Phantom Forest Conservation Area, Conservation area in Des Peres, Missouri, United States.
Phantom Forest Conservation Area is a 13-acre woodland in Des Peres featuring a half-mile dirt trail that winds through the forest. The trail connects to the adjacent Bittersweet Woods Conservation Area, extending the walking route across the suburban landscape of St. Louis County.
The Missouri Department of Conservation acquired this land in 1994 through a donation from Claire Moore following her husband Ray Moore's passing. This gift preserved the woodland as a protected natural area for future generations.
The forest takes its name from Ray Moore, the original illustrator of The Phantom comic strip, connecting artistic heritage to this natural space. This naming choice links a creative figure to a quiet woodland, showing how personal legacies shape the identity of places.
The area sits on Barrett Station Road between Manchester Road and Dougherty Ferry Road and welcomes visitors throughout the day. The flat dirt trail is easy to walk and connects to the neighboring conservation area, making it possible to combine both properties into a longer outing.
A small clearing deep within the forest holds a bench and a commemorative plaque honoring Claire Moore. This quiet memorial recognizes her personal commitment to preserving the land.
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