The Creekside Trail is a natural-surface singletrack that follows Elm Creek from the Eastern Trailhead west to the historic Sinclair-Hegwald Bridge. The trail features a variety of terrain, including some tight-and-twisty singletrack through cedars, a view from atop a 20-foot limestone bluff, a rocky passage through a ravine, a quick plunge from the ridgeline down to Elm Creek, and fast-and-flowy segments through a riparian flood plain. The route also includes short sections on two long-abandoned rail lines — the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas, or “Katy”) and the Mo-Pac (Missouri Pacific).
Surface: Natural
Length: About 1.25 miles
Difficulty: The majority of the Creekside Trail is of easy-to-moderate difficulty, with a few rocky areas, and a couple of short but stout climbs.
This bluff over Elm Creek looks upstream to where the old Kentucky Street Bridge once stood.This is the first decision point along the Creekside Trail. Continue straight for an easier route, or hang a left to descend into a rocky gully.The rockier route passes alongside large limestone outcroppings.Coming out of the rock gully, you have another choice; straight ahead is the slightly easier route.There are some nice views of Elm Creek from along the Creekside Trail.As the trail descends into the Elm Creek floodplain, there are lots of large old trees and vines.Another choice! Left is the easy path, while right takes you beneath the overlapping trees … be prepared to duck!The Creekside Trail emerges onto the Backbone near the Sinclair-Hegwald Bridge. A right turn will lead you to the Western Trailhead (and the Southwind Rail Trail beyond), while a left will lead you back to the east, with additional singletrack opportunities.
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