-
Big Adventure at Big Sugar Creek State Park
As much as we love Missouri’s more popular state parks such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, or Roaring River, sometimes its nice to venture to a quieter park. You can find this solitude at Big Sugar Creek State Park. Located in far southwest Missouri, this lovely park is big on views but low on crowds or development. About Big Sugar Creek State Park Established in 1992, Big Sugar Creek State Park has a wild feel. Do not expect well groomed…
-
Find a Unique Waterfall at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
The rugged canyons and clear creeks of Missouri’s LaBarque Creek Watershed offer many options for recreation. Don Robinson State Park is perhaps the most popular place for hiking in this area. However, if you want to escape the state park crowds and explore unique features, check out the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. This LaBarque Creek Conservation Area consists of one hiking trail. The path has a small out-and-back portion followed by a loop. LaBarque Creek Trail Distance: 3 miles round…
-
Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon Trails at Camp Ondessonk
One of my adventure bucket list items had been to visit the tallest free-flowing waterfall in the state of Illinois. We managed to check off that item recently by hiking to Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon, both located on the Camp Ondessonk property. Camp Ondessonk is the site of a Catholic summer camp in far southern Illinois. When summer camp is not in session, this private property is open to the public for hiking with permission. There are 25 miles…
-
The Best Waterfall Hikes Near St. Louis
While rainy days may keep most people away from the trails, wet weather is the best time for waterfall hunting. The St. Louis area may not have the continuously flowing waterfalls of other states, but heavy spring rains transform ordinary trickles into rushing cascades. Try to time your visit to these places after a good downpour. Bring those boots, brave the muddy trails, and ready your camera for an adventure. Here are 25 of the best waterfalls to explore around…
-
Discover Shut-ins and History at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area
Lon Sanders Canyon is a scenic and short hike located off the beaten path near Piedmont, Missouri. If you are looking for a quiet place to explore or a shallow place for kids to splash, the area contains rocky shut-ins along McKenzie Creek. Despite its rugged beauty, this place is relatively unknown compared to more popular parks such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins. History The canyon holds some interesting history. It is rumored that the Jesse James gang hid out in this…
