September 14, 2020
Rockwoods Reservation is a conservation area in west St. Louis County that I have visited for years. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 madness struck that I really got to know the area. Generally if I was looking for a long hike I would hit the nearby Greensfelder County Park. However, in an odd decision to try to increase social distancing measures St. Louis County Parks opted to close even their largest and most remote parks to all activities. So that meant that me and everyone else who was looking for a place to hike had to seek out new more crowded trails. Fortunately this wonderful conservation area remained open, and I took full advantage of the woods and trails.
The area has 4 or 5 short trails, and also connects with Greensfelder and Rockwoods Range via the venerable Green Rock Trail. Each trail is well-marked and well-maintained. Each trail also offers some nice elevation change due to the rocky, hilly topography of the area. While all of the trails are suitable for families, expect some tough spots and some tricky surfaces. A brief review of the trails is here:
Lime Kiln
Often listed in popular publications as one of the best fitness trails in the area, Lime Kiln does offer some challenges. The 3 mile trail features some rocky terrain and a few uphill challenges. However, it also offers some easy stretches along a ridge top as well as a beautiful finish right next to a stream. Located at the first trailhead as you enter the park, Lime Kiln is also one of the most popular trails at Rockwoods Reservation. I suggest arriving early on the weekend and taking a minute to inspect the old kiln just past the trailhead. Then take the loop to the right and be ready for an almost immediate uphill climb through the cedars.
The trail flattens out approximately 1 mile in as it follows the ridge top, then begins the descent downhill through the woods. The trail surface becomes pretty rocky at this point so take your time and watch your step. You will have the option to take a connector trail to the Trail Among the Trees, not a bad option if looking for miles. Otherwise continue along and you will be rewarded with a beautiful spring and clear water stream that runs along the road. For first time hikers at Rockwood Reservation Lime Kiln is a great option.
Trail Among The Trees
Trail Among the Trees is somewhat odd trail but totally worth the effort. Listed as 1.9 miles, the trailhead is just a few little bit up the road past the Lime Kiln Trail. It begins on asphalt path almost straight uphill. The asphalt continues almost strangely rather far into the forest, before finally giving way to an earthen and gravel surface. Just keep in mind that the asphalt can be slick during wet conditions.
The trail really becomes beautiful once it begins descending downhill. It will lead across a few wooden bridges with hillsides covered in ferns. Eventually it winds down to a wet weather creek and some nice trail side bluffage. The trail passes a closed cave you can peek into, then ends up along the road for the last 1/4 mile back to the car. This is a great spring wildflower hike as well as fall color hike with some views of the distant hillsides.
Rock Quarry Trail
Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation is quietly my favorite. I like the long loop, only about 2 miles. I prefer beginning along the main road at the last parking lot on the left past the visitor center. The trail starts out flat, roughly following Hamilton Creek. There are a few side trails that lead to interesting bluffs and/or partial caves that are worth checking out. This stretch is particularly attractive in the spring when the dogwoods and all the spring wildflowers are in full bloom.
After a while the trail leads to some wooden stairs, and the uphill climb begins. Once you reach the top, you have the choice of taking the short loop back to the visitor center or the long loop along the ridge before it winds down to the main road. You can’t go wrong here. The shortcut to the visitor center cuts through some beautiful terrain, and stairs help with the descent. The long loop offers up some scenic vistas and really isn’t that much longer. The only thing I don’t like about the long loop is the gravel trail surface. Either way, this short trail offers a lot of bang for your buck and is worth doing while visiting Rockwood Reservation.
Turkey Ridge Trail
Turkey Ridge Trail is actually across Highway 109 from the main entrance to the park. There is a small parking lot, room for about 6-8 cars, nestled into the short leaf pine grove at the trailhead. This 1.8 mile trail begins easy enough but quickly winds uphill where it follows a ridge top for most of the time. There are a few scenic vistas and interesting rock structures along the way, but in my opinion the highlight is the pine grove near the trailhead. Definitely a nice lunch time hike if you have 45 minutes to spare in the middle of the day. Keep in mind sections may be a bit muddy after a rain.
Green Rock Trail
I have a serious love/hate relationship with the Green Rock Trail. And to be honest, the 3.6 mile portion of the trail that is in Rockwoods Reservation I hate the most. The remaining 10.9 miles run through Greensfelder County Park and Rockwoods Range. This stretch of Green Rock is steep, rocky, and winds through some very difficult terrain. I love the challenge it offers from a fitness standpoint but highly doubt I would take a Sunday stroll on this trail for kicks. It really was a good training option while preparing for a rim to rim hike in the Grand Canyon, though, so I should be more kind to it that I am.
Wildlife at Rockwoods Reservation
Rockwoods Reservation proves to be a great refuge for birds and wildlife in suburban St. Louis County. It’s no surprise that there are plenty of deer around, but we also see foxes, raccoons, and a wide variety of snakes and other lizards. Rockwoods Reservation is an Important Bird Area and provides refuge to many migrating songbirds. Many other warblers use the area for nesting. In addition, there are feeders near the visitor center that often provide some good birding opportunities during the winter months.
Wildflowers and Fall Color
The hilly terrain that follows dry, rocky ridge tops and glade areas as well as low, moist stream sides provides for a fantastic variety of wildflowers. Personally I think the Trail Among The Trees offers the best spring wildflower show, but you really can’t go wrong. The varied terrain also lends itself to some very good fall color. The understory of dogwood gives way to groves of sugar maples and the variety of oaks and hickories. There are some worthy vistas at each trail mentioned, but the best view may be from the lookout on the Trail Among the trees offering a great view of the Ozark hillside.
Rockwoods Reservation proved to be a suitable replacement to the trails at Greensfelder Park. The trails are short enough to provide an opportunity for almost any hiker, but they connect well to each other for those looking for longer miles. The park can be busy, but as always start early and you can almost have it to yourself. If you have never been to the park, put it on your list and take a nice fall foliage hike this October/November.
For a map of the area, check this out:
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/5405map.pdf
For a more in depth review of Turkey Ridge Trail:
