Jefferson Barracks County Park (often called JB for short in St. Louis) is a county park perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi river. The park provides a ideal setting for runners and walkers looking for a variety of places to run. The park has a 2.7 mile paved trail as well as many places to run on soft surfaces. Stands of mature trees cover much of the park and make it a great place to stay cool in the summer heat. Great views of the Mississippi can be taken in from the northeast corner of the park near the cross country course. In 1946, after a past steeped in American military history, the U.S. government closed Jefferson Barracks. Four years later, the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation acquired 135 acres of the old arsenal tract including several of the original buildings to develop into a historic park. Additional acquisitions over the years have increased the size of the park to 425 acres. Jefferson Barracks offers runners of every age and ability a place to train. Those looking for a leisurely workout can choose to stay on the paved trails and those looking to relive their high school glory days can choose to take on the infamous cross country course on the east side of the park. Come fall, the course is bustling with action almost every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. During cross country season you can easily follow the painted lines of the course to get in a tough 5 kilometer loop. Directions: take I-270 to I-255. Exit from I-255 at Telegraph Road and go North. Stay right at the Kingston Road intersection and the park will be on your right. Look for the park entrance on your right side.

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