Chubb Trail July 27 2017

The Chubb trail is the connector trail that runs between West Tyson Park and Lone Elk park. These parks are between Hwy 141 and Hwy 109 off  Hwy 44 in St.Louis County. Lone Elk park is known for its herd of Elk that populate the park. I have always wanted to hike these trails, but being so close to home I think I just ignored them in favor of trails further way. (if it is farther from home it must be better, right?). Having some time on my hands, I decided to do this on a Thursday morning as I knew I was likely to be the only one out there and I was. It rained the night before so I also knew the trail was likely to be muddy as parts of it follow right beside the Meramec River.

 The Trail below shows the start and stop for the day. This was an out and back, so I covered the same trail coming back, but it always looks different to me going in the opposite direction

As I suspected I was the only one at the trail head at 9:30 am on a Thursday

the weather was typical Missouri summer weather. It had rained last night and that only served to increase the humidity. It was overcast with some light drizzly rain. 

 The trail starts out steep

 the first of some confusing signage along the trail. I think this is meant to keep people from following an established trail which must originate outside the park but it would have just been better to have a consistent sign post pointing in the right direction

example of the normal sign posts in the park. the trails have names on the map, but are given icons on the trail posts. The Chubb trail is the tree with blue back ground. the Flint Quarry Loop is the "rock slide" icon. 

 At the two mile mark and at the top of the climb there is a picnic table. A very welcome site for sure.

The trail goes mostly downhill from the picnic table

 It is used by mountain bikers as well, but I don't think many will try and ride over this feature. I think called the "staircase". You can notice the thick are from the high humidity in the photo below.

As it drops lower you start to get more lush overgrown vegetation. you don't need to worry about eating a big meal before hiking on a Missouri trail in the summer. If you are the first one on the trail you will be getting your fair share of extra protein in the form of spiders and spider webs in the face. 

 Internet web photo below but pretty typical 

Reaching the bottom of the hill you enter the Meramec River flood plain. This is very fertile land that was some of the first settlements (farms) in the area. 

 Railroad tracks crossing the trail

Along the Meramec River portion

Meramec River

the rain last night, but mostly recent flooding has actually washed away parts of the trail (they have been re-routed with pink flagging tape) and made others very muddy

one of the feeder creeks into the Meramec River, dry now, but very dangerous during flash flood times

At the 5 mile mark the trail crosses the railroad tracks again and heads for Lone Elk park. It is also teh start of the Castlewood Loop. I planned to turn around here and was glad there was some flat dry area around the tracks to have a rest and some lunch

 Just before noon. Something I hardly ever due, but need to do more, is rest when I am going solo.
there is always this feeling to rush or keep moving when I am alone. I need to stop more and relax.
I did actually sit here for a whole 30 minutes.

The view from my lunch spot. The sun was not shining but the temps were still close to 85 degrees F with the same amount of humidity. 

 Single plank over a washed out bit coming back

red tailed hawk? feather

Quite drenched with sweat in the end, but a very nice diverse walk. On a slightly cooler day, the extra 4 miles to Lone Elk and all the way back would have been easily doable in a morning walk. 

 Three pounds of weight lost on the walk today, even drinking 3 liters of water and eating lunch...