St. Louis Running and Walking Trails



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FORT BELLEFONTAINE COUNTY PARK

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Historic Fort Belle Fontaine was the first United States military installation west of the Mississippi River, established in 1805. Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition (1804-1806) also used the site on their voyage back. During the 1930's, stonework features were built by the Works Progress Administration and the 'ruins', as they are commonly called now, still stand. Missouri Hills Campus of the Missouri Division of Youth Services is also located on the grounds.
 
The trail starts off uphill across reclaimed prairie, crests and then heads downhill through woodlands and along Coldwater Creek. There are varying hills of moderate inclines, but Fort Belle's best known feature towards the end of the trail is the Grand Staircase. 130+ stone steps lead back up the bluff and provide a great view of the Missouri River just before it meets the Mississippi. Those not wanting to brave the steps can keep going straight where the trail eventually turns and heads up a moderate hill making the distance back to to the parking lot 2.75 miles. (2.5 miles if you take the stairs.)If taking the stairs or the hill, both paths end up on the concrete and paved roads that lead past the MDYS Cotts and back to the trail head parking lot. 

WHY WE LIKE IT:Great mix of terrain, natural beauty and history all rolled into one compact area. The trails have great signage about the area history, the ruins are beautiful and the stairs are a great work out.

DIRECTIONS: 270 to Bellefontaine Road. Head North until road ends. Check in is required at front gate because of the state home on the grounds. (Easy check-in with only your name and plate number. Keep the number tag they give you on your dash.) Proceed past check-in station and trail parking lot is just down on the left. Parking along the road is allowed at the Grand Staircase also.

TRAIL MAP

DISTANCE: 2.5 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate to hard hills, some flat areas. All gravel or dirt except for short section of road.

RATING: Moderate to difficult

A special thanks to Jo Ann and Bob Batzer for putting together this infoformation!