Attractions and Places To See around Pacific - Top 20

I liked this section because it wasn’t on the side of the hill as much as some of the other trails. That said, there are plenty of rocks and roots and features. I rode down from the main parking lot and enjoyed the flow. The lowest section looked like it would be very wet in the rain and is very eroded, the trail is now along side a wide ditch from the runoff. Careful if it’s wet.

A fun and fast 2.5 mile loop that crosses over some creeks and rocky sections. It is easily can be looped in as part of a larger loop of the popular Eagle Valley and Declue Trail loops.

This well-marked trail offers peace of mind, making it hard to lose your way. You'll be thankful for the cool shade provided by the dense woods throughout much of the hike. As you traverse the trail, take in the vibrant greenery and numerous wildflowers. The landscape is nourished by small seeps and springs, ensuring both the vegetation and creek thrive. Be prepared to cross the creek multiple times, but keep in mind that flash flooding can be a concern on this route.

Greensfelder Park, once a site of logging, mining, and various industrial activities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, has transformed into a cherished natural oasis. Its journey from a rugged landscape to a serene park began when Charles Evans offered a 300-acre tract to the City of St. Louis for use as a park in the late 19th century. Although the dam constructed in 1895 was washed away a year later, the mining activities continued. In 1963, this historical land was generously donated to St. Louis County by the Trustees of the St. Louis Regional Planning and Construction Foundation. The park was originally known as Rockwood Park but was officially renamed Greensfelder Park in September 1965. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's rich history and its transformation into a beautiful parkland for all to enjoy.

Before becoming a conservation area in 1938, Rockwoods Reservation had a rich history. It was initially inhabited by various Native American cultures, and later, in the early 1800s, it became farmland owned by the Hamilton family of Kentucky, giving rise to Hamilton Creek's name. In 1854, the Woods Christy Lumber Company took over, conducting extensive logging operations. Afterward, the Cobb-Write-Case Mining Company acquired the land in 1868, establishing a bustling mining community to extract limestone. However, the company faced bankruptcy in 1938, leading to the Missouri Department of Conservation's acquisition, thanks to the efforts of local businessmen led by Albert P. Greensfelder. Today, it's a remarkable park featuring cliffs, natural rock formations, and a serene escape from the suburban hustle and bustle.

Diamond's Restaurant at Gray Summit Spencer Goof opened the first Diamonds restaurant in 1927 near Villa Ridge on Highway AT. In 1967, operations including the sign were moved to a new building at Gray Summit, but despite the proximity to the interstate and an exit, operations could not survive in the new location. What was left was an impressive large advertising sign, which also draws attention to the Gardenway Motel a little down the road. Gardenway Motel at Gray Summit The Gardenway Motel is located across from the "new" Diamonds Restaurant at the west end of the Henry Shaw Gardenway. This was used to designate a particularly scenic section of Route 66, which at that time was still a park avenue. In its day, the Gardenway Motel was ultramodern. If it were still open, we would probably dismiss it as retro style today.