Rock Springs Rotary Park Hike

Rock Springs Rotary Park in O’Fallon, Ill., has a paved trail through forest and prairie grass encircling the whole park.

I walked the paved Outer Loop Trail and the paved trail that goes around the Dog Park for about a 1.2-mile walk through the woods. The paved Inner Loop Trail goes through tall grasses and by the playground for a .5-mile walk.

Starting the Hike

I parked near the restrooms. The Outer Loop Trail goes behind the parking lot. There are a number of ways to enter it from the parking lot. You can do that by walking to the Inner Loop Trail from the parking area and then going left to where a connector trail on the left goes to the Outer Loop Trail. Or you can park on the northwest part of the second lot near the connector trail which it connects to the Inner Loop Trail.

Once we were on the outer trail we went south. Here I walked through the woods.

Next, I come by where the trail crosses the main road into the park. Watch for traffic since there is not a stop sign for the trail here.

The trail does have some ups and downs and crosses some low spots that can be wet at times.

At one point I passed by bushes filled with orange bell-shaped flowers.

Other Trails

The unpaved Tenderfoot Nature Trail branched off this main trail and went further into the woods.

I passed by the Inner Loop Trail as it went into the prairie then walked further on.

*The Scout Nature Trail sign is placed at the start of the trail.*

Then I passed a sign for another trail that went deep into the forest and is called the Scout Nature Trail.

Dog Park

Then I came to a connector to the Inner Loop Trail. I saw the sign for a Dog Park and headed to the right. This leads to a loop trail around the dog park.

I watched as Frisbees were thrown and dogs chased after them.

Also, on the forest side, there was a huge field of yellow daisies in summer.

After leaving the Dog Park area I headed to the right back around the Other Loop Trail through some woods before it came out to parking.

Park sign when you enter Rock Springs Rotary Park. — *Park sign when you enter Rock Springs Rotary Park*.

Final Thoughts

This is an easy mostly level paved path that goes through woods and fields. It is a good stroller-friendly hike.

I want to come back again and check out the natural surface trails here. The Inner Loop through high grass is an alternative for different terrains or a short walk.

*The playground is located to the back right of the restrooms.*

DETAILS:

Also, there is a forest-themed playground with a climbing wall that my son has enjoyed when we have gone here before.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 across the Missouri River and stay on it until O’Fallon, Ill., where you turn onto U.S. Highway 50 making a left onto this road. Then another left onto State Street. A right onto 7 Hills Road and then a left onto Third Street which ends at the park.

Address: 1428 E 3rd St, O’Fallon, IL 62269

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily