Located at Cuivre River in Troy, Missouri, the Frenchmans Bluff Trail offers some AMAZING views from the bluffs. To start and up to the bluff, it is a great trail for hiking with littles. The trial is wide and there are no steep drop offs. It has a thick canopy making it shaded and cool. Once you reach the bluff you really need to be careful because the trail runs right along the bluff side with very steep drops. If bluffs make you uncomfortable, you can walk the road along the trail for a ways. We were able to stay on the trail with lots of hand holding and slow walking for the littlest one (3 1/2) and she did fine. Once the trail turns away from the bluff, it does get narrow and pretty overgrown. It doesn’t widen again until you reach the start of the loop. In addition to the amazing views, keep your eyes and ears open for horses because part of the trail is shared with/crosses the equestrian trail. The day we hiked, we saw 7 horses. And, you should probably watch your step… where there are horses, there is also horse poop!
Trailhead:
In the Stone Shelter Picnic Area to the left of the playground.
Trail Details:
- 1.6 mile Loop
- Moderate (but, maybe a tad rugged for littles)
- Natural Surfaces
Additional Details:
- Park in the Stone Shelter Area.
- Bathrooms across from Stone Shelter. During off-season, they usually have porta potties in the parking area.
- There is a playground by the trailhead. Our girls always love playing after a good hike.
Wandering Missouri 