Greensfelder Park: Hike to a Lookout on the Beulah Trail

Hiking through rocky terrain and enjoying views from an overlook of forested hills is part of a day on the Beulah Trail in Greensfelder Park.

The St. Louis County Park, spanning 1,734 acres, is situated on Allenton Road, north of Six Flags.

Beulah Trail is a natural surface hike that I walked 4.6 miles with 407 feet of elevation gain. However, it is listed at 4.4, which might be measured from the north side of the parking lot.

At the Trailhead

The sign leading to the trailhead parking says Scenic Overlook & Osage Area, Beulah Shelter.

Start of the Hike

I started the trail from the east side of the lot near the Beulah Shelter. The shelter features picnic tables, and an outhouse is conveniently located nearby.

*The trail is marked with a green sign with its name.*

From the east side, I headed north around the lot to begin the trail. Alternatively, you can start by going south from the lot, which allows you to save the scenic overlook section for the end of your hike.

At the front of the lot, I reached the Overlook Trail. This is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads directly to the overlook. The Beulah Trail also leads to the overlook, but winds through the hills before reaching it. Continue straight on Beulah if you prefer the longer, scenic route.

Signage for the trail is a white mule with a red background. Beulah is the name of the mule.

Connector Trail to Eagle Valley Trail

The trail continues along ridges, and I come across cliffside terrain.

Then, on my right, just off the trail, is a boulder with a cut in the middle. It was worth checking out and walking through the center. If my son were with me, he would like this feature.

*Signs, such as this one for the Connector Trail, will help guide you along.*

Next, I arrived at the intersection for the Connector Trail, which leads to the Eagle Valley Trail. Here, go straight ahead to stay on the Beulah Trail. I initially went left by mistake, but noticed on my AllTrails app and corrected my direction.

The lesson here is to carefully watch trail signs and your direction, as there are several side trails and main trail intersections. Use a map or GPS to confirm you are on the Beulah Trail, especially at intersections.

Onward to the Lookout

The rocky terrain continues with a tree that has grown around a bluff.

Then the trail goes on a rock ramp between two boulders.

Next, I arrived at an area where the trees are sparse, offering a clear view of the distant wooded hills. (Main Blog Photo)

Overlook Trail connects after the lower lookout. If you want a shorter hike, turn right onto Overlook Trail here. For a longer route that connects to the Green Rock Trail, turn left at this junction. Staying on the Beulah Trail will take you to the upper lookout.

*Upper lookout has a picnic table, which you can stop and have a snack on and take in the view.*

The Beulah Trail wraps around to the back of the upper lookout, where there is a bench and a picnic table.

North side of the Overlook Ridge

After the lookout, I pass by a round rock holding up a rectangular rock, giving it a table-like appearance.

Then I come to switchbacks on the trail, dropping some elevation.

Next, I come across another trail marker; the other direction leads to the end of the parkland marked by a yellow sign in a tree.

Past the Short Cut

If you want to shorten your hike, you can continue straight back to the trailhead near the marker with a map.

I continued on the left. Next, I see a large flat white rock lying on a tree. It appears to have been chiseled.

Then the trail descends deep into a ridge, crossing a narrow, dry brook.

I come to another rock garden.

Then it makes another turn on a ridge with a marker with an emergency box.

Next, I follow the trail to a turn by the Fossil Ridge Connector to Green Rock Declure and Deer Run Trails.

*The trail goes near the road along her.*

Finally, the trail follows along the Scenic Loop Road back to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts:

The first part of the hike, with its rocky cliffs and overlook, is the best part of the park. This trail is rocky in some areas, so be cautious and watch your step. It mostly stays on ridges, so not a lot of elevation gain to contend with. Be watchful of horses and their poop on the trail. Also, the trail is used by mountain bikers.

Other Trails

• 1.7-mile Mustang Trail
• 8.2-mile DeClue Trail
• 2.8-mile Deer Run Trail
• 2.6-mile Dogwood Trail
• .8 mile Overlook Trail
• 7.8 miles of Green Rock Trail is in the park and is a 14.5-mile trail total.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to exit 261 and make a right onto Allenton Road. Be careful to stay out of the lane for Six Flags. Take Allenton Road into the park and continue down this road until you come to Scenic Loop Road on your right. Look for a gravel parking area on the right before you come to a green and white trail crossing sign.

Please note that the Scenic Loop Road is one-way, and you will turn right to take the loop to Allenton Road. This is north of where you entered the loop. So make a left to head back to Interstate 44.

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

Address: Beulah Trailhead, Scenic Loop Rd, Wildwood, MO 63025