This Ominously Named Hike Is Actually One of Missouri’s Best Trails

The caw-caw of a crow echoes through the bluffs, chasing a rogue leaf rustling at my feet as I step onto Zombie Trail. It’s a scary hiking trail in Missouri that earned its reputation through local lore dating back hundreds of years. The trail sits just steps from an elementary school and boasts over 5 miles of the most breathtaking scenery in Missouri. I shake off the tickle at the back of my neck and embrace the natural beauty rather than the paranormal innuendos.

Why Is It Called the Zombie Trail?

Zombie Trail is known by several names, including Rock Hollow, the Meramec Greenway, the Green River Greenway, and even Zombie Road. But Zombie Road is the one that usually lingers on the tongue. More recently, the name has been changed to Zombie Trail, as there is no longer any car access, and the narrow path has become a nature trail. At one time, this trail was a former road, Lawler Ford Road, a treacherous 2-mile road, rumored to have claimed several lives. The road also runs along a former railroad, said to have killed three separate people hit by trains. Older lore also credits this land with belonging to one of the largest known Native American burial sites. After countless reports of paranormal activity mirroring the legends, it earned the nickname Zombie Road. Interestingly, there are no records of any deaths on the former road or along the existing trail. So dare I say, it’s simply a strangely named hiking trail with a lot of local hype.

What the Missouri Hike Is Actually Like 

Pushing aside the lore and honing in on the present, my senses allow me to appreciate the other things Zombie Trail is known for, like wildlife, wildflowers, solitude, and serenity. The trail starts as a wide asphalt path that gradually narrows to sparse gravel before becoming little more than a thread, feeling almost like a game trail. The forest is lush and close, offering moderate ascents, scenic drop-offs, and even trickling streams. As I trot along, I keep thinking this is what is meant  by the term “forest bathing.” It’s one of the best hikes in Missouri, and I have a hunch that all the local legends are really meant to ward off the crowds. I wouldn’t blame them a bit for keeping this trail to themselves. 

What To Know Before You Go

Zombie Trail might be an unusual name for a hiking trail, but it’s not scary; it’s peaceful. Located in the small town of Ellisville, the larger Rock Hollow trail network within the Merramec Greenway connects Zombie Trail to the neighboring town of Wildwood. The area, almost 30 miles east of St. Louis, is unlikely to be crowded (except maybe in October), is dog-friendly, has free parking, and the hike is moderately easy.

The local legends about Zombie Trail are fascinating and entertaining, but this trail isn’t scary. It’s a wonderful pocket of nature, a scenic hiking trail that I consider one of the best in Missouri. I enjoyed visiting as much for the ghost stories as for the scenery, but it’s not meant for those looking for a nighttime fright. Due to its storied past, the trail closes 30 minutes after dusk and is regularly patrolled by local authorities. Violators can be fined anywhere from $177 to $1000 for being on the trail after dark.