Views of the Meramec River and walk through spicebush, lush forests and creeks can be found at Robertsville State Park along with a trip to an electrified cemetery.

HISTORY

The park was once part of the land owned by Edward James Roberts who moved with his family to the area in 1831 when he was 14 years old.  

He was once the largest landowner in Franklin County and the nearby community was eventually named Robertsville.

The area is now a patchwork of clearings along with forests.

TRAILS

This area includes the .8 mile Spice Bush Trail, the 2.6 mile Lost Hill Trail and 3/10 a mile out-and-back Roberts Family Cemetery trail.

Roberts Family Cemetery Trail

Where the Trail is Located

It starts out going through woods then goes into a large field with prairie-type plants before you reach the cemetery plot. 

Cemetery

Large overhead power lines overshadow the family plot enclosed with a decorative metal fence with elaborate end posts.

It is a bit eerie hearing the electricity crackle above you. Almost like the dead could be zapped back to life. This might be a trail you might want to walk close to Halloween. The park is open as late as 9 p.m. until Oct. 31.

The oldest person buried here was born in 1792, long before electricity was discovered.

Trailhead Location

Parking for the trail is up the road from the other two trails on your right. Look for a brown wooden sign with the words “Roberts Family Cemetery 3/10 mile.”  

If you come to the picnic and boat dock area you’ve gone too far.

Spice Bush Trail

Begin the Trail

This trail heads into a wooded Meramec River flood plain and trail markings are in yellow. I went to the left when it branched off to form the loop.

Deer Sighting

When I crossed a wooden bridge I was awarded a view of a doe and a fawn in the creek near me. They stood and watched for a time as I took some pictures before running off into the woods.

Spicebush

Then I came across the spicebush in which the trail is named. This bush grows to about 6-12 feet and forms clumps in thickets. It grows yellow flowers in the spring. What I saw ripened in the fall are its ruby-red fruits. These are about one centimeter long and are eaten by several bird species. It has an aromatic scent.

Overview

You go back and forth along a stream that was not flowing the day I went since it has been dry. In some places, the water pooled, which the deer was drinking out.

The trees here are tall sycamore, ash pawpaw, and black cherry.

It goes through a few small hills, but it is an easy walk through mostly dirt and roots. I’ve read online in the past it can be muddy after a lot of rain.

I think if you want an easy hike in the woods the trail works.

Lost Hill Trail

Overview

This trail winds through the only uplands in the park. It is a little bit down and to the right of Spice Bush Trail parking.

“Lost Hill” received its name from the upland hill that has been detached from other ridges by erosion.

 The woodlands along the trail contain a mix of plants adapted to the dry rocky soils as well as areas with lush vegetation.

Hiking the north side of the trail provides a view of an old oxbow slough of Calvey Creek and extends down into the bottomlands surrounded by pawpaw trees. A second trailhead provides a connection between the campground and this trail.

Other Activities At Robertsville State Park

The park includes a boat ramp and by it are picnic tables. There are short trails down to the river where you can swim. Yet, signs posted that you do this at your own risk. There is also not much beach area down below and a fast-moving current.

Closer to the front of the park is a campground down the road to your right before the park office. Just a little way down on your left as you enter the park is a gravel road that leads to a playground, restroom, and shelters.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to exit 253 for I-44Bl/MO-100 toward Gray Summit. Turn left onto I-44B/MO-100 W. then turn right onto Mo-100. Then make a left onto scenic Robertsville Road for about four miles. Next turn left onto State Highway O and then a left onto Montgomery Road and finally a left onto State Park Drive.

Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily April-Oct.; 7 am – 6 pm daily Nov.- March. Camping is available and if you want to have the full effect of being in a cemetery at night this might be your best option.

Admission: Free

Address: 902 State Park Dr, Robertsville, MO 63072

MORE HALLOWEEN HIKES

Halloween Hikes: Route 66 State Park

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.

Two Parks in One Day

Route 66 State Park just off of Interstate 44 is only 23 miles from Robertsville State Park so you could do both parks in one day.

Halloween Hikes: Old Greenville Ghost Town

Hiking at Old Greenville Recreation Area includes a ghost town, retracing the steps of the Trail of Tears, and seeing a memorial to an unknown Civil War soldier nearby.

Halloween Hikes: Monastery Ruins at Saint Stanislaus

Hiking around stone foundations on the grounds of a former monastery was the highlight of my time at Saint Stanislaus Conservation Area.

Halloween Hikes: Fort Belle Fontaine

Grounds of a former 19th century U.S. Military installation and ruins of a popular summer retreat in the 1930s can be explored at Fort Belle Fontaine County Park in North St. Louis County.

Rumors are this place is haunted by soldiers and it does have an eerie vibe to it with all the ruins.

Halloween Hikes: Abandoned Sanatorium at Welch Spring

The stone-cut walls of a barred and locked sanatorium next to Welch Spring are what I found on my journey to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Halloween Hikes are hikes that I spotlight in October that fit the spirit of Halloween. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do in the future. Also, post any questions you might have on the hikes!