Walking Fern Trail
The Walking Fern Trail is a short hike in Meramec State Park. It is only half a mile long, but it is very scenic.
Distance: 0.5 mile loop
Scenery: 4 Stars
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.5 mile loop
Scenery: 4 Stars
Difficulty: Moderate
This description is for hiking clockwise on the loop. You will start with a steep climb up to the bluffs above the campground. This is a pretty section with views of the campground and river as you hike by mossy rock outcroppings.
After being on the bluffs for a while, the trail descends through a narrow, little valley to the floodplain below. Now, you hike below the bluffs you were just on. Right before getting back to the trailhead, you will see a staircase leading up to Indian Cave. Indian Cave only goes back 30 yards or so, but is a fun little trip. Go back down the staircase and finish the loop.