Al Foster Trail in Glencoe

The trail is eight foot wide and made of crushed stone. It is available for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. The trail generally follows the Meramec River from the Al Foster Trailhead in Glencoe to the east through Sherman Beach and into Castlewood State Park.
Restrooms are available but no water.

Getting there -- The link in this event should be accurate to use in your phone map. In general head west on I-44 to Hyw 109 (the Eureka exit about 12 miles from I-270). Turn right on Hwy 109 and go about 3.5 miles to the Old State Rd turnoff to the right then another quick right on Washington Ave which turns into Grand Ave. There are two parking lots on the left. Park in either lot and we will meet at the area between the two. Marcie will be assisting with the trail route and i'm planning on doing about 3 miles.

What to bring:

• WATER – THIS IS IMPORTANT ALL YEAR LONG AND ESPECIALLY IN THE WARMER MONTHS. WE WILL USUALLY BE OUT FOR AT LEAST 1 ½ HOURS AND THAT IS TOO LONG TO GO WITHOUT REPLENISHING THE LIQUIDS THAT YOU WILL BE BURNING WHILE WALKING. – I AVOID DRINKING CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES BEFORE WALKING. THEY DRY ME OUT AND MAKE ME HAVE TO URINATE MORE. THE ARE A LOT OF GOOD ARTICLES ABOUT “effects of caffeine and exercise” ON THE INTERNET OR ASK YOU DOCTOR.
• Dress in layers (not sure what the weather will do). The top couple of layers should be easily unbuttoned or unzipped to allow easy ventilation. Wear a hat.
• I recommend broken in hiking shoes over Tennis shoes. A lot of the trails are over loose gravel and dirt and the treads on the hiking boots work much better.
• Snacks – EAT LIGHTLY BEFORE THE WALK AND BRING A POWER BAR OR SNACK TO MUNCH ON DURING THE WALK.

After the walk we will dive a short distance to an Eureka restaurant for some talk, food and drink.

Meetup Donation: Meetup charges me $190 every six months to have the Walking site. If you would like to donate $1 at some of the walks, it will be appreciated.

Greg Kluempers