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Product Description Explore 44 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across two states. All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted to public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these rail-trails, as well as other multiuse pathways, in Iowa and Missouri. Enjoy one of the most well-known trail art installations in the country along Iowa’s High Trestle Trail, or visit some of Missouri’s most welcoming communities on the nearly 240-mile Katy Trail. You’ll love the variety in this collection of Midwestern multiuse trails―from beautiful waterways and scenic areas to the hustle and bustle of the states’ urban centers! In this book, you’ll find: Detailed maps for every rail-trail, plus driving directions to trailheads Icons indicating the activities each trail can accommodate Succinct descriptions written by rail-trail experts “You can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trail―and enjoy!” ―Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land About the Author Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails that offer easy access to runners, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, and equestrians. It serves as the national voice for more than 160,000 members and supporters, more than 23,000 miles of open rail-trails across the country, and more than 8,000 miles of potential trails waiting to be built―with a goal of ensuring a better future for America made possible by trails and the connections they inspire. To find out more about Rail-Trails, check out the Conservancy's official website at railstotrails.org. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Creve Couer Park Trails Counties St. Louis, St. CharlesEndpoints Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park (St. Louis) to Katy Trail at Page Ave./MO 364 (St. Charles)Mileage 11.5Type Greenway/Non-Rail-TrailRoughness Index 1Surface AsphaltUses Cycling, in-line skating, fishing, wheelchair access, walking The Creve Coeur Park Trails are a collection of paved pathways winding through wetland and wooded areas within St. Louis County’s first and largest park, which spans more than 2,000 acres. (When the west end of the trail crosses the Missouri River, it enters St. Charles County.) The trail’s Lakeview Loop offers a 3.7-mile trip around the sizable Creve Coeur Lake, replete with well-used picnic shelters and opportunities to access the water from several points. Throughout the summer, you can experience the lake by kayak, available for rent. On the west side of the lake, the 2.8-mile Meadows Loop circles the Gateway Sports Athletic Field Complex. Restrooms and water fountains are available in this area, and several hiking-only trails can be found on the east side of the lake, offering a diverse outdoor recreation experience. At the southern end of the park, the trail system loops around the smaller Mallard Lake, where you’re likely to see herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. Between the two lakes is Page Avenue (MO 364), which bisects the park. If you pick up the trail that parallels the roadway and heads west out of the park, you’ll be on the 2.8-mile Creve Coeur Connector segment of the trail system. At the outset, you’ll pedal up a short, fairly steep hill, but then the trail will level out and you’ll soon cross a bridge spanning the Missouri River. On the other side, you can connect to the Katy Trail (see page 123), which follows the river and spans nearly 240 miles across the state. Although the Creve Coeur Connector parallels the highway, the landscape to the west is beautiful with native prairie grasses, a marsh, and wildflowers in the spring. As with most of this collection of trails, birds of all