Eagle Valley and DeClue Trail Loop

No, this loop is generally not recommended for beginners. It's considered a moderate to challenging mountain bike ride that requires good fitness and advanced riding skills. Riders will encounter rolling hills, technical sections with rock gardens, and significant elevation changes. The DeClue Trail, in particular, is rated as "Hard" with a "Black Diamond" difficulty due to its climbs and technical features.

The terrain is varied, featuring a mix of doubletrack and singletrack sections. You'll encounter rolling hills, technical rock gardens, and sustained climbs and descents. Specific challenging sections include an 8% grade descent with switchbacks on loose gravel on the Eagle Valley section, and parts of the DeClue Trail that may require pushing your bike due to large, chunky rocks, such as the area known as the "spiral staircase of death."

The loop is located within Greensfelder County Park. You can typically find parking near the Visitor Center, which provides access to the extensive trail network, including sections of the Eagle Valley and DeClue Trails.

For specific information regarding permits, entrance fees, or regulations for Greensfelder County Park, it's best to check the official St. Louis County Parks website. You can find more details at stlouiscountymo.gov.

Riders can enjoy an escape into nature with forested surroundings throughout the loop. A particularly scenic part of the Eagle Valley trail follows a clear, rocky stream with overhanging cliffs, where the trail may cross the stream multiple times. This valley section is especially recommended in the fall or spring when the brooks are flowing. The park also offers opportunities to view various wildlife.

The fall and spring are generally the best times to ride this loop. During these seasons, the forested surroundings are vibrant, and the brooks along the Eagle Valley section are often flowing, enhancing the scenic experience. It's also a good time to avoid the extreme heat of summer or potential ice/snow in winter.

Yes, this loop is part of Greensfelder County Park's extensive trail network. The route officially covers significant portions of the DeClue Trail (65%) and the Eagle Valley Trail (37%). It also intersects with and shares sections of the Dogwood Trail (20%), Declue-Deer Run Trails (19%), and Dark Trail (16%), allowing for longer, more challenging rides.

The trails within Greensfelder County Park are generally dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be courteous to other trail users, as the trails are also popular with equestrians and hikers.

Greensfelder County Park offers opportunities to view various wildlife. While specific sightings can vary, you might encounter deer, squirrels, various bird species, and other common woodland creatures native to Missouri.

Yes, the DeClue Trail is known for its challenging climbs and technical sections, including rock gardens. Parts of the Green Rock Trail, which shares sections with DeClue, feature a notorious area called the "spiral staircase of death" with large, chunky rocks that may require riders to push their bikes. The Eagle Valley section also has an 8% grade descent with switchbacks on loose gravel, followed by a demanding, long, steady climb.