St. Louis Riverfront Trail (Mississippi Greenway)

The St. Louis Riverfront Trail, also known as the Mississippi Greenway, is one of the best places to run in St. Louis. This paved multi-use path stretches for 12 miles from downtown St. Louis to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. There’s a really interesting variety for runners here, including the Mural Mile, Gateway Arch, some lovely river views, historic industrial sections, and a unique bridge.

The trail starts at the Mural Mile, just south of the Poplar St. Bridge. There are great views of the Gateway Arch, and a section along a levee. The dedicated trail starts at the 1.5 mile mark and continues for another 10.5 miles on the west side of the river to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Option here to continue for another on this pedestrian bridge over to the Illinois side. It’s an eye-catching cantilevered truss bridge, unique for the sharp bend that occurs as it approaches the mainland

Sections & Loop Options. See this MAP for some shorter suggested loop or out & back options. It’s also possible to do the full loop back to St. Louis on the eastern side of the river, using the Levee Road or Madison County Confluence Trail paths on either side of the Chain of Rocks Canal. Some parts of the path are great — while some other sections of the path, to put it one way, embrace some of the river’s historical and industrial past.