Rock Hollow Trail Zombie Road
A scenic greenway with paved and natural trails, connecting to the Meramec River and famous for spring bluebells.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Bluebells in bloom!
Rock Hollow Trail Zombie Road
Best Time
Bluebells in bloom!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic greenway with paved and natural trails, connecting to the Meramec River and famous for spring bluebells.
"Beautiful wooded area leading all the way to the Meramec River, with a nice quiet trail."
🚗 Parking at Ridge Meadows
Park at Ridge Meadows Elementary on Ridge Rd. on weekends. Be mindful of school hours. :car:
👟 Footwear for the Trail
Paved path is great, but natural sections require hiking shoes. Consider trainers for asphalt. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meramec River Confluence
Southern end of Rock Hollow Trail
Hike to where Rock Hollow Trail meets the Meramec River, joining other scenic trails.
Spring Bluebells
Along Rock Hollow Trail
Witness a breathtaking carpet of bluebells blanketing the wooded areas in spring.
Paved Greenway Path
Northern section of Rock Hollow Trail
Enjoy a smooth, paved path perfect for walking, running, and cycling with gentle inclines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Access & Parking
Trail Conditions & Return Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Zombie road
🚗 Parking at Ridge Meadows
Park at Ridge Meadows Elementary on Ridge Rd. on weekends. Be mindful of school hours. :car:
👟 Footwear for the Trail
Paved path is great, but natural sections require hiking shoes. Consider trainers for asphalt. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Steep Climb Back
The return trip is a significant uphill. E-bikes are a popular option for easier ascents. :electric_plug:
💧 Restroom Availability
Restrooms are available in Glencoe. Plan accordingly for longer hikes. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking at Ridge Meadows
Park at Ridge Meadows Elementary on Ridge Rd. on weekends. Be mindful of school hours. :car:
👟 Footwear for the Trail
Paved path is great, but natural sections require hiking shoes. Consider trainers for asphalt. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Steep Climb Back
The return trip is a significant uphill. E-bikes are a popular option for easier ascents. :electric_plug:
💧 Restroom Availability
Restrooms are available in Glencoe. Plan accordingly for longer hikes. :toilet:
🌸 Spring Bluebell Spectacle
Visit in spring for stunning bluebell displays. A truly magical sight! :flower_sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rock Hollow Trail for its beautiful wooded scenery, paved sections ideal for biking, and the stunning spring bluebell displays. The trail's connection to a larger network and the peaceful atmosphere are also highlights. However, some note the challenging uphill return and the need for appropriate footwear for natural sections.
"Really beautiful wooded area leading all the way to the Meramec River. The trail is paved and has several small wooden bridges over the little creek that runs alongside it. The entire trail is at a bit of an incline, so be prepared for a bit harder return. I spent the afternoon painting and it's a nice quiet trail even with all the bikers and walkers."
Sarah Lorentz
"Loved the long, simple, paved trail. Slight downhill from north entrance on way down."
Mercy Colberg
"Beautiful trail drop down into the valley and follows the creek past a small waterfall and all the way to river where it joins up with several other trials. Spent 4 hours hiking 10 miles on Rock Hollow plus a detour up Bluff View trail for a nice view. Could spend all day down here on all these trails. Seems fairly popular with a good amount of foot and bicycle traffic too, but many times alone with nothing but nature too."
Todd F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary trailhead for Rock Hollow Trail, also known as Zombie Road, is located at Ridge Meadows Elementary School on Ridge Road in Ellisville.
There isn't a dedicated parking lot. Visitors often park in the Ridge Meadows Elementary school parking lot, especially on weekends.
Zombie Road is essentially a section of the Rock Hollow Trail system. Access it via the main trailhead at Ridge Meadows Elementary.
Yes, the paved sections of Rock Hollow Trail are excellent for biking. The trail also connects to dedicated Zombie MTB trails for mountain bikers.
The initial paved portion of Rock Hollow Trail is generally stroller-friendly. However, the trail becomes more natural and potentially uneven further along.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rock Hollow Trail is a public greenway and does not require an entrance ticket. It's free to access and enjoy. :ticket:
As a public trail, Rock Hollow Trail is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. However, parking at Ridge Meadows Elementary may be restricted during school hours.
