Exploring the Phantom Forest

A spooky name for the heavily wooded area in suburban St. Louis County creates the setting for a hike at Phantom Forest Conservation Area.

First Sunday strip (May 28, 1939);
art by Ray Moore / Wiki

Where Did the Name Come From?

The origin of the name is not so scary. Thirteen acres were donated to the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1994 by Ray and Claire Moore. Ray More was an illustrator and co-creator of The Phantom comic. Phantom was a fictional costumed crime fighter who operates from the fictional African country of Bangalla.

Hiking Overview

Phantom Forest adjoins Goodson (Bittersweet Woods) Conservation Area via a connector trail at the northeast corner of the property, which combines 23 acres of woods. This area is a forest and creek area nestled amid subdivision homes. Yet, once you are back in the woods the homes seem farther away and you might be in the deep jungles of Bangalla.

*Phantom Forest sign at the start of the trail*

Starting the Hike

I parked in the small lot off Barrett Station Road. A sign stands near the trailhead and the trail starts in wood chips before going into a natural surface.

After a short way, I came to the start of the loop and went to the right to leave the valley section for last.

Then I came across some logs propped upright. It looks like some people gather here near this tree.

I noticed the trail going in two directions and started to follow the path uphill. This was leading a street. I should have been going towards the valley so I had to double back.

Connector Trail

Next, I came down to a valley and ahead was the connector trail on the right. It goes behind homes on one side and a creek on the other. I walked through a tunnel of trees at one point. It was a scenic part of the hike.

*Entering Bittersweek Woods Conservation Area.*

Bittersweet Woods Conservation Area

Hidden behind leaves was the sign for the other conservation area.

Recent clearing made it hard to see where the loop began. I headed to the left following the creek.

This turned out to be correct and the trail was easier to follow as it headed up into the hill.

A side trail led to a point above the creek with views of it below and a hollowed-out tree. I didn’t take it all the way, although I assumed it led to another subdivision.

Up the hill, the trail led through more woods before heading back towards the lower part of the trail.

*Occasional trail marker in the Bittersweet Woods*

It was easier to follow this trail starting along the creek.

*Above the creek with fallen trees over it*

Back at Phantom Forest

Following the connector trail, I ended up back in the Phantom Forest. This time I headed along the valley. I thought it would go near the creek, but it seemed to go closer along the hillside. An occasional side trail led to the creek.

Heading up a bit I came to the start of the loop and went toward the parking lot.

Final Thoughts

A forest-filled 1.5-mile hike not far from West County Center. The route might seem winding, but it is not a big area so you can’t get too lost. If my son wanted a moment away from the stores to commune with nature this trail is awesome. There are also some up and down, but not too difficult.

Details

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Interstate 270 and go south. Then take exit 8 and make a right onto Dougherty Ferry Road and then make a right onto Barrett Station Road and then look for Phantom Forest Conservation Area parking after passing Huntercreek Ridge Road.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily

Address: 2660 Barrett Station Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131