A hike through wooded hills down to valleys with rocky brooks is part of the day at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area on the Fox Run Trail.
The natural surface hike is 7.6 miles long with 1,247 feet of elevation gain so it crosses up and down quite a few hills.
Start of the Hike
I parked in the gravel lot. The trail begins uphill to the right. A map can be seen next to the trailhead that shows the conservation area, the Fox Run Trail, and other connecting trails and lengths.
On the left, as you go up a creek with small waterfalls goes down the hill. I took a moment to check it out before going further along the trail.
It is rocky at the start so watch your footing.
Then it leveled off along the ridge top.
Past the Creek
Next, I came to a clear water creek flowing across a rocky brown surface.
Then the trail went uphill. Sections are gravel which helps to navigate this section.
On the ridge, I looked out to distant hills through the trees.
Small Brook
The trail went down into another valley crossing a small brook that still had some frozen pools of water. It was still holding some snow on this warm spring day.
Going Back Up
I headed back up again. The trail was well-worn and I had to walk to the side since it was muddy and ground down in the middle.
Brook Crossings
Then I crossed a dry brook.
Next, I come to a shallow rocky brook that I cross over.
Go uphill intersecting with the 15-mile Green Rock Trail.
Round House Loop Trail End Point
I continued onto the 3.7 Mile Round House Loop Trail crossing. I took a moment to take a selfie next to the sign. You can add the Round House Loop for a 10.2-mile hike. I have done the Round House Loop before on another hike so I turned around to head back down the Fox Run Trail. The marking for the Round House Trail is an outline of a horse.
Heading Back
Now I turned around to go back down the hill. After crossing the Green Rock Trail I stopped at a rock garden with green lichen boulders. If my son was here he would enjoy checking them out.
Then I was back going up and down the hills and crossing streams.
At the end of the hike, I lingered longer near the trailhead looking for the small waterfalls along the brook, finding a clear pool with water flowing down through rocks to it.
Next, I was back at the trailhead.
Final Thoughts
This is not an easy hike. I went through a lot of elevation gain over the course of the 7.6 miles. During spring when I was there the trail can be muddy, so watch your step. I did enjoy the hilltop views and the different small streams I crossed. It is a good workout for those wanting to build up their hill-climbing abilities.
DETAILS:
Drive: Take Interstate 44 to exit 261 for Allenton Road/ Six Flags Road in Eureka and then make a left onto Fox Creek Road and follow this road around Rockwoods Range. It will be the second parking lot for the Conservation Area and it will be on the right.
Hours: Open sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily,
Address: S. Old Fox Creek Rd, Wildwood, MO 6306
MORE ROCKWOODS RANGE TRAILS
Alone in the Woods at Rockwoods Range
Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you.
Hiking Fox Creek Spur Loop at Rockwoods Range
On a spring day, I did about a 3.2-mile hike combining parts of four trails for a loop at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. This hike includes an uphill hike and then downhill following a brook with small waterfalls and green lichen rock.
