Best Walking Routes in St. Louis
The best places to walk in St. Louis, MO are its car-free trails, greenways, and park loops — the same multi-use paths cyclists use, framed here for walkers. Hot humid summers (68–90°F), cold winters (24–42°F), and pleasant spring and fall.
Climate for walking in St. Louis
Hot humid summers (68–90°F), cold winters (24–42°F), and pleasant spring and fall. Open river-valley terrain leaves you exposed to the wind; summer storms are frequent.
Walking-friendly paths
Katy Trail (Defiance to Augusta)
≈30 miFlat, car-free rail trail — an uninterrupted surface that's ideal for a steady walk. Go out as far as you like and turn back.
Forest Park Loop
≈6 miCar-free greenway — a safe, continuous path through the city that walkers can shorten or extend at will.
Grant's Trail
≈16 miCar-free greenway — a safe, continuous path through the city that walkers can shorten or extend at will.
Distances are the full path length — most walkers do an out-and-back or a single loop and adjust to taste.
Season by season
Spring
Apr–MayGreen and improving, with gusty storm days. Layers for the swings.
Summer
Jun–AugHot and humid; ride early. The shaded Katy Trail sections help.
Fall
Sep–OctThe best riding — cool, dry, and the river bluffs turn gold.
Winter
Nov–MarCold and occasionally snowy. Take the dry 40°F days when they come.
What to wear walking in St. Louis
Match your kit to the temperature with the free tool:
Frequently asked
Where can I walk in St. Louis?
Top car-free options in St. Louis include Katy Trail (Defiance to Augusta), Forest Park Loop, Grant's Trail.
Is St. Louis a good city for walking?
The best places to walk in St. Louis, MO are its car-free trails, greenways, and park loops — the same multi-use paths cyclists use, framed here for walkers. Hot humid summers (68–90°F), cold winters (24–42°F), and pleasant spring and fall.
What should I wear walking in St. Louis?
Dress for the conditions: Hot humid summers (68–90°F), cold winters (24–42°F), and pleasant spring and fall. Open river-valley terrain leaves you exposed to the wind; summer storms are frequent. Use the free What-to-Wear tool for the exact kit at today's temperature.
More for St. Louis
Nearby walking
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