Eagle Valley Trail at Greensfelder Park

Eagle Valley Trail follows along clear streams and goes into wooded hills in Greensfelder County Park in West St. Louis County.

Overview

It consists of 1,724 acres and is the largest St. Louis County Park and has 15 miles of seven interconnected trails. Facilities at the park include restrooms, a campground, picnic sites, stables, and playgrounds.

Eagle Valley Trail

The Eagle Valley Trailhead is located by the Visitors Center and in the back of the parking area. Several trails meet here so look for the blue eagle trail marker so you can head the right way. I used my AllTrails App to make sure I was heading in the right direction.

Heading Down

I took the part of the trail heading straight down the hills. Part of this goes into switchbacks. Be mindful of mountain bikers, I stopped to allow two of them to pass by.

Towards the bottom of the trail, a section has been rerouted, so follow trail signs.

Going Along the Creek

My favorite area of the hike follows a clear rocky stream with overhanging cliffs.

I crossed the stream a few times as the trail follows along with it.

Towards the end of the valley, I came across horse jumping structures each unique for the challenge.

Then I came to a small pond and looked for frogs and fish or a snake.

The trail continued to cross a few more small streams before finally heading back up into the hills.

Hillside

I stopped for a moment to let two horse riders pass. Horse dung along the trail let me know that this is a widely used trail for them.

Up here I began to go along a ridgeline and the trail begins to follow near a road.

Then I came by a stable and a wooden fence horse creating a horse corral.

If I had brought food with me, I would have stopped at one of the many picnic tables that I began to walk near and have lunch.

The final part of the trail was mostly level except for a few muddy spots.

Final Thoughts

The valley section with the clear stream was scenic. I would do this trail in the fall or spring when these brooks are flowing. There were a few hills I had to go up and down, but nothing too difficult.

Note: Be out on the lookout for both horse riders and bicyclists.

Other Trails

4.3-mile Bealuh Trail
8.2-mile DeClue Trail
2.8-mile Deer Run Trail
2.6-mile Dogwood Trail
1.7-mile Mustang Trail
.8 mile Overlook Trail
7.8 miles of Green Rock Trail is in the park and is a 14.5-mile trail total.

Visitor’s Center

The Visitor’s Center has information on plant and animal life in the park and if I had my child with me we would have stopped in to learn some about the natural world before hiking.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to exit 261 and make a right onto Allenton Road be careful to stay out of the lane for Six Flags. Look for parking for the trailhead for Eagle Valley Trail by the Greensfelder Park Visitors Center.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset

Address: 4515 Hencken Rd, Pacific, MO 63069