Kill Creek Conservation Area

Well, my first post since moving to the Kansas City area! I think I found a good one today that isn't too far from the city, though far enough away that you can't hear any traffic.

Starting from the trail head at the end of the marina, you'll travel through nearly jungle like forests raging prairies to beautiful creeks.






The first that you will see will be the woodlands. Bring a stick, because the cobwebs are thick as all get out! Not many people take the trail, and it's lush enough to afford the spiders plenty of bugs to feast on - you've been warned.

The moss grows thick here, protected from the sun and kept moist thanks to the lakes and Kill Creek

The next section you'll run in to will be the prairies. This was one of my favorite parts - mainly due to the lack of spiderwebs. 

Admittedly, I am not much of a prairie buff myself, there weren't many of them in the ozarks so I never bothered learning about them. Now, however, I'm going to have to beef up my knowledge. 

It doesn't take an expert to see the beauty here though. Everywhere I looked their was a new species of flower or plant. It was paradise. . . 

After the prairies, the trail runs in to a paved trail that winds through the trees and over the Kill Creek 

The creek is something beautiful to behold. Unfortunately, the trail does not often run alongside it. But in the points that it does, it requires one to stop and admire 

Running along side the creek you'll find small white flower pods. At the time in which I was there - they looked like small hanging lights, just waiting for the evening show. 

The park is easy to find, but less easy to navigate. I wasn't able to find a map for the hiking/horse trails at the park, however. So I was hiking blind. Thankfully, you will not have to: 

The park was easy to find. Just take west hwy 10 out of kansas city and you'll see signs the park about 20 minutes out of the city. Once you take the exit for Kill Creek Road, you're only about 15 minutes away from the park. And if this isn't making any sense, follow the link below to the park site. 

http://jcprd.com/parks_facilities/kill_creek.cfm

Rocky Falls

If you are in it for a hike, this is not the place for you. If you're in it for the beauty, I'd highly suggest it! Literally just a couple feet from the parking lot, the falls are easy to get to

A popular watering hole in the summer - you'll find this place packed on a hot day with kids sliding down the falls into the pool below. When visiting, I try to go on a cloudy day so as to avoid the crowd. 

There is a quasi trail off the the right of the falls that will lead you to the top - and if you are able to cross over them, the trail continues along to the left of the falls on a loop that will generally provide several unique wildflower sitings. 

The view from the top of the falls is absolutely spectacular. Though, I personally think that they should name them "Angel Falls". In the picture below you can see the angel wings which appear to be on the verge of picking up and flying right off their rocky holster. 

Located in the middle of many of the parks already on this site, it makes an ideal place to stop for lunch and cool down before continuing on. There are public restrooms and picnic tables along the edge of the falls, making it an easy place to regroup before going back out into the wilds. 

The falls are one of the few places down towards Eminence that are clearly marked and simple to find. I will include a link below for directions, but I could not find a map of the area for you. :/ 

http://www.nps.gov/ozar/naturescience/rocky-falls.htm 

Mill Mountain

Mill Mountain was absolutely spectacular. I was able to be there a couple days after a heavy rain and the river was gushing through the rock barriers as if they didn't even exist. There is a small parking area across the road from where the old mill used to be. The OT also runs across the river at this point. You will be able to see it from the parking lot, and once you get across the river (if you can) you'll find that the trail continues onward from the opposite bank.


The large rock formations pose interesting challenges and opportunities. It is possible to cross without getting wet (My hiking partner managed this - I did not), but difficult during high water.

My suggestion would be to wait till a warm day so that if you have to, you can cross in the water and take time to dry in the sun before continuing on. But even if you don't want to tempt fate by crossing, this place has beauty nearly untouched by man that makes the soul believe in strength and power again. 

After crossing you'll find the OT, and if you hike it far enough, it will connect with Klepzig Mill. I was forced to turn around before finding the mill, so I'm not able to say how far away it is. I hiked approximately 5 miles up the trail without running into it, but for all I know, I could have turned around a mile before reaching it. But even without the Mill, this section of the Ozark Trail is beautiful and spends most of its time running along a separate river way. 

