Field guide
Forest Park St Louis hours and trail information
Official information for runners and hikers at Forest Park in St. Louis. Find park hours, details on the 6-mile dual path, and visitor center access.
Forest Park in St. Louis is a 1,300-acre public space. It contains a designated path system for running, walking, and other activities.
This page provides official information about the park's recreational path, rules for use, and visitor facilities.
Official facts at a glance
- Park size
- 1,300 acres
- Visitor Center Address
- 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112
- Dual Recreational Pathway length
- 6-mile
- Dual Recreational Pathway surface
- Hard and soft surface
- Soft surface path use
- For walkers, joggers, and slower visitors
- Hard surface path use
- For those on wheels (bikes, wheelchairs, roller skates or blades)
- Visitor Center hours
- Open seven days a week
- Parking at Visitor Center
- Two free parking lots
- Drinking water
- Available at the Visitor Center
- Dog rules
- Required to be on leashes per City Ordinance
- Speed limit on paths
- 15 mph or less
- Motorized traffic on paths
- Only wheelchairs, park vehicles, and security vehicles permitted
- Path etiquette
- Stay on the right
- Path etiquette
- Pass on the left, announce presence
Sources: Park Navigation (forestparkforever.org), Dual Path (forestparkforever.org), Why I Run Forest Park (forestparkforever.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The dual recreational path
A 6-mile dual recreational pathway runs through the park. It is designed with two distinct surfaces side by side.
The soft surface path is for walkers, joggers, and slower visitors. The hard surface path is for people using wheels, such as bikes, wheelchairs, roller skates, or blades.
Rules for path users
The speed limit on the paths is 15 mph or less. Motorized traffic is not permitted, with the exception of wheelchairs, park vehicles, and security vehicles.
Users should stay to the right and pass on the left, announcing their presence when they pass. Dogs are required to be on leashes according to City Ordinance.
Visitor center and access
The Visitor Center is located at 5595 Grand Dr. and has two free parking lots available for public use. Drinking water is also available at this location.
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week. Visitors planning an early or late trip should confirm current operating hours before they go.
Before you go
- Confirm the Visitor Center's current hours of operation.
- Bring a leash for your dog as required by City Ordinance.
- Plan to use the correct path surface for your activity.
- Remember to stay on the right side of the path.
- Announce your presence when passing others on the left.
Nearby options: running and active spots in St. Louis. All cities: City running and hiking guides.