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Trail
Review: |
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Greensfelder County Park, Missouri |
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| Sometimes we tend to overlook trails that are right under our noses.
Greensfelder County Park near St. Louis has been often used as an overnight
layover by riders traveling to destinations deep into Missouri. Its
close proximity to the interstate 44 and covered stalls make it a perfect
place to stop. Many people ride for a couple of hours upon arrival and
load up horses early in the morning, heading to the next destination.
On my way to Missouri this year I decided that the park was nice enough to warrant a longer stay of a few days. The glimpses of the trails from previous years had left me wanting to see more. As I suspected, the trails were much like the deeply wooded Missouri Ozark trails that I had traveled great distances to ride. 15 miles of marked trails lie within the park boundaries and 10 more miles of trail can be accessed across the road in the Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. Deeply wooded ravines are home to rocky challenging trails. Appropriately named trails, such as Ozark Mountain Trail offer a steep climb to an overlook of mountainous proportions. St Louis County Parks recently cleared some trees making the view more grand. It is also a favorite spot for hawks soaring high above the valley. Pack a lunch for the ride to this spot as they have thoughtfully placed a picnic table and waste can here. Be sure to bring an extra lead rope to cross tie horses between trees to avoid damage. I can just imagine how colorful the hillsides must be when the fall colors are ablaze. Most horses will need to be shod to ride the often rocky ascents. A few streams in the valleys may contain water, depending on the time of year and rainfall. Trails are mostly clay surfaced and can be slippery after a rain.. Informing your shoer of trail type prior to your visit will insure you’ll have steady footing in the hills. Tender soled horses may require pads in addition to shoes. In late April the woods are filled with the lovely scent and white blossoms of the dogwood trees. Even purple phlox manages to bloom in the darkness of the woods. Sometimes, I am so engrossed in navigating my horse down a single file hill that I fail to realize that I am a few yards away from a whitetail deer. They are use to seeing horses and just watch us with mild curiosity. Scarlet Tanagers and Cardinals add color to the muted tones within the shady forest. A trailside hunt course lies in the valley area of trails. Even though winding trails are marked, your sense of direction can be altered in the foothills. It’s best to get a map from the ranger or closely study the map at the shower house. More than one time I have wondered how I got to a horse stable within the park and had to ask directions to get home. The attached Rockwoods Range offers a one way and two loop trails. Trail markers with mileage are located at the trail head. Remnants of a round house built by the Greensfelders and a memorial are near the trail head. Mountain bikes share some of these trails although I have never encountered them. The Fox Run Trail ends at a parking lot and hitching post. A bench and big flat rocks provide seating for picnicking riders. The more rugged single file DuClue trail is the most scenic and is rocky. Part of the trail is near adjacent Six Flags amusement park. While enclosed in the woods and out of view you can hear blood curdling screams from users of the roller coaster. Not your usual trail sounds! Twenty covered stalls make comfortable sleeping quarters for equines. A wide center aisle is roomy enough for a few bales of hay. There is no better thought than to know that your horse is high and dry during a rainstorm. A picnic shelter with electric also allows riders to gather no matter what the weather is. This super clean camp offers the deluxe feature of hot showers and flush toilets. I never expected a county park to have such nice facilities for horsemen. Rangers regularly patrol camp and can provide maps. Maps and additional information can be found on www.stlouisco.com/parks/greensfelder.html or you can make reservations at 314-615-4FUN. |
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Location: Accommodations: Reservable picnic shelter with electric Fees: |