Be prepared, this part of the trail is often flooded and there are many muddy patches. If you are paying attention to where you are hiking, they are easily avoided.

Below is a map of the area (it's not extremely detailed, and I'm sorry for that). I am also providing the link to the MDC website for this area. It provides a lot of helpful information about the area and the history behind it. Hope you enjoy! 

http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places-go/natural-areas/mill-mountain

Angeline CA - Lick Log Hollow Trail

Lick Log Hollow consists of a single trail that runs about 1.5 miles. I wouldn't suggest making a special trip out to see it because of this very reason, but if you are in the area, it is worth checking out.





The trail is well maintained and wide enough for two people to walk side by side. The trail will run alongside a small creek in the beginning but as the trail continues, the creek will grow - don't worry! The path is lined with pine trees, oaks, dogwoods, and maples. I am sure it would be a very beautiful hike any time of the year, but especially fall!

























As you follow the trail, you will come to a bridge that spans the small creek. At this bridge you'll have the best view of these unique rock structures that begin to occur along the creek as you're hiking.

Below is a map of the area - be careful that you don't get lost on the many interconnecting trails! The Lick Log Hollow trail is outlined in purple: 

Red Prairie

This is one of those freak discoveries that happen every now and then and leave you in awe of what you just saw. I was lost trying to find Mill Mountain and happened to see this conservation area open to hunters and hikers alike. Unable to pass it by, I stopped and took a look around. . . and was stopped dead in my tracks.


Two fields were completely covered in a red clover plant that I've never found in numbers like this anywhere else. The smell was amazing and the sight even more so.

Out of the woods where you can see me emerging in the picture below is a small animal trail that leads to a spring which runs along side the field. 

Walking in you feel as if you've entered a different world - one of miracles. Words are frustrating because they can't possibly describe to you the cool wind that comes up from the creek to wash over you, or the sound of dozens of bumblebees and butterflies circling you. They can't capture the sweet scent of hundreds of clovers moving under you... The english language is utterly inadequate.

I ran across this place on the last day of April - so if you are looking for it you might want to move quickly or wait till next year in order to catch the flowers in full bloom. 

Fiery Forks CA

This is a good place to go and simply relax. The hiking is easy, the river cool, and the visitors few.

I do not have very many pictures from this area, I will have to go back and get more. But it does run right along side a fairly large arm of the Niangua River. There aren't many trails, so exploration is up to you.

Heart shaped pond in the heart of the woods

There is a small trail (I'm not sure if it was created by man or animal) that provides a picturesque view of the Niangua river - if you can find it. 

Be careful! There are several places that this trail runs through brambles and wild rose bushes, so don't be caught unawares. I had an easier time than my companion, who checks in at 6'6", ducking through the thorns was a sight more difficult for him. 

 At the end of the trail (past the bend in the river seen in this picture) you'll find yourself in a large open field with several old trees shading your walk through waves of flowing green grass. It's as if you've stepped into a different world. 

But be careful, there are snakes in the area. The poor guy below had apparently eaten something inside the tree and was unable to get out. 

The area is fairly easy to find. Take North 7 out of Camdenton and follow it out of Greenview. About 10 miles down Hwy 7 on your left is a dirt road with a sign for Fiery Forks CA, turn here. Follow the signs until you come to a fork in the road. There are three parking areas for the park, so either direction at the fork you take will lead you into the park and there will be a map stationed at the parking lot to help you decide where you want to get started. 

Mina Sauk Falls Trail

Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri. If this sounds daunting - don't worry, there is parking near the top of the mountain. In fact, you can walk about 500 feet from the parking lot and say that you've "hiked" to the highest elevation in the big MO!

But it is not the plaque that is the main attraction here (at least, in my humble opinion). It is the falls about 1.5 miles down the mountainside from this point that are really worth seeing. 

