Tag: Walking in Sainte Genevieve County

Hwy 144 off Highway 32 Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 573-883-3603 Just 25 minutes west of Ste. Geneviève, Hawn State Park is one of the best wilderness experiences that nature has to offer. The nearly 5,000-acre park features beautifully manicured areas for day use tent or RV camping. The River Aux Vases and Pickle Creeks provide added fun for staying cool in the summer. Dogwood and redbud trees along with numerous types of wildflowers give the park a stunning backdrop for your experience in the spring. Fall is especially colorful with the trees in their full autumn attire. Maps are available to guide visitors in hiking the many trails ranging from 2 to 10 miles in length. Read more…

Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Sprott Road Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Lamotte sandstone formed box canyons here from the sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed 500 million years ago. Millions of years of erosion and uplift of the Ozark Plateau exposed the sandstone we see today. After a rain event, a wet-weather waterfall can be enjoyed from the end of the 1/4 mile hiking trail on the east side of the county road. Another 1-plus mile trail loops through a canyon on the west side of Sprott Road. In the winter, the bluffs drip with icicles that sparkle in the sun. This area is botanically rich, supporting glacial relics, species that were more common in Missouri 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Since then, the climate has warmed, forcing some species to inhabit micro-climates that mimic the cool, moist conditions of glacial times. Glacial relics at Hickory Canyons include hay-scented fern, fir clubmoss, and winterberry. The area is rich in fern species with over a dozen species represented. Read more…

Magnolia Hollow Drive Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area’s rugged 1,740-acre area is bordered by Establishment Creek and Schmidt’s Island and the Mississippi River. This recreation and outdoor lover’s paradise has steep bluffs and scenic river views. Eagles are commonly sighted along the river in the winter months. Finally, the management of Magnolia Hollow and Establishment Creek corridors is minimal and designed to protect the steep and sensitive watersheds. Read more…

Pickle Springs Natural Area, Highway AA Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-883-3603 Pickle Springs has been designated a Natural Landmark by the National Park Service for its biological and geological values as an undisturbed site. A two-mile trail named the “Trail Through Time” winds through the park and guides the visitor through 500 million-year-old geologic wonders carved in sandstone. The trail features clear streams, cool canyons, spectacular bluff views, and “The Slot,” a crevice marked with holes, pockets, and ridges. Visitors must climb through the ”Keyhole” to descend to the creek below. Twin footbridges cross Bone Creek and pass Mossy Falls. The park is a primitive natural area and does not have services. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of liquids before hiking the trail. Read more…