BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

TREATS: Please, don't bring treats for your dog. If you must give your dog treats, walk away from the group and don't let other dogs have treats. We've had dog fights in the past over this, don't want it to happen again. Please respect this rule.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables. Please stay to the RIGHT when we pass others.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members.

PLEASE....keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows"

We hike in a light/moderate rain. Watch website if weather threatens. We usually don't cancel a hike until the morning of.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRAILS!

A good place to start, if you're new to "hiking". Fairly easy dirt/grass trail. Mostly level with one hill. There is a shallow creek (2"-3" deep) to cross at the very end, so wear waterproof hiking boots or bring dry shoes for ride home.

We'll do the Dogwood Trail, hikers (and dogs) only. The other trails are open to horses. There will be horses for the first 5 minutes, but plenty of room to pass.

About 2.5-3 miles, allow 1.5 hours.

HIKING BOOTS recommended. Waterproof, there is creek crossing.
POLES if you use them
Yaktrax suggested in snowy weather.

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive a little before that and be ready to go. Please don't be a "no show".

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

Meetup mapping is good.

Take 141 south of 44 to first light and turn right (if coming from 44) on Meramec Station Road. There is gas station, Starbucks and hotel. Go to second road and turn left onto Hillsboro Road. You'll pass a big horse ranch on right.

Parking lot is IMMEDIATELY past the end of white fence, about 20'.

JUST PAST THE LAST BIG HORSE BARN.

Let's have another Christmas sweater hike! We can wear our favorite Christmas sweaters and walk around Central park in Chesterfield!
This is a paved trail so normal walking shoes will be fine.
There are a ton of scenic spots here to stop for some fun photos.

We will take the Central Park trail to the Riparian trail to the Lake One Trail, and back. That will end up being about 2.5 miles.

There is a bathroom by the playground.

Our pace will be relaxed. We will stop to water the dogs or look at the scenery/take photos.

There's a lot of sculptures and water features here to look at. It's a gorgeous park!

SHORT LEASH. No retractables.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

PLEASE....keep your RSVP updated and don't be a "No Show"
Read less

A super easy and pretty little 3 miler on old paved/gravel roads. Good for beginners and first timers. Totally level. Hopefully our dogs will still be clean when we finish this one.

Short leash only, no retractables.

Bring water for your dog, there is no water on the trail.
Bathrooms at parking lot.
Walking shoes okay here, you don't need hiking boots.

Human guests welcome.
No guest dogs. Our hikes are for member dogs only.

PACE OF HIKE is 2 mph with a couple of stops to water dogs. Allow 2 hours for 3 mile hike. We'll probably finish sooner. It's not a power hike, we don't do that. Easy stroll with big, wide, sunny trails. A good place to get acquainted with other group members.

IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, PLAN ON HIKING ALONE.

Hardest part is figuring out how to get to it the first time. Located at Hwy 44 and Hwy 109, NE corner. However, please read driving directions and DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS...it often doesn't realize that the bridge is closed.

YOU CANNOT GET HERE FROM LEWIS ROAD EXIT!

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Allow time, arrive early and be ready to go at startup time.

***

DRIVING DIRECTIONS...

FROM 270, go west on Hwy 44 to Hwy 109 (Eureka) exit. Take exit, go LEFT at stoplight onto 109, back under Hwy 44. Then immediately LEFT AGAIN at next light to GET BACK ONTO Hwy 44 heading east, back towards 270. Take the first exit, Williams Road. It goes a short ways, then you will turn left onto the South Outer Road. There are signs.

Follow the Outer Road, it will be taking you along 44, back towards 270. When you get to the "T" by the river, turn left and go back under 44 to the first parking lot.

Just a big loop, but it doesn't take long.

From 109, just head east onto 44 and follow above directions.

PLEASE READ ENTIRE WRITEUP.

Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated Easy to Moderate. We will go to the small cave on the Rock Hollow. Mud here. Maybe we'll get to see the waterfall...depends on how much rain we get overnight.

We hike in a light rain, but not thunderstorm. Watch website in morning, if weather threatens.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Please revise your RSVP by 9 a.m. if you're not coming.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots strongly recommended but not required. Wear something with treads, there are hills and some loose rock.

Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours.

BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

TREATS: Please, don't bring treats for your dog. If you must give your dog treats, walk away from the group and don't let other dogs have treats. We've had dog fights in the past over this, don't want it to happen again. Please respect this rule.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables. Please stay to the RIGHT when we pass others.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members.

YOUR RSVP: Our RSVPs for this event open 1st of month before the hike. Because, let's face it, no on knows what they're doing 3 months in advance. And, please keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows"

We hike in a light/moderate rain. Watch website if weather threatens. We usually don't cancel a hike until the morning of.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.

PLEASE READ ENTIRE WRITEUP.

Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated Easy to Moderate. We will go to the small cave on the Rock Hollow. Mud here. Maybe we'll get to see the waterfall...depends on how much rain we get overnight.

We hike in a light rain, but not thunderstorm. Watch website in morning, if weather threatens.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Please revise your RSVP by 9 a.m. if you're not coming.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots strongly recommended but not required. Wear something with treads, there are hills and some loose rock.

Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours.

BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

TREATS: Please, don't bring treats for your dog. If you must give your dog treats, walk away from the group and don't let other dogs have treats. We've had dog fights in the past over this, don't want it to happen again. Please respect this rule.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables. Please stay to the RIGHT when we pass others.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members.

YOUR RSVP: Our RSVPs for this event open 1st of month before the hike. Because, let's face it, no on knows what they're doing 3 months in advance. And, please keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows"

We hike in a light/moderate rain. Watch website if weather threatens. We usually don't cancel a hike until the morning of.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.

PLEASE READ ENTIRE WRITEUP.

Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated Easy to Moderate. We will go to the small cave on the Rock Hollow. Mud here. Maybe we'll get to see the waterfall...depends on how much rain we get overnight.

We hike in a light rain, but not thunderstorm. Watch website in morning, if weather threatens.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Please revise your RSVP by 9 a.m. if you're not coming.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots strongly recommended but not required. Wear something with treads, there are hills and some loose rock.

Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours.

BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

TREATS: Please, don't bring treats for your dog. If you must give your dog treats, walk away from the group and don't let other dogs have treats. We've had dog fights in the past over this, don't want it to happen again. Please respect this rule.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables. Please stay to the RIGHT when we pass others.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members.

YOUR RSVP: Our RSVPs for this event open 1st of month before the hike. Because, let's face it, no on knows what they're doing 3 months in advance. And, please keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows"

We hike in a light/moderate rain. Watch website if weather threatens. We usually don't cancel a hike until the morning of.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.