Base of Taum Sauk Falls

Taum Sauk Falls outflow

They look the best after a heavy rain, but the trail to them is easily flooded. So if you go - wear shoes which you don't mind getting muddy and be prepared for a long and slow hike back to the car!

The Taum Sauk Falls trail interconnects with the Ozark Trail and is part of a connecting trail that is only 13 miles to Johnson's Shut-Ins SP, which could make for a nice hike. I would certainly advise wearing your sturdy boots due to the amount of loose rocks along the trail. I have weak ankles, and my boots saved me more than once on this trail!

Be sure to visit the look out tower while you are at the falls. As you are driving the road will come to a Y, and you will take a left to go to the tower and a right to the falls. The tower used to be used to watch for wildfires, but has been decommissioned and serves as a beautiful view for tourists.

Below is a link to the park site, enjoy!!

http://www.mostateparks.com/park/taum-sauk-mountain-state-park

Elephant Rock SP

Ok, this area isn't exactly off trail or hard to find - but it is worth a post for sure! If you haven't been there, go. If you have been there, go again. Seriously, it's that good.

You can explore anywhere you can actually get to. Climbing is without restriction and encouraged! There are rocks ranging from the size of your hand, to the size of a large car. I would plan on spending at least an hour and a half to see the park depending on how fast you move.

At Elephant Rock SP I saw individuals ranging in age from 6 to 66 enjoying the area and being challenged. It is a good place to take the family or to just explore on your own/with friends. This is one of the few places I've found that I think it's more fun with company, simply because it's fun to race across the tops of the rocks and challenge one another to different levels of jumps and climbs.  

Every time I have been there, it has been very busy, so be prepared. It is very unlikely you'll get the place to yourself. But, no matter how busy, it's always possible to find corners that you'll have to yourself. 

Below is a link for the park's website where you can find directions. The park will also appear on most GPS systems. 

https://www.mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park 

Hercules Glades WA

Ok, I know this is going to get repetitive, but this has got to be the best place I've visited all year! Seriously worth the 2.5 hour drive - I just wish I had brought my gear with me. Anyway, on to the area. You start by parking your car on the side of the road in a cleared area and cross the road to get to the trail head (There are three trail heads in the area that lead to six different trails which, combined, make up about 42 miles worth of hiking. Not too shabby. But for this post I will focus on the trail I took today). You'll hike for about 2.7 miles along the trail before you come to Long Creek, which is the main attraction. On your way there you will pass through both woodland and desert like plateaus.
Going in the spring offered me a unique view of the many flowering trees and wildflowers that thrive in these types of environments.

But nothing along the entrance trail compares to the Long Creek (which, if you cross the creek when you first come to it, you'll find the trail continues to run along beside). So, instead of words, I'm just going to give you pictures. Though they definitely fall short in capturing the beauty that was there.

When you reach the split in the trail, take the right path if you wish to camp (there is a fairly large area cleared for your tent), but if you wish to continue along the water way take the path to your left. 

It has been fairly dry, so I can only imagine what this place looks like after a heavy rain! Though I would not look forward to trying to hike down to this point in the mud - it would be a slippery slide, that's for sure! 

The trail from the car to the river and back was only about 5.5 miles long, so it's an easy day hike for anyone who doesn't want to camp. I must warn you, once you see this place, you'll never want to leave. I really regret not having my gear with me. As I said earlier, the trails connect to make up 42 miles, so there is plenty of space to roam and eat up the days. Who knows what else is out there to be found? 

To get there you will take hwy 160 east from Forsyth. Stay on this road 21 miles and turn left (north) on hwy 125. Continue on this road for 6.3 miles and turn left (west) on Blair Ridge Road. There is a sign here for the Hercules Glades, but it is so old you can't read it until you are right on top of it. Stay on Blair Ridge Road 2.3 miles and there will be a parking area on your left. The TH will be directly across the road :) 

Below is a topo map of the area, enjoy!