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Trail of the Month Program
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Hikers' Comments on Shut-Ins Trail
Sam A. Baker State Park

	Month Hiked	Comments from participants of the 2007 Trail of the Month Program
	October 2007	Amazing trail! This was a very enjoyable and well-marked trail. The straight up hike to the clue is a little challenging, but the reward at the top is worth it. A good pair of hiking boots and a walking stick are recommended. Before the climb to the top, hike a short distance to the shut-ins.
	September 2007	Be prepared for a long winding trail. Interesting place to put a shelter house.
	September 2007	Very neat. The shelters are very interesting to see. This is a very difficult trail. Would like to go back and do again.
	August 2007	This trail goes straight up a mountain! It has a nice place to rest at the top once you get over the graffiti on the shelter.
	August 2007	This one is difficult. There is a large incline to hike up and I would recommend going that direction first. There are some stretches that are very easy though, so the distance isn't too bad.
	August 2007	This trail is quite vigorous. They like the trails that way in the Southeast region I guess. Walking along the forest floor was nice and easy. There were some felled trees blocking the path completely in places, but we walked around them. Then there is a stretch where you hike uphill for quite a ways. Bring your water and good shoes -- it's a workout.
	July 2007	Part of the trail is like a goat path. Be prepared!!! The clue was facing backwards to you and you have to start up the other trail there to read it. What a hike!!
	July 2007	This was my favorite trail. It is an easy trail till the last part to the shelter then it gets tough but not long. Take your swimsuit and take a swim break.
	June 2007	Pay attention to the Web site's tips for this trail. We started at the Shut-Ins Trailhead rather than the Mudlick Trailhead. Unfortunately; we missed the left turn to go up the bluff and wound up hiking that portion of the trail twice. Scaling the bluff requires strength, balance, and endurance. Do not attempt if you're not up to a major work out. We were glad we took the hard road. Great views of bluffs and boulders. Hiking shelter #1 provides great views of Big Creek below.
	June 2007	Enjoy the scenery and hike on down to the river to see some gorgeous flowers in bloom.
	June 2007	Nice and shady. Sheltered well from thunderstorms during my hike. Diversity of trails. Photographed a female northern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) with red shading on the tail.
	June 2007	There is a neat log cabin halfway through the trail. The trail also passes a nice spot to jump in the water and cool down if needed. The trail is very steep in one section, very rocky and narrow.
	May 2007	Challenging!!!! We did this trail after a full day of floating and swimming. It was very steep and rocky. I think this trail would have been more enjoyable in the morning. Once we got to the top, I was almost too tired to enjoy the amazing view. There is a nice shelter area at the top and you can sit and enjoy the overlook. We also saw several deer along the way including a doe just resting along the path under a tree. It was a very beautiful trail with a lot to see. However, I would recommend doing this when you are in good shape and well rested.
	May 2007	Probably my favorite so far! Starts out rather flat along the base of the bluffs. Saw a small wet season waterfall. After about 1/3 mile, it became a "mountain goat" trail but well worth the challenge. The crossback trail up the bluff, next to the shut-ins was both challenging and beautiful! At the summit is a nice stone shelter. Too bad vandals have written all over it. The view from the overlook is spectacular! We were there at evening and watched the shadows lowering over into the trees. There's also a path from the bottom of the switch back to the river that is well worth the extra hike.
	May 2007	There are many types of flowers on the trail, so stay alert.
	May 2007	A stout walking stick is a big help if you are going up to the shelter at the top of the bluff. It was a difficult climb but the view was well worth it.
	May 2007	Lots of rock, talus and scree. The creeks were full and beautiful this time of year. Parts of this trail are challenging for novice hikers.
	May 2007	Fantastic view of Big Creek Canyon.
	May 2007	We did not know the difficulty level prior to the hike (according to our trails of Missouri book it was a 5 boot - we looked when we got home). We hiked two other trails prior to this one and would have done this one first. Plus I am not in the best of shape so it kicked my butt. There are several climbs and narrow paths so it is definitely not for everyone. However, the scenery was amazing. The sound of the many waterfalls was great to listen to along the way. The beauty of the shut-ins was not captured by the camera. Although the hike was difficult it was well worth it and I would (and will) do it again!
	May 2007	Very peaceful - neat place. We made a loop by taking the Mudlick Trail back. The maps at the trailhead are very well done and useful. Thanks!