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Grotpeter Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Ballwin, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Grotpeter Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike-and-bike spot with views of woods and rivers, plus dog-friendly policies.
What runners say about Grotpeter Trailhead
“This beautiful trail was the easiest of the three we tried, and it was absolutely teeming with wildlife.”
“Very pretty place and welcoming for walking my dog.”
Good trail, lots of fall colors. Tons of little connector trails to make it as long or as short as you want. Dog friendly on a leash.
Challenging trails with multiple connecting trails if you need to take a short cut. I prefer the Grotpeter trail. It's 3.75 miles of rough terrain, mostly packed dirt, however there are a lot of rocks, ruts, roots, steep inclines & decline, and areas where flat. I hike with my dogs here...
Beautiful little trail! Dog friendly on leash! Multiple little creek spots to stop at! Found some cool geodes!
04/28/25: Hiked the short (1.1 mile) Grotpeter Trail Loop in my continuing quest to hike all trails within 10 miles of my house (doing well so far). The trail was moist with mud puddles that were easily skirted, but there was no way to avoid getting my feet soaked - shoes and all - because this particular trail route…
Trail conditions & character
“The dog was a bit scared of the mountain bikers but there was enough room to move off the trail so they could pass.”
“This beautiful trail was the easiest of the three we tried, and it was absolutely teeming with wildlife.”
“It did have moderate to difficult hills at one end of the trail so depending on which direction you take the loop, it could be a difficult or an easy trail.”
“75 miles of rough terrain, mostly packed dirt, however there are a lot of rocks, ruts, roots, steep inclines & decline, and areas where flat.”
“75 miles of rough terrain, mostly packed dirt, however there are a lot of rocks, ruts, roots, steep inclines & decline, and areas where flat.”
“It did have moderate to difficult hills at one end of the trail so depending on which direction you take the loop, it could be a difficult or an easy trail.”
“75 miles of rough terrain, mostly packed dirt, however there are a lot of rocks, ruts, roots, steep inclines & decline, and areas where flat.”
“This particular trail wasn't well marked if you start out going left.”
Plan your run at Grotpeter Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Ballwin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Castlewood State Park
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Lone Wolf Trailhead
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Kid-friendly hiking area providing several trails, including the popular Lone Wolf.
River Scene Trail
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Kids-friendly state park featuring scenic trails and playgrounds.
Lone Elk Park
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Sprawling space with driving routes to see elk, bison & other wildlife, plus morning feedings.
