-
Waterfalls and Wildflowers on the Rocky Bluff Trail Hike
The Rocky Bluff Trail can be found at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Marion, Illinois. The refuge is a popular spot for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. A pass is required to visit, but it’s only $2. There are six different hiking trails within the refuge. The Rocky Bluff Trail passes the most spectacular spots in the refuge including wet weather waterfalls, cliffs, and stunning wildflowers. Rocky Bluff Trail Overview Distance: 2.2 mile loop. You can also…
-
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Back in Civil War times, the area near Powder Valley was full of caves. Federal forces stockpiled gunpowder in these caves to blow up bridges if the Confederate army attempted to invade St. Louis by way of the Meramec River. Now interstate 270 covers where the caves were and peaceful Powder Valley Conservation Area is full of nature instead of gunpowder. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center covers 112 acres of oak hickory forest tucked away near the hustle of the…
-
Take a Paved Nature Walk on the Rock Hollow Trail
If you are looking for an easier walk or a good non-muddy trail after a rain, check out the Rock Hollow Trail in Wildwood, Missouri. Part of the St. Louis area Great Rivers Greenway Trail network, this path is great for walking or biking. During the spring, the trail is one of the area’s hotspots for viewing bluebell flowers. Rock Hollow Trail Distance: 2.3 mile each way, out and back Difficulty: 2/5. Wide and paved, but has a hill heading…
-
Exploring Missouri’s Roaring River State Park
While Roaring River State Park may be most well known as a great place for fishing, we discovered that it contains many opportunities for recreation for all. This rugged park in southwestern Missouri is home to one of the deepest explored natural springs in the entire United States. In 2021, divers explored the the spring to a depth of 472 feet with no end in sight. This depth of 472′ became the record for the deepest explored spring in the…
-
10 Great Spring Hikes Around St. Louis
After what felt like an extra long and cold winter, spring is finally here. If the warm weather and budding trees have you ready to explore outside, here is a list of 10 great St. Louis area hikes that really shine during the spring. While most of the flowers are just starting to pop out, in the next couple of weeks these trails will be awash in color. 1. St. Francois State Park St. Francois is a lovely Missouri State…
