On a spring day, I did about a 3.2-mile hike combining parts of four trails for a loop at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. This hike includes an uphill hike and then downhill following a brook with small waterfalls and green lichen rock.
Starting the Hike
The Fox Creek Parking Lot is for both the Fox Creek Spur Trail and the Greenrock Trail.
Green Rock Trail starts to the right of a brook with a large sign for it.
The Fox Creek Spur Trail starts to the left of the brook without a sign and only a trail marker and horse figure scrawled on one.
Fox Creek Spur
This trail goes straight up the hillside.
It is a wide mostly gravel trail. Be prepared for a workout. It is a tough .6-mile hike.
Round House Loop Trail
At the top of the hill, I walked to the left and on the Round House Loop Trail for .8 miles. Then I took the Fox Run Trail for .1 mile and then to the Green Rock Trail for a 1.8-mile hike back to the trailhead.
Green Rock Trail
I walked through the forest some before reaching a point where the trail starts to head downhill.
Following A Brook
I crossed under a large fallen tree then began to walk along a brook.
The green lichen-filled rock was dripping with water. Along the brook were rock outcroppings and small waterfalls.
I did a few crossings of the creek and stopped at times to take photos.
At the bottom of the hill, I was back at the trailhead.
Final Thoughts
I was happy I decided to do the loop using Greenrock Trail, Round House Loop Trail, Fox Run Trail with the Fox Creek Spur Trail. It was a scenic hike worth checking out.
DETAILS:
Drive: Take Interstate 44 to exit 261 for Allenton Road/ Six Flags Road in Eureka and then make a left onto Fox Creek Road. Look for the Fox Creek Parking Lot on the left and the trailheads are on the other side of the road from the parking lot.
Hours: Open sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.
Address: Fox Creek Spur/Green Rock Trailhead — Green Rock Trail, Wildwood, MO 63069
More Trails at Rockwoods Range
Dad Hikes: Along In the Woods at Rockwoods Range
Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you.
Nearby Hikes
Many Trails to Choose From at Rockwoods Reservation
Hiking in Rockwoods Reservation you come across caves, old mines, and a spring. In this 1,880- acre conservation area just outside of St. Louis, you can hike several different trails through forest, grassland, and hills.
Dad Hikes: Spending the Day At Castlewood State Park
Cliffside walks along the Meramec River and wading in Kiefer Creek were part of our day at Castlewood State Park.
This park has an interesting past and is known for its trail along the Meramec River and especially the cliffs at the top.
Dad Hikes: Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park in West County St. Louis is the only place where you are guaranteed to see elk or bison in a gated park. Here you can hike the four-mile earthen and rock White Bison Trail in the elk section or you can see the wildlife by driving through the park on a mostly one-lane road.
Dad Hikes — Many times I will do these hikes alone to learn the lay of the land before we do it as a family. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!
