DNR
Home PageTrails featured during July 2007
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Map | Key | State Park/State Historic Site | Trail Name | Total Miles |
13 14 15 16 17 18 |
KC NE C SL L SE |
Watkins Woolen Mill SP/SHS Mark Twain Birthplace SHS Clark's Hill/Norton SHS Mastodon SHS Bennett Spring SP Onondaga Cave SP |
Bicycling and Hiking Trail Barefoot Sam Trail Clark's Hill Trail Spring Branch Trail Oak-Hickory, Bluff and Bridge Trails Deer Run Trail |
3.8 0.6 1.0 1.25 1.3 2.75 |
 Click on this symbol next to a trail name to view comments from hikers of that trail. |
13. Kansas City Region - Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site - Bicycling and Hiking Trail -- 3.8 total miles (loop)
Trailhead: West side of lake or the northern picnic area
The 3.8-mile asphalt bicycling and walking trail follows the shoreline of the lake. The circular trail can be accessed at several points along the west side of the lake, and from the northern picnic area.
Hikers can expect to encounter stable surfaces-paved; bridges; shared use of trail with bicyclists; overhanging vegetation (tree canopy); and various wildlife, insects and plants.
14. Northeast Region - Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site - Barefoot Sam Trail -- 0.6 total mile (loop)
Trailhead: At the end of the road by the museum
As you walk this short trail, see if you agree with Mark Twain who stated, "I can call back the solemn twilight and mystery of the deep woods, the earthy smells, the faint odors of the wild flowers, the sheen of rain-washed foliage, the rattling clatter of drops when the wind shook the trees, the far-off hammering of the woodpeckers and the muffled drumming of wood pheasants in the remoteness of the forest, the snapshot glimpses of disturbed wild creatures scurrying through the grass. I can call it all back and make it as real as it ever was."
Hikers can expect to encounter rocks and roots in the trail surface; bluffs next to trail; stable surfaces; possible natural occurrences; overhanging vegetation (tree canopy); and various wildlife, insects and plants.
15. Central Region - Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site - Clark’s Hill Trail -- 1 total mile (there and back)
Trailhead: Off parking lot
This steep trail takes visitors along a bluff above the Missouri River to an overlook. Along the way, hikers will pass by two Indian mounds that William Clark wrote about in his journal in 1804 along with three additional mounds discovered at the site. The rock where Clark once stood and the location of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's campsite below along the banks of the Missouri River can be seen from the overlook.
Hikers can expect to encounter steep hills; stable surfaces; unstable surfaces when wet; bluffs next to trail; bridges; overhanging vegetation (tree canopy); and various wildlife, insects and plants.
16. St. Louis Region - Mastodon State Historic Site - Spring Branch Trail -- 1.25 total miles (loop)
Trailhead: Picnic area
Spring Branch Trail offers an easy 1.25 mile walk through a portion of the Rock Creek bottomland. The trail follows a small stream flowing from Bollefer Spring and past remains of the Bollefer family springhouse, loops through the lowlands and continues along Rock Creek back to the picnic area. The spring keeps the stream's temperature constant year-round, promoting an abundant growth of watercress.
Hikers can expect to encounter stable surfaces-compacted gravel; a bridge; and various wildlife, insects and plants.
17. Lakes Region - Bennett Spring State Park - Oak-Hickory, Bluff and Bridge Trails -- 1.3 total miles (loop)
Trailhead: Behind the park's nature center
These trails travel into the forest habitats away from the stream. Hardwood forests, glades and bottomland meadows are peaceful journeys where you may glimpse deer, turkey and a variety of woodland birds. Bluff Trail features many overlooks with views of the spring branch and park grounds.
Hikers can expect to encounter rocks and roots in the trail surface; gradual steep hills from the nature center; stable surface-packed; unstable surface when wet; possible natural occurrences depending on the weather; overhanging vegetation (tree canopy); and various wildlife, insects and plants.
18. Southeast Region - Onondaga Cave State Park - Deer Run Trail -- 2.75 total miles (loop)
Trailhead: Amphitheater in the campground
This loop trail will take you through upland forest and glades, and treats you to some scenic views of the Meramec River from the bluffs along it. Deer Run Trail is marked with green arrows.
Hikers can expect to encounter rocks and roots in the trail surface; steep hills; wooden or stone steps; unstable surfaces; stable surfaces; bridges; possible natural occurrences; overhanging vegetation (tree canopy); bluffs next to the trail; and various wildlife, insects and plants.
