Missouri Riverfront Trail

Missouri

1 Reviews

Note: The eastern third of the trail, from the access point at Horizons Parkway to the end of the trail, is currently closed (as of June 2016) due to bridge construction. Check the City of Riverside's Trail Status page for updates.

Since opening in 2008, the Missouri Riverfront Trail has become one of Platte County's most popular trails, offering a valuable recreational tool with stunning views of the Missouri River and the surrounding floodplain. Starting from the western end, the first third of the trail is paved asphalt, turning to a gravel surface as the trail moves onto the top of a levee.

Trail users can extend their journey from the trail's eastern end by continuing on the nearby Line Creek Trail, or by visiting the City of Riverside's EH Young Riverfront Park, located a short trek down Argosy Parkway.

Because the trail runs through a floodplain and on top of an operational levee, the Missouri Riverfront Trail is subject to frequent closures due to water levels and construction. Check the City of Riverside's Trail Status page before hitting the trail.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the western trailhead off of NW River Park Drive W (Highway 9). Parking is also available at EH Young Riverfront Park, about a half mile down Argosy Parkway from the trail's eastern end.

To reach the western trailhead from I-635, take exit 9 and head north on Horizons Parkway until you reach Highway 9. Turn left and continue west until you pass Intercon Drive on your left. Turn left at the next (unnamed) street, and follow that street across the railroad tracks, where it ends at the trailhead parking lot.

A Valuable Transportation and Recreational Asset

March 2019 kirbyfarren

As of summer 2018 the Riverfront Trail is open it's full length from the western trailhead at 9 Highway to the eastern one in EH Young Riverfront park. I ride it regularly, find it to be in excellent shape and quite peaceful.

Starting at the western trailhead the trail is asphalt as it winds through quiet woods in the bottomland next to the Missouri River. As you continue, the trail climbs up to the Quindaro Bend Levee where it becomes pea gravel. The trail travels under Interstate 635 and 169 Highway before dropping down from the levee adjacent to Argosy Casino. From here, the trail becomes concrete and parallels the roads. Traffic into the casino can be heavy at times, so be mindful at road crossings. The trail finally ends just past the casino at EH Young Riverfront Park. Directly across the casino you can also access the Line Creek Trail, which will lead you into downtown Riverside and provide access all the way up to Barry Road, as well as the Briarcliff Linear Trail.

Eventually the Missouri Riverfront Trail is supposed to connect to English Landing Park in downtown Parkville. A concrete path has been poured leading to the park and is rideable, but it's exit (only 50 yards or so shy of English Landing) is currently gated off. I suspect this is due to a railroad right-of-way issue, as the path would need to be perilously close to the busy railroad tracks. Hopefully this connection is finished soon, as it would provide a car-free commuting route between Parkville and Riverside.