St. Louis Area Running and Walking Trails

GREENSFELDER COUNTY PARK

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: This is one of the most challenging places to run in the St. Louis area. Unlike nearby Six Flags Amusement Park , this here trail is a natural roller coaster with no admission charge and no $8 cheese sandwiches. There's a series of 25 miles of very challenging trails. Be prepared for technical single track, steep climbs and descents over big rocks and roots. Not much fun when it's muddy. This trail can be connected to nearby Rockwood Reservations for an all-day trail running or hiking epic.

This area was once owned by local environmentalist and open space supporter A. P. Greensfelder. This park has 1,758 acres of oak and hickory forest. In addition to hiking/running trails, it has a nature learning center, camping and more.

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is a good choice if you're looking for solitude, since not too many runners come here. The trails are rocky and the terrain is challenging! Warning come summer time there are enough ticks here to make a hound dog never leave the porch again.

DIRECTIONS: From St. Louis go west on 1-44. Get off at the Allenton-Six Flags exit. Go north past Six Flags on Allenton Road for two miles, enter the park. Near the Visitors Center , park in the gravel parking lot on the left.

TRAIL MAP: (Sorry couldn't find a better map for all the trails in the park)

DISTANCE: 24-mile system.
TERRAIN: Hard pack with several rocky sections.
RATING: Moderate to challenging.