Rockwoods Reservation (Wildwood, Missouri)

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Rockwoods Reservation is a Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife reserve with over 1800 acers of mostly rugged and wooded land. There are facilities located along Glenco Road, which runs through it, which include 30 picnic tables, one pavillion, three three restrooms, and a nice a visitor’s center with interprative displays and a friendly staff. One of the three restrooms is found at the visitor’s center. It has flush toilets.

Once you get away from Glenco Road it gets less developed. There are seven trails that lace their way through the grounds. One of them, the Wildlife Habitat Discovery Trail is handicapped accessible, though it is only 1/10th of a mile long.

Most of the other trails can be quite steep, and should not be attempted without proper hiking shoes, or if you have a heart condition. These include three interpretive trails and three non-interpretive trails.

The interpretive trails include Trail Among The Trees (at 1.5 miles), the Rock Quart Trail (at 2 miles), and the short Prairie Trail (at 1/10th mile). The non-interpretive trails include the Turkey Ridge Trail (2 miles), the Lime Kiln Loop Trail (3.2 miles), and the Green Rock Trail (3.6 miles). All the trails except the Green Rock Trail are loops, though some run along Glenco Road to complete the loop. The Green Rock Trail hooks up to additional trails in Greensfelder County Park, for a more challenging hike.

Rockwoods is a beautiful area with two ponds, three springs, four intermittent streams, and one perrenial stream (Hamilton Creek). It also features senic bluffs, numerous caves (probably now sealed off), and wildlife. Turkey and deer are common, as well as copperheads. Wear boots. The last time I visited there was rumor of a bobcat sighting. I believe rapelling and rock climbing are no longer allowed without a permit.

Open hours: Sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset.