Grotpeter Trail – Fall Color Hike Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Oct 18, 2026; 9:00 AM (Central)

Organized By: Eastern Missouri Group

Location: Castlewood State Park, Baldwin, MO

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
David Mixon
   dgmixon52@gmail.com
   636-236-9192
Debra Maurer
   maurerdebra@gmail.com
   314-303-9646

Location:
Castlewood State Park. Coordinates: 38.550628, -90.53919
Meet at the parking lot for Pavilion One which is the first large lot on the left side of road.  It is one-half mile past the park entrance and next to the playground.  The leader will be driving a dark gray Subaru Forester.

Directions:

• From Manchester and Clarkson: Take Kiefer Creek Rd 4 miles south to the entrance of the Park.
• From Manchester and Ries Rd: Take Ries Rd 2.7 miles south to the entrance of the Park.
• From Big Bend Rd: Take Ries Road south for one mile, to the entrance of the Park.

Bathrooms are available next to the parking lot at Pavilion One, the meeting place.

The Grotpeter Trail is a 4.4-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty. This trail sometimes has excellent fall colors, hopefully this date will capture that beauty. The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 400 ft. We will finish the hike with a flat section along Kiefer Creek.  Our pace will be about 2 MPH with several stops. Estimated time approximately 2.5 hours. Bring water and any desired snacks.

Difficulty:
Moderate – There is one long climb and some rough footing.

Group size is limited to 12. All participants must sign waiver.

A one dollar per person Sierra Club donation is requested. Dollar bills are appreciated.

Guns are prohibited. Please no dogs – there could be difficulty with passing cyclists.

Castlewood State Park brochure and trail map: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/castlewood-state-park-map