Caledonia Area
Natural Areas
Devil’s Honeycomb/Hughes Mountain Natural Area – Hughes Mountain entices explorers with some of the most unique geological features in the Show-Me-State. The 1.5 billion year old Precambrian rock outcrops are among the most ancient exposed rocks in the United States. The rocks were once liquefied by ancient volcanoes associated with the St. Francois Mountains. Some of the molten rock contracted and cracked as it cooled to create multi-sided columns. A rhyolite formation, known locally as the Devil’s Honeycomb, is one of Missouri’s geologic wonders, and is the highest point on Hughes Mountain. Sunsets are spectacular from Devil’s Honeycomb as well, with its panoramic western view of the Washington County countryside. Prepare for a bit of a climb as you travel the one-mile trail to get there, but the rewards are well worth it. Click here and here for more area info.
Buford Mountain Conservation Area – Buford Mountain Conservation Area is located east of beautiful Belleview Valley. The area’s namesake feature presents a majestic view from Highway 21. This heavily forested area is very wilderness-like and Buford Mountain’s 1,740-feet makes it just shy of the highest in the state. Most of the mountain is hardened by granite known as Rhyolite, which serves as a testament to the area’s volcanic past. A steep and challenging trail takes hikers and backpackers up the mountain and through several glades. The climb is rewarded at Bald Knob with a stunning view of the valley below. The adventurous can spend the night a designated primitive campsite here. Click here and here for more area info.
Bootleg Access – Bootleg provides boat and kayak/canoe access to the Big River in Washington County and lies in a Black Bass Special Management Area. That should put it on any bass angler’s short list. You might also haul in suckers, sunfish, or white bass. It also offers several primitive camping sites that are available Sept. 15-May 15 to satisfy campers who prefer a more remote experience. A hiking loop trail traverses a ridge, then back down along the Big River, a stone’s throw from the water. Click here and here for more area info.
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