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Phantom Forest Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Peres, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Phantom Forest Conservation Area'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.
Wooded trail or path network for hiking & strolling plus a small parking lot.
What runners say about Phantom Forest Conservation Area
“Peaceful spot with a nice medium length trail.”
The easiest way into Bittersweet Woods CA is to start at the Phantom Forest CA parking lot. The two are connected by trails. Entrance off Hunter Creek Ridge Road, off Barret Station Rd. The path between the 2 runs behind some back yards, along the fences.
Great little oasis amidst suburbia! Just hiking trails really, no bathrooms. Park just off Barrett Station Road, and trails end at a small lake. I did it in about 45 minutes while waiting for a family member to finish at a nearby doctor's appointment. Trails are a little muddy in places, but almost all shaded!
A lovely little place to walk around. It sizeable enough that you can forget you're in the suburbs.
Loved the feeling of this trail! Fun to walk through the woods and get lost in beauty of nature. Will definitely visit again. Love that it isn't busy at all and you mostly get the place to yourself, but didn't love how close it is to people's backyards and having to hear lawnmowers instead of nature sounds sometimes.
Trail conditions & character
“I suspect one of the residents thought my husband and I were gonna have Seggs there and made a lap through the parking lot when we got back to the car.”
“Peaceful spot with a nice medium length trail.”
“Trails are a little muddy in places, but almost all shaded!”
Plan your run at Phantom Forest Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitedesperesmo.org
- Phone+1 314-835-6150
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Des Peres
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Greentree Park
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Spacious, riverside, greenway park for walking, biking, and boating.
Dee Koestering Park
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Scenic park featuring a lookout and a hike through the remains of a quarry.
Twin Oaks Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 388 reviews
Hidden park featuring a playground and a lake — both clean — plus a paved trail around the lake.