Lewis Trail (Weldon Spring Conservation Area) Hiking Guide
The Lewis Trail is the long loop at Weldon Spring Conservation Area in St. Charles County, and Hiking Project's contributor calls it a local favorite for its rock ledges above the Missouri River. It rolls through forest, climbs to the bluffs, follows them for a stretch and drops back through creek bottoms. The Clark Trail shares the same trailhead and cuts the loop short.
Distance and Options
The Missouri Department of Conservation describes the Lewis and Clark trails as a five-mile or eight-mile loop with a few challenging hills, and its 2026 guided fall hike on the Lewis Trail was billed at 8.3 miles. Hiking Project measures the Lewis Trail at 7.7 miles with about 751 feet of climbing and the Clark Trail at 5.1 miles with about 416 feet. Hiking Project's route starts up the dirt road to the left of the trailhead, reaches the bluff after a couple of miles and leaves the river about 6 miles in. Watch for the Clark junction markers around mile 2.5 if you want the shorter loop.
Mud and Footing
Hiking Project's contributor warns that parts of the trail are almost always muddy. The descent off the bluff around mile 6 is steep and rocky, and the last miles follow and cross small creeks before a final climb back to the parking area. Plan for wet feet after rain and allow extra time in winter and spring.
Parking
The trailhead is off Highway 94 south of Interstate 64. Hiking Project says the lot can fill on weekends and suggests the bike-trail parking just to the north as an overflow, with a short walk back to the trailhead. Another contributor counted room for 12 to 15 cars, so arrive early on a nice Saturday.
Hunting and Dogs
Weldon Spring is open to hunting. Deer hunting is by managed-hunt permit only, with archery hunts in fall and winter and firearms hunts in November, and fall turkey hunting follows statewide rules. The area brochure says hunters may not hunt on or within 100 feet of any trail, but orange is still a good idea from fall into January. Dogs must be leashed or confined unless they are being used for hunting.
Area History
Parts of Weldon Spring were used by the Army in the 1940s for TNT production and by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s to process uranium ore. MDC says the affected land went through a federal cleanup and is considered safe for all recreation allowed on the area. The Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center at 7295 Highway 94 South explains that history. Bicycles are limited to the Lost Valley, Hamburg, Busch Greenway and Katy trails, so the Lewis and Clark loops stay foot traffic only.
Hiking tips for Lewis Trail (Weldon Spring Conservation Area)
- Walk out to the rock ledges at the river overlooks; they are the highlight of the loop.
- Wear waterproof boots; the trail is muddy in places most of the year.
- Look for the Clark Trail junction around mile 2.5 if you want a 5-mile hike instead.
- Use the bike-trail lot to the north if the trailhead lot is full.
- Wear orange during fall and winter hunting seasons.
Nearby trails to explore
- River Scene Trail (Castlewood State Park)
- Lime Kiln Loop Trail (Rockwoods Reservation)
- White Bison Trail (Lone Elk Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Lewis Trail is a solid half-day hike close to St. Charles, and the river overlooks are a good place for a group break. Use TrailMates to find people for a weekend loop at Weldon Spring, work out Lewis versus Clark in the event's group chat, and convene at the Highway 94 trailhead. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.