Directions: For the Grindstone Trailhead, take Old 63 just South of
Stadium, entrance on the West side of road. Also access at Capen Park
(Stadium to College Ave., South on College Ave), and Hinkson Creek fields (Off
Providence, just South and below Faurot Field and Mizzou Arena).
Trail Information: This trail runs just over 4 miles on a wide, crushed
gravel/limestone trail, but from the Grindstone trailhead (just off Old 63),
there are several singletrack trails that include brief but steep climbs and
root and rock obstacles. Runners can craft a good hour-long run by leaving
the gravel track near just across the first bridge at the Old 63 trailhead and
near the old silo; that singletrack portion runs about a mile, and picks up the
gravel track near Capen Park. Other singletrack opportunities crop up just
before the MU recreational fields and below Mizzou Arena, one at about a
half-mile for Capen Park (pretty hidden) and then about a 1/3 mile from the
trailhead at the MU recreation fields (look for the open clearing with on the
South side of the track, just past the CampusView neighborhood). The
gravel track is always in good shape and is regularly used; the singletrack
portions are usually empty. The trail winds along the creeks and has at
least!
4 bridge crossings. There's no drinking water, but there is ample
parking, and, port-a-potties at the trailheads.
Miscellaneous Information: Figuring out the intertwined nature of the
singletrack trails which shoot-off the main gravel track takes a time or two,
but this trail offers some semi-technical opportunities right in the heart of
the City. The singletrack starting points are pretty inconspicuous, so it
may take some looking to locate them.
Matt Kitzi