There is no admission fee to use Rock Hollow Trail. It's a free public park and trail system. :moneywithwings:
While the trail itself is open, hiking at night is not recommended due to limited lighting and potential safety concerns. Stick to daylight hours. :flashlight:
No permits are required for general hiking or biking on Rock Hollow Trail. It's open for public recreational use. :scroll:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail starts with a paved asphalt surface for the first couple of miles, then transitions to a semi-natural gravel path. The return trip involves a significant uphill climb.
Yes, there are restrooms available in Glencoe, which is a point along the trail system. It's advisable to plan your hydration and restroom breaks accordingly. :toilet:
Expect beautiful wooded areas, a creek that runs alongside the trail, small wooden bridges, and a connection to the Meramec River. In spring, the trail is famous for its bluebell blooms.
The wooded environment and proximity to the river make Rock Hollow Trail a good spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. :feather_bird:
The Rock Hollow Trail itself is a significant length, and when combined with other connected trails like the Zombie Trail West, you can easily create hikes of 8-10 miles or more.
📸 📸 Photography
The wooden bridges over the creek, the river views, and especially the vibrant bluebell fields in spring offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Absolutely. The trail offers diverse landscapes from wooded valleys to riverbanks, making it a great location for landscape photographers. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most flattering illumination for photography, especially in the wooded areas. Golden hour is magical here. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for specific rules regarding drone operation in this area. :drone:
Beyond the natural beauty, the 'Zombie Road' moniker itself adds a unique, slightly eerie element that can be captured creatively, especially with atmospheric conditions. :ghost:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that the trail becomes more natural and can be steep on the return. Consider turning back before the terrain changes significantly if you have very young children or are using a stroller. The small wooden bridges over the creek add a fun element for kids to explore.
🚴 Cyclists & Mountain Bikers
For mountain bikers, the Zombie MTB trails and the natural sections of Rock Hollow Trail offer challenging terrain with elevation changes. The trail system is extensive, allowing for long rides and exploration. Remember to use appropriate bike types for the terrain.
👟 Hikers Seeking Exercise
Be prepared for the climb back up from the river valley. Many hikers opt for hiking shoes for the natural sections and appreciate the exercise challenge. The scenery provides a rewarding backdrop to your efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail Network
This network seamlessly connects to other popular routes, including the Al Foster Trail (often described as a mini Katy Trail), the Western Greenway, and the Zombie MTB trails. It also provides access to Rockwoods Reservation. A notable point is that a section that previously connected to Castlewood State Park has washed out and is currently impassable.
For those looking to extend their adventure, combining Rock Hollow Trail with the Zombie Trail West option creates a longer loop. The Zombie Trail West is an entirely natural path, offering a different kind of challenge and scenery. This interconnectedness means you can easily spend hours exploring, creating custom routes of 8-10 miles or more.
The 'Zombie Road' Phenomenon
This part of the trail is characterized by its natural terrain, which can include gravel and dirt paths. It's a favorite among mountain bikers due to the varied surfaces and elevation changes. However, for hikers, it means wearing appropriate footwear, as trainers might not be ideal for the natural trail, and hiking shoes might feel out of place on the initial paved sections if you plan to do a loop.
Despite the 'zombie' moniker, the trail is generally considered safe and is popular with locals. The seclusion of the natural path, combined with the dense woods, can create a sense of being off the beaten path, which many hikers and bikers enjoy. It's a great example of how local nicknames can add character to a place.
Seasonal Beauty: Spring Bluebells
This natural phenomenon draws many visitors specifically to experience the beauty. Photographers find it particularly rewarding, with the bluebells creating a stunning visual backdrop. The best time to catch this spectacle is typically in April, though this can vary slightly depending on the weather each year.
Beyond the bluebells, the trail offers other seasonal charms. The lush green canopy of summer provides shade, while the autumn foliage brings a different kind of color to the landscape. Each season offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Rock Hollow Trail.
Social
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