Lime Kiln Loop Trail (Rockwoods Reservation) Hiking Guide
Rockwoods Reservation is a 1,880-acre slice of Ozark terrain surrounded by the suburbs of west St. Louis County, and the Lime Kiln Loop is its longest single loop. The trail passes a towering stone kiln, climbs hard to a ridgeline, runs along the top and drops steeply back to the parking area. It is short enough for an evening, but the rock and roots make it slower than the mileage suggests.
Distance and Climb
The Missouri Department of Conservation's brochure lists the Lime Kiln Loop at 3.2 miles. Hiking Project measures 2.8 miles with about 376 feet of climbing and rates it intermediate. Either direction starts with a steep pitch from the lower part of the reservation to the ridge, then a flatter stretch along the top and another steep descent back to the lot. Hiking Project's description calls it singletrack with rocks, roots and elevation, which is a fair summary.
Current Trail Closure Nearby
MDC reports that Trail Among the Trees is partly closed and its northern portion is inaccessible. The agency says hikers can still reach the Lime Kiln Trail and the overlook from the southern trailhead near the comfort station. The brochure's 4.7-mile combination of the two trails may not be possible while that closure stands, so plan on the Lime Kiln Loop alone. The visitor center building is also closed to walk-ins, though the privy remains open.
Getting There and Hours
From I-44, MDC directs drivers north on Highway 109 for 4 miles to Woods Avenue, left on Woods, then right on Glencoe Road. The reservation is open from sunrise to half an hour after sunset. It closes all day on Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, so check the holiday list on the area page before a long-weekend hike.
Dogs, Bikes and Area Rules
Pets must stay on a leash or be confined, and owners have to pick up after them. Bicycles are allowed only on roads open to vehicles, and horseback riding is banned throughout the area. Caving is prohibited, as is climbing everywhere except the designated bluff on Christy Avenue. Collecting plants is not allowed, though mushrooms may be picked for personal use.
Managed Deer Hunts
General hunting is prohibited at Rockwoods, but MDC runs managed archery deer hunts here by permit drawing, with hunt windows in October, November and December. Wear something bright during those months and check the area page for notices before you go.
Hiking tips for Lime Kiln Loop Trail (Rockwoods Reservation)
- Use the southern trailhead by the comfort station while the north end of Trail Among the Trees is closed.
- Budget extra time for the rocky descent, which is slow when wet leaves cover the trail.
- Leave the bike at home; the reservation allows bicycles only on its roads.
- Check the MDC holiday closures before planning a long-weekend visit.
- Wear a bright layer in fall and early winter during managed deer hunts.
Nearby trails to explore
- River Scene Trail (Castlewood State Park)
- White Bison Trail (Lone Elk Park)
- Lewis Trail (Weldon Spring Conservation Area)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Lime Kiln Loop is a quick, steep hike that is easy to fit in after work in west county. Use TrailMates to find people for a Rockwoods loop, agree on an after-work start in the event's group chat, and look for each other by the comfort station. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.