Robertsville State Park: Lost Hill Trail Hike

Hiking through an upland forest, by an oxbow lake, and being spooked on the trail was part of my time at Robertsville State Park.

I hiked the 2.8-mile Lost Hill Trail which has 292 feet of elevation gain on a natural surface that can be rocky at times with some up and down.

Lost Trail Name

“Lost Hill” received its name from the upland hill that is detached from other ridges or uplands by erosion.

state park map — *Map of Robertsville State Park although for some reason it does not list Lost Hill Trail or the historic cemetery in the park.*

Going to the Trailhead

On the way to the trailhead, you will pass roads for the campground and the park ranger office on the right. You will see a road on the left that leads to picnic grounds, a playground, shelters, and restrooms.

I continue on the main road to park in the gravel lot on the right side of the Lost Hill trailhead.

You will first pass by parking for the Spice Bush Trailhead on the left side of the road. I talk about this trail, a historic cemetery, and other parts of the park in an earlier blog story.

Note: The Lost Hill Trail does not go near the Meramec River, if you go further down the main park road you will come to a boat ramp on the river.

Start of the Hike

The trail starts on the right side of the lot where you see the Lost Hill Trail sign. (Main photo)

Next, I come to the start of the loop. I decide to go to the right which allows for less ascending.

Burn logs — *Burned logs along the trail.*

This area has had a fire, unsure if it was a controlled burn or natural causes.

I come across purple wildflowers in bloom.

*The high point on the trail is on the left.*

Then on the left is a plant-filled field that marks the 650-foot high point, Lost Hill.

Next, the trail goes down a bit passing by a former bog now filled with green vegetation.

*This connector trail leads to the campground.*

A metal pole with an arrow marks a connector trail to the camping area.

*Going through thicker woods and locating a trail marker.*

Back Part of the Hike

I continue to the left following red trail markers through thicker woods. It begins to feel more remote as I pass over some dry brooks.

Lower Area

Now I follow the loop heading back towards the west.

*Dry creekbed with a tree with a dark cavity in the middle.*

I cross a dry creek. If you look to the left, you can see a tree with a dark opening in the middle.

Going up a bit I begin to see the old oxbow slough of Calvey Creek, which extends down into the bottomlands surrounded by pawpaw trees.

I hear a rustling in the woods and watch as a deer heads away from the slough below.

Walking along I come to a box turtle. He sticks his head in and then slowly takes it out watching to see if I am a friend or foe.

Back to the Start

Next hung on a tree is a turtle shell white with age as I go back up again.

A tree along the trail is filled with white-layered fungi along its base.

As I make my way to the start of the loop, I begin to see the park road below and even my car before coming to the entry trail.

*Tombstones in the nearby cemetery which is located down the park road. A small lot is on the right and you take a short trail to the cemetery.*

A Ghost in the Woods

A Halloween blog I write talks about a hike to a cemetery in the park.

On this trail by the old slough, I thought I saw an older gentleman wearing a long sleeve white shirt, and brown pants with a beard ahead of me.

Further on I come up to where I thought I saw him, and no one was there. Was it a ghost from the cemetery, which is nearby the trail? If you see him on this hike, comment below!

Final Thoughts

If you want a hike with a few hills and some lowland walking, then this is a great hike. It was relaxing since it never had too much elevation change. Pacific and Eureka are nearby towns if you want a snack or meal.

Since the Spice Bush Trailhead is nearby you could cross the road and combine these two hikes together. The Spice Bush is only .8 miles long and I wrote about this trail in the earlier blog.

If you are a ghost hunter, the cemetery and this trail might be worth checking out!

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. Lost Hill trailhead parking is on the left after passing by the park ranger’s office.

Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily April-Oct.; 7 am – 6 pm daily Nov.- March.

Camping is available if you want to be in the park at night.

Address: 902 State Park Dr, Robertsville, MO 63072

Dinner: Pacific Brew Haus

After exploring I went for lunch here and had their signature Reuben with tater tots.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday

Address: 220 S 1st St, Pacific, MO 63069

MORE TRAILS AT ROBERTSVILLE STATE PARK

Halloween Hikes: Robertsville State Park Cemetery Walk

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

Under the remains of the Route 66 bridge at Route 66 State Park

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 dioxin.