Don Robinson State Park: Labarque Hills Hike to Hidden Pools

On the LaBarque Hills Trail in Don Robinson State Park, you’ll see eroded cliffs and clear pools surrounded by sandstone canyons.

The trail itself is listed at 2.4 miles, but with the walk from the parking lot and some side trips to canyon views, I ended up hiking 3.1 miles with 423 feet of elevation gain.

*Walk along a park road to reach the trailhead.*

Start of the Hike

I parked in the paved lot north of the trailhead, close to the big shelterhouse and restrooms.

From there, I walked south along the park road to reach the LaBarque Trailhead.

Only handicap accessible parking is right by the trailhead. The rest of the parking is either in the upper paved lot or the lower gravel lot, so everyone else needs to walk south to get to the trailhead.

The trail begins just to the right of an informational sign and a bench.

Before the Loop

It’s about 0.3 miles from the parking lot to where the loop starts.

Along this stretch, I noticed an eroded bluff on the left side of the trail.

*Watch your step when crossing streams.*

Before reaching the loop, I crossed a brook. This spot can get muddy, and the sandstone may be slippery, so be careful.

Going Right

I went right, which is the more scenic route, but it does have more uphill sections. If you go left, it might be easier—I might try that next time.

Canyon Area

Keep an eye on the right side of the trail. Small side paths lead out to the canyon brook, which forms pools in some spots.

I found a spot where plants had managed to sprout on a rock.

Then I came to a round pool of water with a small waterfall flowing into it.

Further down, another side trail led to an old rock dam.

Going Up

After the dam, the trail starts to go into the hills.

Soon you’ll come to an eroded bluff with circular rock shelters. I spent some time exploring here before moving on.

*Benches provide a place to stop, but not much of a view in the warmer months.*

Up in the Hills

The trail makes a switchback before reaching a maintained side trail. This out-and-back path leads to an overlook. When I visited at the end of summer, there wasn’t much of a view from the bench, but it might be better in the colder months when the trees have less foliage.

Next, I walked up to the 810-foot North LaBarque Hill, then down a bit and up again to the 801-foot South LaBarque Hill. There wasn’t much of a view from the high points at this time of year.

West Side

Heading back down, I passed a brown rock garden.

Then I came to a side trail that led to a glade. There, I found a round pool filled with tadpoles swimming around.

I passed by more glades. A purple flower had found a spot to bloom between the rocky layers.

After the Loop

I turned right to head back along the main trail toward the trailhead and noticed a side trail to the right before the brook crossing. It led to another pool of water along the canyon brook(Main Blog Photo).

On my way back, I saw a box turtle crossing the trail.

Then I walked back, crossed the brook, and saw another side trail to the left. This one led to a bluff, and I followed the canyon until the trail faded out. Finally, I returned to the main trail and made my way to the parking lot.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the side trails for canyon views, hidden pools, and glade-top water gardens was the highlight of this walk. If you take the time to explore, you’ll have a great day out on the trail.

Sandstone Canyon Trail

I have also hiked the 3.9-mile Sandstone Canyon Trail, blazed in Red. I talk about this in my other blog post, along with the park’s history.

DETAILS

Directions: Take Interstate 270 to exit 3 for Missouri Highway 30 and head southwest. Turn right onto Gravois Road before reaching Northwest High School in Cedar Hill. Then take a quick left onto S. Byrnesville Road, stay on it, and make a left in Byrnesville. Watch for the Don Robinson State Park sign on your right. The road becomes one-way near the parking area and heads up into the hills.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Daily

Address: 9275 Byrnesville Rd, Cedar Hill, MO 63016