The best walks and hikes around Gray Summit

These waterproof aid boxes can be found at trail junctions throughout the park. A 29“ tube, tire lever and a few CO2 cartridges. A phone number to PayPal $ to. A great idea! I saw at least 6 of them.

Picnic table and a bench. Great place to refuel and recoup.

The trailhead for this path is located right off of the Declue Trail at the parking area off Alerton Six Flags Road. The Dogwood Trail is a 2.3-mile loop within the southwestern section of Greensfelder Park. It's an easy to navigate and well marked trail.

If you are coming from the Declue Trail, make a right to return to the visitor center and parking lot. If you are coming from the visitor's center, make a left to stay on the Declue Trail. If you are coming from the Roadhouse Loop junction, make a right to turn onto the Declue Trail, or turn left to continue on to the Greensfelder County Park Visitor Center.

At this junction, the Declue Trail and Eagle Valley Trail intersect and diverge. If you're coming from the visitor center parking area, continue straight to stay on the Declue Trail. To join the Eagle Valley Trail, veer left. If you're approaching from the other direction (Scenic Loop Road), again, keep straight to remain on the Declue Trail, or turn right to access the Eagle Valley Trail.

At this junction, you've got several options: If you're on the Eagle Valley Trail coming from the scenic road, a right takes you to the Green Rock Trail, leading to a lovely overlook, while a left keeps you on the Eagle Valley Trail. If you're on the Eagle Valley Trail from the Six Flags Road parking area, a right keeps you on the loop trail, and a left takes you to the overlook. On the Green Rock Trail, a right connects you to the Eagle Valley Loop Trail and Six Flags Road parking, while a left leads to other connector trails.

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.