Hike along the clifftops and through dark hollows and explore the mysterious Zombie Trail East in Wildwood, Missouri.
This rocky hike spans 7.4 miles with a 381-foot elevation gain. The trail has various surfaces, including gravel, pavement, and natural terrain.
The trail does not have on-site parking, and you enter it from the Al Foster Trailhead.
Why Is It Called Zombie Trail?
Stories of hauntings and strange occurrences in this hollow began in the 1860s.
One story goes that an early settler was killed by a train and haunts these woods. It is also said that a killer lived in a shack and would attack young lovers in the woods.
Another story goes that a man named Zombie had escaped a mental institution and fled into this area, leaving blood-soaked clothes.
People who hike here now tell of sensations on their backs when no one is there or yelling in the distance when they are out alone on the trails.
This was my hiking destination during the daylight before the zombies come out. Know that the trail closes before dark.
Start of the Walk
I parked at the Al Foster Trail Meramec Greenway Trailhead, which is just off Missouri Highway 109 north of Eureka, Mo. I will start from this trail, which leads to the Rock Hollow Trail and then the Zombie Trail East.
Al Foster Section
From the parking lot, I headed south towards the connector trail to the Al Foster Trail.
Next, I came to a Y intersection and headed left along the river. Going right, the Al Foster Trail dead-ends along the Meramec River.
This area is home to small rail tracks for the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad. The tracks offer a fun ride through the woods for both children and adults. My son loved it when he was little.
Along here, the river will be on the right, and at first, a swamp and then cliffs will be on the left.
The first trail you come to on the left is the Bluffview Trail. The Zombie Trail is officially known as part of the Bluffview Trail system, but it is more locally known and recognized as the Zombie Trail.
Continuing on the Al Foster
While walking along the Al Foster trail, I reached a spot with two benches beside the river. Please be cautious, as the Meramec River has heavily eroded this area.
If you look across the river to the left, high up in the trees, you can see a large eagle’s nest. It’s easier to spot during the winter months.
Rock Hollow Trail
I followed the trail until I reached the paved Rock Hollow Trail and turned left onto it. The Al Foster Trail continues and eventually leads to Castlewood State Park.
I followed a paved trail through a hollow until I reached a wooden sign on the right that read “Zombie Trail 2.7 miles.”
The trail begins on the right behind the sign.
Start of Zombie Trail East
First, I crossed an empty white rock streambed, and then the trail went along a ridge above a valley.
Switchbacks
The trail features switchbacks and high ridges, as mountain bikers heavily utilize it.
Along the switchbacks are white cliffsides. Some of the rocks are heavily eroded with green lichens.
Sections along the hike can be like natural stepping stones.
I find small purple flowers sprouting up.
Watch for Trail Markers and Maps
A map of the area is displayed on a tree. You will find these maps intermittently along the Zombie Trail Hike. Bikers have created different routes that add complexity to the walk.
Additionally, emergency locators are available along the route for location marking in case of a fall or injury.
Sperm Whale Rock
I came across a rock named Sperm Whale Rock.
I took a picture from the front, but maybe I should have done it from the back.
Extra Credit
I come to a point in the trail where you can take an upper left to do the Extra Credit section of the Zombie East Trail or continue on the Zombie East Trail. The Extra Credit will return you to this point.
The Extra Credit continues along a switchback ridge. This is if you want to do extra hiking; otherwise, it is skippable.
Up on the Ridge
Back at the intersection, I continue on the Zombie East Trail. Up on a tree is a sign for Gnar Brah Trail, which goes higher and returns to the Zombie East Trail. I decide to stay on the Zombie East Trail. Next, I pass through a cedar forest. (Main Blog Photo)
Then, I come to a boulder crowned with green plants.
Hollow Walk
The trail drops down from the ridge and goes through narrow hollows before heading back up again.
Another section of the trail, winding down a ridge, has been named after the famed Lombardo Street in San Francisco.
At the bottom is a pole with a white sign. You can go to the left from this hollow and cut the walk short by returning to the Rock Hollow Trail. I continue onward.
Next, I pass by many lichen-filled bluffs. Some have been turned on their sides, and flowers bloom in front of them.
As I go lower, the trail becomes less rocky and more accessible to traverse.
Finally, I come to the last hollow and cross a flowing creek along some stepping stones. It is not deep, though.
Back to Rock Hollow Trail
I have reached the Rock Hollow Trail again and turned left to begin the walk back.
A sign here points out the Zombie West Trail, which I could continue on for another four miles.
This would be a much longer hike since it is not the direct way back and involves more switchbacks, although the Zombie West Trail is more scenic, with a waterfall and a small cave.
Heading Back
The paved Rock Hollow Trail is easy-going and flat. It goes between the Zombie Trails above. In winter, you can more easily see this trail above.
Then I come to the Al Foster Trail and go right to head back to the parking lot.
Final Thoughts
The Zombie East Trail features numerous switchbacks and crosses rocky terrain. I recommend it to anyone interested in ridge hiking near St. Louis.
MORE TRAIL INFORMATION
You can combine Zombie Trail West with Zombie Trail East for 9.7 miles. Zombie Trail East is 2.7 miles long, while Zombie Trail West is 3.6 miles long. The Zombie Trail West is reached by the start of the Bluffview Trail or along the Rock Hollow Trail through connector trails.
DETAILS
The restrooms are by the Al Foster Trailhead parking lot. Dogs should be leashed.
Drive: Take Interstate 44 west out of St. Louis. Then take exit 264 to go north on Missouri Highway 109. Make a right onto Old State Road and then a quick right onto Washington Avenue, which goes to the trailhead parking lot.
Hours: Sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
Address: 225 Grand Ave, Wildwood, MO 63038
MORE HALLOWEEN HIKES
Halloween Hikes: Arnold City Park
Walking along former residential streets through the bottomland forest was my hike at Arnold City Park.
Halloween Hikes: Robertsville State Park Cemetery Walk
Views of the Meramec River and walk through spicebush and lush forests and creeks can be found at Robertsville State Park along with a trip to an electrified cemetery.
Halloween Hikes: A Route 66 Ghost Town
Hiking along a former street in a ghost town near the skeletal remains of a Route 66 bridge across the Meramec River was my destination. This area has a lot of history, from once being a resort town to becoming contaminated by the dangerous chemical of dioxin.
MORE WEST COUNTY HIKING TRAILS
Fall Hikes: Rockwoods Reservation
Hiking in Rockwoods Reservation you come across caves, old mines, and a spring. In this 1,880- acre conservation area just outside of St. Louis, you can hike several different trails through forest, grassland, and hills.
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.
Much to Explore at Babler State Park
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park has a cave-like spring, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architect, and many hiking trails to explore.
