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Mudlick Trail
Mudlick Trail provides an intimate journey into one of the oldest mountain regions of North America: the St. Francois Mountains. It is a moderate to very strenuous 12-mile loop trail, climbing from 415 feet above sea level in Big Creek Valley to 1,313 feet above sea level at the top of Mudlick Mountain. It is open to hiking, backpacking and equestrian use. Most of the trail is located in the Mudlick Mountain Wild Area, one of the most significant, undisturbed natural landscapes in Missouri.
The trail begins by ascending the bluffs above Big Creek where three stone hiking shelters, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside and the “shut-ins” valley below. The trail then drops into Mudlick Hollow, a narrow rock-strewn valley interspersed with pools of clear water. The trail follows Mudlick Hollow for about three-fourths of a mile before beginning a gradual climb to the summit of Green Mountain. Horses may bypass the rocky Mudlick Hollow on the “horse friendly” Hollow Pass Trail. Hikers may use the Hollow Pass Trail as a return route after visiting the scenic hollow. The view from Green Mountain is best during the fall and winter when the trees in the thick oak-hickory forest have shed their leaves. From the southern end of Green Mountain, the trail descends rapidly, via a series of “switchbacks,” into Logan Creek valley. A dense stand of red cedar grows in the valley, providing a cool shaded corridor for the trail. Once through the valley, the trail begins a steady climb to the top of Mudlick Mountain. It then traverses the rugged eastern slope of the mountain back to the starting point.
Trailheads
Mudlick Trail has three entrance points. The hiking-only trailhead is located on the west side of Highway 143 across the road from the dining lodge. The remaining trailheads are located in the equestrian camp. Equestrian campers can access the trail in camping area #1. The equestrian trailhead for day users only is located just north of the park office. Parking areas and water are available at all trailheads. During the winter months, when most of the water lines are shut off, water can be obtained at the park office. While on the trail, water from Mudlick and Logan creeks may be used, but it should always be treated before consumption.
Shut-Ins Trail
This trail starts on Mudlick Trail and takes visitors gradually uphill through oak and hickory forests. A small stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps on a scenic bluff offers a spectacular vista of Big Creek canyon. Hikers descend down a series of switchbacks, passing glade openings and rocky canyons. Once at the bottom, hikers can stop off at the Big Creek shut-ins, located only a short distance from the trail. The trail leads through the floodplain of Big Creek along the base of Mudlick Mountain and showcases majestic sweet gums, sycamores and cottonwoods along with the unique yellowwood tree.
View comments from hikers of this trail during 2007
Bicycle Trail
The park offers two miles of paved bicycle trail. This accessible trail is one-way and extends from Campground 1 to the park store. Bicyclists, hikers, skate boarders and roller skaters are permitted on the trail. Motorized vehicles (except motorized wheelchairs) and horses are not permitted on this trail. Trail accesses are located throughout the park with trail parking located just off Hwy. 143 across from the park office. Other trail accesses are located in Campground 1, Campground 2 and near the park store. Water is available from April through October at water faucets located in both campgrounds. A vault toilet is located at the trailhead in Campground 1 and modern restrooms are located behind the park store. The terrain is fairly level throughout all portions of the trail.
