Greensfelder Park: Forested Hike on the Dogwood Trail

Hiking the Dogwood Trail at Greensfelder Park, located north of Eureka, takes you deep into the woods through rocky terrain.

This is a 2.6-mile hike with a 230-foot elevation gain on a natural surface.

At the Dogwood Shelter Trailhead

I began this trail at the Dogwood Shelter trailhead, which is located off Hencken Road. You can also access this trail from the Allenton Road trailhead; however, as many trails intersect here, it can be somewhat confusing.

This trailhead features several picnic tables, a restroom, and a playground. Look towards the woods behind the playground for the trail connector sign.

There is a sign at the trailhead discussing etiquette for mountain bikers and horse riders who also use these trails, advising against using the trail in wet conditions.

*I hiked to the right to start the Dogwood Trail loop.*

Start of the Hike

I entered the woods and reached an intersection where the loop began. I chose the right path. It is easy to follow as it goes between trees. A rock outcropping was on the right; I would encounter several of these along my walk.

Jumping around my shoe, I came across a brown frog with a yellow stripe on its back.

A boulder ahead was a perfect place to tighten my shoestrings.

Connector Trail Section

A sign indicated a connector trail leading to the Fox Run Trail in Rockwoods Range, which would be a longer hike than I had done before.

Then I cross a dry creek bed.

The next intersection leads to an access trail for the 8.2-mile Declue Trail.

*A connector leads to the other trailhead for the Dogwood Trail.*

Next, I arrived at the connector trail for the other Dogwood Trailhead. Here, I turned left to head toward the Dogwood Shelter.

*The trail goes between these two boulders.*

To Dogwood Shelter

As I walk along the trail, I reach a point where it passes between two boulders.

Then, I return to the start of the loop. If you look to the right as you walk back, you can see the field near where you park.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a moderate hike in the woods that’s over two miles, this is a good option. Look for deer along this trail; I scared off three of them as I walked.

Other Trails

4.3-mile Bealuh Trail
8.2-mile DeClue Trail
2.8-mile Deer Run Trail
1.7-mile Mustang Trail (More Details on this Hike Below)
.8 mile Overlook Trail
7.8 miles of the Green Rock Trail are located in the park, totaling 14.5 miles.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 44 and exit at 261. Make a right turn onto Allenton Road, being careful to avoid the lane for Six Flags. Continue on Allenton Road into the park, then make a left onto Hencken Road. Look for parking near Dogwood Shelter.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset

Address: Dogwood Shelter, Wildwood, MO 63069