North Riverfront Trail

easy FamiliesPhotographersCasual Walkers

1 mi Distance

0 ft Elevation Gain

0.5-1 hours Estimated Time

roundtrip Trail Type

What to Expect

This is about as easy as national park hiking gets — a flat, paved mile along the Mississippi River that delivers surprisingly satisfying views of the Gateway Arch from a angle most visitors never bother to find. You'll start near the flood wall and head north along the riverfront, with the wide brown Mississippi on your right and the city skyline punctuated by that iconic stainless steel curve on your left. The trail is smooth and level, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs despite what the official accessibility listing says. Expect barge traffic on the river, joggers sharing the path, and occasional river breezes that make even a humid St. Louis afternoon tolerable. This is the trail for people who want the Arch photo without the underground tram crowds — walkers, families with little ones, and anyone who just wants a peaceful stretch of legs between downtown attractions.

FamiliesPhotographersCasual WalkersAccessibilityQuick Stops

Safety Advisory

The trail sits close to river level and sections can flood during spring high water — check river stage levels if visiting March through June, as portions may be impassable.

There's almost no shade along the entire route, so summer temperatures on the pavement can feel brutally hot — plan for early morning or evening walks from June through September.

Trail Details

Distance 1 miles round-trip

Difficulty easy

Estimated Time 0.5-1 hours

Trail Type roundtrip

Pets Not allowed

Season Year-round

Trailhead North Riverfront Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Walk this trail in the late afternoon when the Arch catches golden light from the west — the reflection off the stainless steel is genuinely stunning and photographs far better than the harsh midday glare.

Trail Tip

Combine this with a visit to the Old Courthouse beforehand, then walk the trail to decompress — it's the perfect low-effort bookend to the more crowded underground Arch experience.

Trail Tip

The northern end of the trail near the Eads Bridge offers the best composition for Arch photos with the bridge framing the shot — most people turn around too early and miss it.