Rockwoods Reservation, Conservation area in St. Louis County, Missouri, US
Rockwoods Reservation is a protected forest area in St. Louis County featuring limestone formations, natural springs, caves, and dense hardwood forests. Six marked trails wind through different sections, offering routes for hikers of varying interests and fitness levels.
The Missouri Department of Conservation established this protected area in 1938 after decades of intensive limestone and clay extraction. The designation marked a shift from resource extraction to land restoration and natural habitat recovery.
The trails reveal the region's industrial past, with marked stations explaining limestone quarrying and kiln operations that once shaped this landscape. Visitors walk through places where old workings blend with recovering forest, showing how people once used these resources.
The reservation is open daily from sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, with main access via Woods Avenue and Glencoe Road. Plan your visit during daylight hours, as the area closes at dusk and remains inaccessible on Christmas and Independence Day.
The reservation links with Greensfelder County Park and Rockwoods Range Conservation Area to form one continuous green space across the region. This connected forest network creates a sense of unbroken natural corridor for visitors exploring the area.
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