Onondaga Cave State Park: Vilander Bluff Trail Hike

Hike along the highest bluff above the Meramec River on the Vilander Bluff Trail south of Bourbon, Mo.

Overview

I hiked about two miles with 354 feet of elevation gain, going farther than the main trail. The trail is rocky, so it’s not an easy walk. I would rate it as moderate.

Trailhead Location

This trail is under the jurisdiction of Onondaga Cave State Park, but the main park with the cave is in a totally different area, not accessible by this trail, and is many miles away. The trailhead is off of Missouri Highway N south of Bourbon, Mo., whereas Onondaga Cave State Park is off of Missouri Highway H south of Leasburg, Mo.

Going to the Trailhead

After crossing the Meramec River on Highway N, I turned left onto the gravel Thickety Ford Road. This road heads northeast and passes near the river before reaching the gravel parking area uphill on the left.

Starting the Hike

The trailhead is to the right of the parking area, marked by a conservation sign and an information board. There is also a yellow “Be Bear Aware” sign, so bears have been seen here, though I didn’t see any during my visit.

You start by walking through an evergreen forest. It was muddy on the day I visited, so be careful as you walk.

*Break in the trees where a power line goes through.*

Next, I came to a clearing created by an electric line.

Then, I reached a small rock garden. The green lichens growing on the rocks are a rare species.

As I walked farther along, I could see distant hills. This view is probably not available in the summer. Next, I came to a rocky switchback.

Ledge Walk

I had read that a side trail branches left from the switchback. I followed it, and it was faint. Next, I came to the area called the “ledges.” This was not an easy walk and involved bushwhacking below the bluff.

I walked a short distance to see the river view along the cliffs among the cedars, then headed back.

Looking back, I wouldn’t recommend this walk. It was difficult, and the view wasn’t as impressive as the walk out to the bluffs I did later on.

*At the benches, I did another walk out to the bluff.*

Back on the Main Trail

I continued uphill and around rocky terrain, catching another view of the hills through the trees. Then I reached two benches. Just before them, a faint trail led left toward the bluffs.

Side Bluff Trail

I followed this trail out to a bluff, staying on top rather than going all the way out.

From here, I got the views I wanted of the high white cliffs to the north and the cedars. These Eastern Red Cedars are 300 to 500 years old and grow on top of the bluffs.

Then I retraced my steps. I almost tripped over barbed wire, so be careful if you do this walk.

This walk is easier than the Ledge Walk I mentioned earlier, but be careful—there is a sheer drop to the river below.

Going Left

Now I was back on the main trail to finish the loop. It keeps following the ridgeline, offering more views of the hills.

*Seeing the road below. The trail is marked in red markers.*

As I rounded the bend, I was above the gravel road I had driven into the conservation area. I know that I am definitely now going in the right direction. A last lichen-filled rock garden had boulders standing up as if in a gathering.

Then I arrived back at the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

Taking the side trail from the benches gave me the views I wanted and was only moderately difficult. Be careful here, though, because the ground is loose.

WARNING: The Vilander Bluff Trail does not go to the bluff. Side trails do, but be very careful, as this is a high bluff to walk on, and there is a sheer drop below to the river.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to Bourbon, Missouri, and take Exit 218. Make a left onto Pine Street, then a right onto Cedar Street, then a right onto Hickory Street, which becomes Missouri Highway N. Next, make a left onto Thickety Ford Road, then another left to the trailhead parking lot up the hill in the conservation area.

Hours: Closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Address: 3VX9+4J, Anthonies Mill, MO 65441

Blue Springs Conservation Area

On the drive to and from Vilander Bluff, you pass by parking on the east side of the road for Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area. If you want to do a short walk along a spring-fed creek or do some trout fishing, this is the place to do it.

Address: Blue Springs Conservation Area, Bourbon, MO 65441

Shamrock Court

If you make a right onto Pine Street or Missouri Highway J in Bourbon, Mo., and then a right onto Historic U.S. 66, you can take this outer interstate road into Sullivan, Mo., and pass by the Route 66 historic Shamrock Court. It is all done in Ozark rock and was a popular stop along the highway before the interstate was built. After Shamrock Court, you can make a left back onto Interstate 44 at the connector road by the Jack in the Box.

Address: 101 Shamrock, Sullivan, MO 63080