Cliff Cave Park

Link: www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/cliffcave.html

Difficulty Rating: Beginner to Intermediate

Type:Multiple Loops- 3 miles of singletrack

Directions: Cliff Cave Park is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in South St. Louis County. Take I-255 to Telegraph road. Go south on Telegraph 1.7 miles to Cliff Cave road. Go left on Cliff Cave road and continue approx. 1 mile into park.

Services: There are composting toilets, and water available at the pavilion overlooking the river.

Description: The trail system in this park consists of several types suitable for all levels of biking and hiking.

The Spring Valley Trail (2.25 miles) begins at the first parking lot near the entrance to the cave for which the park is named. It begins with a water crossing followed by a steep and rocky climb to the beginning of the 2 mile loop at the top of the hill. The loop is mostly packed dirt with few rocks or technical challenges and is great for beginner as well as intermediate riders. Short sections of modest elevation gain punctuate the loop. The trail varies from tight and twisty, to fast and flowing, and weaves in and out of the many sinkholes in the area. It is well marked but other unmarked trails exist and intersect in numerous places.

The Bluff Trail (0.75 mile loop) is accessed via a climb up the park entrance road. Turn onto the trail at the end of the guardrail on the right. Bluff Trail offers the best technical features for the experienced rider. Several challenging rock gardens present themselves and the climb to the top is rewarded with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River Valley. In the winter months keep an eye out for Bald Eagles.

The Mississippi River Trail (5 miles) consists of two loop trails that are paved, and provides a perfect place for riding with the entire family.  The trail is located in the flood plain wetland area and is mostly flat; it offers views of the bluffs above as well as the Mississippi River. The paved trails also provide an enjoyable place to ride when the natural trails are too wet for use.
 
The park occupies 525 acres that include a flood plain wetland area, heavily wooded forest with a variety of old growth trees such as the Shag Bark Hickory, a picnic shelter and scenic river overlook. This area is geologically known as a Karst Plain- an area consisting of caves, sinkholes and springs formed from the dissolution of layers of bedrock. The many sinkholes provide a haven for a variety of wildlife including wild turkey, fox, rabbits, squirrel, deer and raccoon.

The trails are open to equestrians, hikers and mountain bikes. Please observe proper trail etiquette when using these trails.

Cliff Cave Park GPSed Trail Map Coming Soon...