Natural Areas and State Parks
Shepherd Mountain Bike Park – Shepherd Mountain Bike Park is an exciting new downhill park located just north of Arcadia Valley. With five challenging downhill trails, this park is a great addition to the Saint Francois Mountain Region. Click here and here for more info about the park.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and be on top of Missouri – literally. The park’s 7,500 acres include the highest point in the state. The park’s wooded areas and rocky glades provide a beautiful, solitary experience for hikers. A series of trails, including a portion of the Ozark Trail, wind through the park’s picturesque setting and provide awesome views of the surrounding countryside. Click here and here for more area info.
The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site – Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves Fort Davidson and the battlefield where so many Confederate and Union soldiers lost their lives. A visitor center and museum interprets the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations and a fiber optics diorama of the battle. The site’s playground, picnic area and hiking trail provide relaxing ways to spend the afternoon. Click here for more area info.
Elephant Rocks – The elephant rocks, which were formed from 1.5-billion-year-old granite, are giant boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The rocks have created formations that intrigue geologists, are popular with history buffs interested in the past quarrying, and fascinate children who love to climb on and between the boulders. Click here and here for more area info.
Bell Mountain Wilderness – This 9,143 acre wilderness is named for a family that once lived and farmed along the ridge top that is now known as Bell Mountain. Elevations range from 1,702 feet at Bell Mountain to 970 feet in the Joe’s Creek drainage. Local relief is about 600 feet and is characterized by steep felsite and rhyolite outcroppings. Both Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mountain offer outstanding views of the surrounding area. The associated granite glades provide a variety of interesting plant and animal life. Shut-in Creek crosses the area. It is a perennial spring fed stream with several shut-ins or gorges along its course. Steep talus slopes intersect the stream at several locations. Joe’s Creek is another small perennial stream within the wilderness. Click here and here for more area info.
* The area is rugged and is for experienced hikers only. Before you start, be prepared with adequate supplies; water sources within the Wilderness are not recommended for drinking. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people, to help protect wilderness values.
Cuthbertson Mountain Trail – Cuthbertson Mountain Trail is a 1.3 mile out and back trail located near Arcadia that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is located in the Mark Twain National Forest. Click here and here for more area info.
Royal Gorge – Royal Gorge Natural Area Trail is a 2.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Arcadia, Missouri that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Click here and here for more area info.
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