The Dual Recreational Path
There is always something happening in Forest Park. Millions of people visit each year. So, be alert know your location, follow signs and stay safe as you explore.
Please review these tips for navigating and have a wonderful day.
Share the path
A 6-mile Dual Recreational Pathway encircles the Park, and in some cases cuts through it. Both hard and soft surface pathways are open for all to use.
The soft gravel surface is meant to accommodate walkers, joggers and visitors traveling at a slower velocity on their heels.
The hard surface is intended for those on wheels like bikes, wheelchairs, roller skates or blades.
Move in single file: Leave room for others to pass in both directions, particularly if you are traveling with a group.
Stay on the right: Travel on the right side, particularly when moving towards another person on a trail or path
Pass on the left: When passing someone from behind, announce your presence out loud, "on your left"
Pull off the path when you stop. Interrupting the flow of trail traffic endangers you and others.
Maintain a safe speed
Limit your speed to 15 mph or less. In addition to people, wildlife in Forest Park use the roadways, pathways and trails too. Moving too fast endangers you and others.
Wheelchairs, park vehicles and security vehicles are the ONLY motorized traffic permitted on the paths, sidewalks or trails.
Stay alert & follow signs
Forest Park Forever partners with the City of St. Louis and the Park's cultural institutions to keep our urban habitat welcoming, safe and accessible.
Follow traffic signs: City of St. Louis Police officers and Park Rangers patrol Forest Park every day. Obey traffic signs, including temporary route closures and detours.
Yield to pedestrians: The Dual Recreational Path allows two way ‘traffic’ flow. The path often crosses City streets and roads inside Forest Park.
Pedestrians wearing earbuds should keep the volume low.
Keep pets on a leash: Per City Ordinance, pets are required to be on leashes within Forest Park. It is best to keep them on your right, completely off the trails and path system.
Leave no trace: Pick up all animal waste and trash.
Wear a helmet on wheels: We recommend anyone doing recreational activities on wheels wear a helmet, particularly those 18 and under.
Explore on your own all year
Experience Forest Park
Feeling homesick for your favorite urban habitat? Enjoy sights and sounds during all four St. Louis seasons from different areas around Forest Park.
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Forest Park Forever and the Missouri Department of Conservation are thrilled to provide you this series of self-guided audio tours of Forest Park's Nature Reserve system. We would like to thank Fox 2's John Pertzborn for reading each entry.