Rockpile Mountain Trl

Area Status: Open

The trail is located in the Rockpile Mountain Wilderness Area, from the trailhead there is a 2 mile section of maintained trail. The rest of the area is accessed by old woods roads or cross-country hiking.

Brochures and Maps

A printable brochure is available for download
Trail System Map (printable)and Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.

At a Glance

Fees:	No fees.
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Camp at least 100 feet from the trail, treat all water used, bury human waste pack out all trash
Closest Towns:	Fredericktown
Water:	Not for Drinking
Operated By:	USDA Forest Service
Information Center:	Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District Email \| Phone and Address

General Information

Directions:

From St. Louis, take I-55 south to Hwy. 67; then south to County Road C south of Fredericktown; then south 10 miles to County Road 406 to FR2124.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.

Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.

There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
Pack out all of your garbage.

For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!

Day Hiking

Rating: Moderate. Terrain is sometimes steep. The area is within the St. Francois Mountains where elevations range from 1,305 to 520 feet.
Length: 2 miles.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.
Restrictions: Foot and Horse only.
Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.

Backpacking

Rating: Moderate. Terrain is sometimes steep. The area is within the St. Francois Mountains where elevations range from 1,305 to 520 feet.
Length: 2 miles.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.
Restrictions: Foot and Horse only.
Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.

Horse Riding

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Plants

Rockpile Mountain itself, the steep limestone bluffs, rock formations, and caves along the St. Francis River. The narrow gorges or "shut-ins" with rushing cascades during periods of runoff and the scattered granite glades add variety to the wilderness landscape, as well as unique plant and animal communities.