Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

Explore the Devil’s Honeycomb at Missouri’s Hughes Mountain Natural Area

This Devil’s Honeycomb hike at Hughes Mountain is one of Missouri’s most unique trails. When I post photos from this spot online, people are often surprised to learn that such a place exists in Missouri! Now you can know about the unusual landscape and beautiful views from this easy and kid friendly hike.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

The Hughes Mountain trail’s main feature is the rock formation at the top known as Devil’s Honeycomb. The landscape was created as molten rock cracked and cooled. This same type of rock is what makes up Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. A trail approximately a mile long makes a steady climb to the top through woods and around rocks. We have hiked this trail many times as a family so you can even watch my kids grown through my photos below!

Hughes Mountain Devil’s Honeycomb Trail

  • Distance: 0.8 mile each way, out and back.
  • Difficulty: 3/5. Trail is rugged and narrow in spots and involves a moderate climb.
  • Scenic Value:5/5. The honeycomb rocks are very unique to view. The top of the mountain also has a great view.

Reaching the Trailhead

The trailhead for the Devil’s Honeycomb hike is located at 13706 State Hwy M, Irondale, MO. Look for a sign and a gravel parking area just off Highway M. There is a wooden kiosk there, but no restrooms or other facilities.

Hiking up Hughes Mountain

The trail starts through a field and passes through the woods. Soon, if becomes more rugged as it climbs alongside giant rocks and boulders.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

You get a nice view along the way looking back partway up the climb.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

The trail can be a little confusing at times and the AllTrails app can help keep on track. Keep an eye out for brown arrows on the trees and rocks to point the way. When in doubt, just keep heading up!

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

Once you break through the trees to the glade and rock area, there is plenty to climb and explore. This open glade is pretty neat. You might even be lucky to spot a lizard hiding between the rocks.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri
Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri
Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

Keep on heading up and over the rocks. Kids may need a hand to avoid tripping over the rough landscape.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

You want to keep going all the way to the very top if you can, the 360 degree view from the top of the mountain is worth it. This is one of the easiest mountains to climb with one of the best views in the area.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

This hike is perfect for kids who love to climb rocks. Just be cautious of the drop offs in a few areas.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri
Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

After you’ve had your fill of picture taking and exploring, head back down the trail the same way you came up, keeping an eye out again for the trail markers. Then show off your photos and have everyone try to guess where you were.

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

More to see

Hughes Mountain is not far from other scenic hikes in the Arcadia Valley including Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson’s Shut-ins, Mina Sauk Falls, and Shepherd Mountain.

Don’t miss a post hike visit at the Old Village Mercantile in nearby Caledonia. They have coffee, hot dogs, ice cream, and candy. It is an amazing and delicious place.

Have you hiked this unique trail?

Devil's Honeycomb Hughes Mountain Missouri

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