1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

People who love to stay physically fit by jogging will find that the city of St. Louis has plenty to offer. St. Louis was recently named one of the "20 Fittest Cities in America 2009" by Men's Fitness Magazine, so it offers a wide variety of places to walk, jog, run, and more. Experienced joggers in St. Louis will tell you that there are many parks and hundreds of miles of trails that are safe and convenient places to go for a jog. Here are some of the best parks and trails for jogging in the St. Louis area.

GRANT'S TRAIL - 8 miles, flat terrain, urban.

Grant's Trail, a railroad right-of-way passing south of St. Louis, has been converted recently into an all-purpose jogging, biking, and skating trail as part of the "Rails-to-Trails" program. Because it used to be a railroad track path, it is extremely flat and wide open. The pavement is smooth and consistent. Currently, Grant's Trail stretches eight miles, but the newest section opened in 2006 and expansion plans are still in the works.

The trail winds past several parks and attractions along the way, including a former home of Ulysses S. Grant at Grant's Farm. If you get tired of running on the straight path, you can take a diversion into the wooded trails of Whitecliff Park. Starting at I-55 and Union and ending at I-44 and Big Bend, the trail is convenient to both interstates and has numerous parking locations that make it easy to access. It can get crowded during certain days and times, usually mornings and weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.

RIVERFRONT TRAIL - 11 miles, flat terrain, urban/suburban.

The Riverfront Trail is another popular option for joggers. Extending for 11 miles along the mighty Mississippi River, this trail can take you from I-270 and Riverview all the way into Downtown St. Louis, if you've got the stamina. Jogging is a major activity on this trail, but you'll be sharing the space with both bikers and equestrians, so remember to be safe and respectful. The best thing about this trail is the great views of the river that you will have. The rushing of the water can help push you the extra mile.

NORTH COUNTY BIKEWAY - 9.5 miles, flat terrain, urban/suburban.

In the northern part of St. Louis County, the North County Bikeway offers a 9.5 mile trail that will send you past the University of Missouri at St. Louis and the North County Recreation Complex. Much of the trail is trail-only, but there are portions that are along roadways. Usually the area around the trail is

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The top places to go for a jog in St. Louis, MO?
We want to hear your view. Write now!