Round House Loop Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail in Eureka, Missouri. It is located in the Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. It is a mixed use trail - both horses and mountain bikes may be encountered on this trail.

The trail begins with a steep ascent [250 ft in 0.6 miles] up the Fox Creek Spur. The trail surface is both rocky and packed earth. Taking the loop clockwise will give your legs a rest after the ascent as the west side of the loop is relatively flat, but the finale is a steep climb back to the junction of the loop and spur. Hiking counterclockwise from the junction takes you down into a creek bed, then up a long, gradual ascent to the Round House Memorial (see below), then cruising back to the loop/spur junction before the final descent to the trailhead. The Round House Loop itself is 3.0 miles, but the total hike including up and down the spur is about 4 miles.

The trail is named for the summer property of Albert and Blanche Greensfelder. The Round House Memorial marks the location of their small cottage - part of the native stone curved wall is still present at the midpoint of the loop trail. The Greensfelders were conservation-minded long before it was popular. Albert was instrumental in developing the extensive St Louis County Park system during his tenure as County Executive, as well as guiding the conservation of other local properties by the State of Missouri.

The loop and spur are fully immersed in the typical Oak and Hickory woodlands of the Ozarks. Dogwood, Red Bud, and Cedar trees are plentiful in the understory. A variety of wildflowers are visible at different times along the trail. Several bird species can be seen and heard as you hike. Deer may be encountered along with other small mammals including tree squirrels and ground squirrels.

Parts of the trail become very muddy after the Spring thaw or heavy rain. Ticks are abundant in the warm weather months. Also, this Conservation Area usually has a managed deer hunt in October - the trial is not closed then, but hikers should be especially cautious.

Getting Started

Access Rockwoods Range via Fox Creek Road, a frontage road just off exit 261 of I-44 in Eureka, Missouri (the Six Flags exit). There is a convenient parking lot on the left side of Fox Creek Road with good signage. No special permits are required.

The trailhead is across Fox Creek Road from the parking area and is the trailhead on the right. Be careful not to accidentally get on the Green Rock Trail (trailhead on the left, and marked with a big sign) - this trail is a 14.5 mi trek through 3 different county or state parks.

Dogs are allowed in this conservation area but must be leashed. More information can be found at: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/conservation-areas/4649.pdf

Taking Children

This is a tough hike for kids under 8. Parts of the trail are particularly rocky. Also, the terrain in certain areas is steep. If the trail is muddy, kids will have a tough time handling that.

Older kids who hike the Round House Loop trail will enjoy nature, local history, and feel a sense of accomplishment for completing this moderate hike.