Sherman Beach Park is lovely and seems to have something for everyone. There is the Meramac River shore to fish, wade in, skip stones and relish as well as a variety of trails along the bluffs and riverside. Fall is a spectacular time to be there. In the age of COVID-19 people politely social distance and step aside for the frequent visitors riding bikes or running. Be careful not to park on the drive way to the parking, we saw cars being ticketed for parking there. The only downside is that I saw is no bathroom facilities.
Fun time by the river! Depends on the day as to the quality of the water--muddy vs clear (for the meramec... ). Parking is an issue. Small parking lot, have seen park rangers giving tickets out to those who are not parked in designated spots. Park illegally at your own risk!
Just about a dozen legal parking spaces ensures the beach wont be to crowded.
My kids and I have been all over the missouri parks this summer. We live in willdwood where this park is located many times. I have never been down the path to Sherman beach. We usually go fishing right as you enter the park. This time we brought the kids bikes and they found Sherman beach. I was shocked in the best way. We took the bike path from wildwood all the way to the beach. It is 2.5 miles each way so you arent supprised. I can not belive I didnt know about this place. They have a parking lot right next to the area that we will definitly use next time. The kids were able to wade into to river as the adults fished in the honey pot of the river right next to it. Definitly a rocky beach but worth it completly. I am only giving it 4 stars becuse of the extensive hike it took to get there. Next time we will definitly start at the Sherman beach parking lot.
Great day in the sun. Love the train that goes by. Great for all activities!
Great access to stinging nettle trail. A good portion of it is sand. There are rock landing with shells. Lots of bicyclists. Fun place for hiking and exploring. Discovered the place because they werent letting people into Castlewood Park.
The county could work on making access to the beach a little better but overall a nice beach.
Nice trails and lovely scenery.
Good park fun but parking could be better
Pretty area. Big gravel beach.
Wonderful for dogs. Most people treat this area as an off leash dog park. My dogs and I love it
Get there early, idk who decided a river access should only have like 15 parking spots.
Drove all the way out here to see a beach but instead saw high rising water instead... also, windy roads that are dangerous. Would only make the trip out here if you have a spare car and some halucigenics.
Too many large rocks that hurt your feet, no benches, no sheds, no water fountain, the trail need to be pave.
I often come here when looking for some peaceful trails to walk or bike. There is sometimes a weird odor in the area, but the beach itself is pretty good to chill out on or have a picnic. The trails are pretty sandy making it harder to bike on. Its a pretty remote place in the St. Louis suburbs and quite relaxing.
Has beach, has train, is good.
Great spot for kids and dogs!!
While only a short drive from suburbia, you really feel like youve left the city and all its stresses behind you.With that seclusion comes the occasional mess from partygoers worried more about inebriation than conservation but... we were all kids once.
Not much parking, no visible signs displayed as far as direction to the beach. The path was not cleared well enough. No bathrooms. Nice beach.
The park is lame. No real beach. Its a stop on the excellent Al Foster trail, tho.
Winter isn’t the best time to visit this place. You also shouldn’t visit after a major rain.I haven’t been on the trails. Just came down to take shots of the river and train bridge.The bridge could use from signs that says keep off.
Great place to go hiking, billing, or picnicking
In daytime, O.K. Gravel beach on Meramec thats located near graffiti covered elevated train tracks.
A quiet secluded Park with a large Beach and hiking trails. Unfortunately, no picnic tables or restroom
I love the trails around the train tracks, near the Meramec river, and near beautiful rock formations. LOTS of people enjoy biking and hiking here, or even just going on a walk. There are some hidden gems as well if you know where to look.
Good park, hidden area. Recommend for biking.
Perfect access to Al Foster and Stinging Nettle trails, as well as very nice sandbars in the Meramec for fishing or just general frolicking in the river. Be aware that there are no facilities at this trailhead, so if you want bathrooms or water fountains you will need to go to the Al Foster Memorial Trailhead to the east, or to Castlewood State Park to the west.
HEADS UP IF YOU BRING YOUR DOGS HERE! Yesterday in the late morning/early afternoon our dogs burnt their paws pretty badly on the rocks. We’ve taken them here a bunch of times and never had that happen, and we take caution to avoid the hottest part of the day. As we were leaving with limping dogs a bunch of other people were just arriving with their dogs. It’s a great park but take caution with your pups!
Beautiful place!!
This is a great spot to get close the Meramec river. Ive only taken the short loop trail but have always enjoyed it. Never seen it crowded which is nice too.
Great small park good rope swings
Nice gravel trail along the river. It connects to trails in Wildwood to the west and Castlewood to the east.
Cool trail out of the sun
Great for beginner hikers. Not that challenging on the river view trail. Looked great for bikes.
This is our favorite place to swim on the Meramac River! Everyone is always nice! And you can bring your dogs!! Normally a busy spot!
Awesome trail. Little off the beaten path. Got a little lost, which definitely made things interesting. Bring a compass and or map, because the maps arent super clear
Its rocky, but thats expected at a river, reason they made river shoes. Mild flow/currant up to chest level, then the current gets kinda strong. So you can swim or float on something without being worried the river will take you down steam. Very secluded so not too many people there.
Good biking trail start for my new 5 year old biker. Go West towards Castlewood park. Nice mostly flat trails.
It was quiet when I hiked here in the morning
Rocky beach not sandy, broken glass also so beware current can also be strong for a little one.
When the river is the right level its great, not much of a park though, more just like access to the river.
Dont forget to look up. The towers are amazing.
A truly magical place
Great place!
Seems off the beaten path even though its not. Lovely place, I just wish people would pick up after themselves, lots of broken glass and trash.It has a small parking lot that gets full, especially on summer days. Lots of people from about 10 am until 5 pm.Adjacent to a few trails that are heavily used by cyclists.The path to the gravel bar can get super muddy after rain and/or high river levels. Check with NOAA website for Meramec River levels before packing up the car with gear if you are planning on wading or swimming.There is no lifeguard (obviously as it is the river) so swim at your own risk.Very little shade during the summer as well so pack sunblock and or a pop up shade structure or Umbrella.
Great out of the way access to a host of local trails. Parking only. No services. River access for a kayak or canoe but you cant put a boat in.
Love this beach!!
Great place for hiking. Connects to Castlewood park. There is a sandy beach on the river nearby.
Great place to for swimming and enjoying nature
Great place but no facilities, not even garbage cans
Great views, trails, and riverside flora and fauna.
Off the beaten path and good relaxation spot
Love it! So much beauty, nature and peace close enough to the city!
Flat trails with shade. Fun for walking dogs or riding bikes.
Awesome park. Quick access to multiple trail systems!
This is a gem of a St. Louis County park that is off the beaten path. Access by car requires some time on rural, twisty roads but the reward is a less traveled place.This County Park has trails that make it easy to connect with other parks if desired. Most of the trails are perfect for an easy mountain bike ride or nice stroll. Stinging Nettle trail offers nice views of Meramec River and pretty wildflowers. For more adventure, make the 1.5 mile trek to the Cedar Bluff Trail (technically in Castlewood State Park); then you can do a 2.5 mile rugged loop with a couple hundred feet of elevation change.Note, there are no facilities and parking is very limited.All in all though, worth the drive!
Rocky and muddy
Great trails.
Lots of nasty mud mud and more mud
Muddy and sandy trail after river flooding. Not too good for bicycling, and the huge piles of sand make jogging and even walking hard.
Peaceful
Nothing special here except easy access to the Meramec River and the Al Foster Trail.
Amazing
Itsgreat
Paradise
No bathrooms only parking
Nice stroll
Awesome place
Great area!
Dont wear your good shoes.