Best Day Hikes in Southeast Missouri

Nestled in the hills of Southeast Missouri, you will find scenic beauty and nature abounding along miles of organized trails.

In Pickle Springs Natural Area located just outside of Farmington on AA Highway, you will find a 2-mile hiking trail that winds through cut-away boulders, alongside the natural springs that feed numerous small falls, and to the scenic lookout point. At the halfway mark, leave the trail and climb to the natural cave that stays a cool 65 degrees in the summer.

Travel south to Fredericktown, Missouri and enjoy the breathtaking views at Silver Mines Campground and Nature Trail. This mile long trail leads you high above the St. Francois River bank and to the entrance to the once lucrative mine. Just off the trail one can find the building block remains of the mining town that once supported the miners and their families. The trail ends with the man-made dam you can walk out on for great photo ops. Visit this area in late March and catch the Missouri Paddlers making their annual kayak run down the river.

North of Potosi on Missouri Highway 21, Washington County State Park hosts the 1,000 Steps Trail. Navigate over and under fallen trees and climb the steps up the cliff side to the scenic overlook complete with a shelter constructed of stone and timbers. The view from the top is one to behold.

Travel south on Missouri Highway 21 and you can find one of Missouri's most beautiful wonders, Elephant Rocks State Park. Centuries upon centuries of time have shaped the granite boulders that make up the trail at this glorious state park. Pack a lunch, bring the kids, and leashed dogs and make a day of this one. Recently, the trail that winds through the wilderness has been asphalted and widened for wheelchair access.

Southeast Missouri is loaded with these nature trails. For more information and driving directions to these scenic wonders, check out Missouri's Division of Tourism at www.visitmo.com.