Halloween Hikes: Hidden Hollows at Zombie Trail East

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.

*There are two parts of Zombie Trail- I am taking Zombie Trail East. Trail sign pointing out both trails.*

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.

Walk along the park road heading south towards the Meramec River /Photo from an earlier hike — *Walk along the park road heading south towards the Meramec River / Photo from an earlier hike*

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.

*Tracks for the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad line*

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.

*Bluffview Trailhead which connects to Zombie Trail West but not Zombie Trail East.*

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.”

*Look at the wooden signs for Zombie Trail East and where they are pointing.*

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.

*Maps along the route help you find your way.*

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.

*You can take Gnar Brah Trail to extend your hike.*

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.

*You can take this trail back to Rock Hollow to shorten the hike.*

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.

Purple flowers growoing between the rocks — Purple flowers growing between the rocks

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.

*End of Zombie East and back at Rock Hollow Trail*

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.

*Cliff view along Rock Hollow East Trail*

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

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Halloween Hikes: Robertsville State Park Cemetery Walk

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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.