Finding my way to viewing the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers was my goal at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Entering the Conservation Area I parked at the lot for the Confluence Trail after driving on gravel towards the river. Start of the Hike I checked out the information board and found a brochure on the area in a box nearby. It was not…
Small waterfalls splash across sandstone brooks and a rock shelter cave can be found at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area south of Eureka, Mo. Our Time at LaBarque Creek Watch for potholes as you drive the gravel road to the parking area. To one side of the lot are two carved wooden benches if you need a break after the almost three-mile hike. Start of the…
Walking along a cliffside boardwalk high above Osage River highlights our time at Painted Rock Conservation Area. The 1.6-mile Osage Bluff Scenic Trail also has an ancient Native American burial cairn and a small cave to discover. History Painted Rock State Conservation Area’s namesake is rock paintings done between 1200 and 1300 A.D. and seen by explorer Zebulon Pike in 1806, although not accessible by…
Blaze a trail below cliffs with water views along with plenty of hikes and activities to choose from at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Our Time Here at Lake of the Ozarks State Park We chose the 1.5-mile Lakeview Bend Trail loop, which included a variety of Ozark terrain. Starting the Hike This trail begins near parking by the camp store and the entrance…
Castle
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park has a cave-like spring, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architect, and many hiking trails to explore. I walked numerous trails in the park and have included the highlights of my adventures here. Dogwood Trail This trail is a two-mile loop going through woods and going up and down hills and through ravines. Starting the Hike I parked at Guy…
You can explore the many natural springs or stay the night at the five-bedroom stone house at Markham Springs Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest. The name of the recreation area comes from the former owner, M.J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s. History of the Fuchs Estate Rudolph Fuchs built a…
Hiking on a boardwalk in a swamp along with Ozark mountain views is in the mix at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. History Formed from an abandoned channel of the Mississippi River about 18,000 years ago when the river shifted east possibly due to a New Madrid fault earthquake. In the early 20th century settlers tried to drain the swamp for farmland as they have done…
Green Rock Trailhead
Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you. I felt this way since I was the only person on the trail the whole time although it was mid-morning on a Wednesday, so…
