Castlewood State Park

My favourite to-go spot for a time friendly hike. Ir was perfecr for the "first hike" of the season as we wanted to start with something small. Kid friendly, pet friendly, there's beautiful stairways that go down to rail teack beside the river. Vwry beautiful views and has multople spots to sit and rest. Highly recommend this gem of a place!

Castlewood State Park was the perfect spot for a Saturday adventure! I took my two daughters and a friend, and we had an incredible day hiking, connecting, and soaking in the peaceful beauty around us. The trails are well-kept, with routes for every skill level, which made it easy for all of us to enjoy. We hugged trees and spent time talking about the importance of getting back to a simple life with God at the center, truly feeling His presence in the stillness and natural beauty that surrounded us. The scenic views were breathtaking, especially along the Meramec River, with sunlight streaming through the trees and creating a peaceful glow over the water. The sounds of wildlife and the occasional breeze rustling through the leaves added to the serene atmosphere. Castlewood’s meadows and forests felt like a world away from the busy pace of life, and it was refreshing to step back and appreciate the simplicity and wonder of nature. It was a day of quiet reflection, laughter, and joy with loved ones. I would highly recommend this park to anyone looking to reset and reconnect with nature. It's a gem in the St. Louis area that we’ll be visiting again for sure!

Beautiful park with lots of trees, decided to hike the river scenery trail which I recommend, lots to do such as picnics or biking. Entry is free which is nice. I highly recommend visiting if you in the area

Wow, I just had the most fantastic time at this park! I came here yesterday and embarked on the Riverside trail, which was the Red Trail - a 4-mile loop hike that was incredible. The scenery was breathtaking, with stunning river views. The trails were well-maintained and easy to navigate, making the whole experience joyous. Honestly, this has got to be one of the most impressive parks in the entire STL area - I'm already planning my next visit!

Love taking my dog out here for a swim. We have been visiting for years. It's also a good place to bike or hike.