Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm

Grant's Trail offers a rich blend of history and nature. You can visit Grant's Farm, the ancestral home of the Busch family, and see the famous Clydesdale horses and Ulysses S. Grant's log cabin. The trail also provides access to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (White Haven) and the historic Sappington House. Naturally, the trail winds through wooded areas along Gravois Creek, open fields, and features a scenic boardwalk over a wetland, providing diverse viewpoints and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Absolutely! Grant's Trail is renowned for being very beginner and family-friendly. It is entirely paved with asphalt and mostly flat, making it ideal for cyclists, walkers, and runners of all skill levels, including those with strollers or young children learning to ride. Its smooth surface and gentle gradient ensure a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.

Yes, Grant's Trail is generally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on the trail. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like Grant's Farm, it's advisable to check their individual pet policies, as they may have restrictions for animals entering certain areas.

Grant's Trail, also known as the Gravois Greenway, spans approximately 9.9 to 11.47 miles one way. Since it's not a loop, you can choose to ride any segment for a shorter out-and-back experience. For longer rides, the trail connects directly to the River des Peres Greenway, which allows cyclists to extend their journey significantly and explore more of St. Louis.

There are numerous access points and ample parking areas along the entire length of Grant's Trail. Popular starting points include trailheads near Holmes Avenue in Kirkwood, and various parks like Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park (formerly Clydesdale Park). Parking can fill up quickly on pleasant days, especially weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is often recommended.

While the trail itself is primarily for recreation, there are various cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the communities it passes through, such as Kirkwood, Oakland, and Crestwood. Many cyclists and walkers enjoy stopping in these nearby towns for refreshments or a meal. It's a good idea to check local listings for options closest to your chosen access point.

Grant's Trail is known for its excellent conditions. It is entirely paved with asphalt, ensuring a smooth surface suitable for road bikes, hybrids, and even inline skates. The terrain is predominantly flat, making it accessible for all fitness levels and providing a comfortable ride without significant climbs or descents. It is well-maintained year-round.

No, there are no permits or fees required to access or use Grant's Trail. It is a public greenway, freely accessible to cyclists, walkers, and runners. However, specific attractions along the trail, such as Grant's Farm, may have their own admission policies or fees, though access to Grant's Farm is often free if arriving by bike or foot.

Grant's Trail is a very popular destination, so it can get quite crowded, particularly on pleasant weekend mornings and during the spring and fall seasons. If you prefer a more serene experience, consider visiting on weekday mornings or later in the afternoon. Evenings can also be less busy, offering a peaceful ride or walk.

The trail offers a pleasant mix of natural scenery, including wooded areas along Gravois Creek, open fields, and a wetland boardwalk. You might spot various birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife common to urban green spaces. The changing foliage throughout the seasons also provides beautiful natural backdrops for your activity.

While direct public transport access to every trailhead might be limited, some sections of Grant's Trail are within reasonable proximity to MetroBus stops in St. Louis County. It's best to check the specific route maps for MetroBus to find the closest stops to your desired access point on the trail.