BEDH_St_Louis-14

Distance: 5.8-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: More challenging due to length

Best season: Fall through spring

Park hours: Open 24 hours

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: None

Maps: USGS Okete; park map available at visitor center

Trail contacts: Cuivre River State Park, 678 SR 147, Troy, MO 63379; (636) 528-7247; www.mostateparks.com/cuivre.htm

Special considerations: Use caution when crossing park roads. Ticks and poison ivy are common during summer.

Finding the trailhead: From St. Louis take I-64 West/US 40 West for about 40 miles until the road becomes US 61 North. Continue on US 61 North for 14.8 miles to the MO 47 exit (toward Troy). Turn right onto MO 47 and drive 3.1 miles. Turn left onto MO 147 and continue for 1.8 miles to the visitor center. At the visitor center turn right onto Lincoln Hills Road; drive 5 miles through the park until the road meets MO KK. The parking area is to the right. The trailhead is located across MO KK. GPS: N39 3.948 / W90 55.997

The Hike

Located northwest of St. Louis, Cuivre River State Park stands in contrast to other natural areas located in northern Missouri. Its landscape is comparable in many ways to that of the Ozarks, and the cave, springs, sinkholes, rocky creeks, and dramatic limestone bluffs found here make it a worthy destination for any hiker. The visitor center offers displays on the area’s cultural and natural history, as well as restrooms, water, and park maps.

From the trailhead parking area, cross MO KK and locate the Lone Spring Trail about 30 yards to the left (northwest). A sign alerts visitors that they are entering the Northwoods Wild Area, and a smaller sign marks the beginning of the Lone Spring Trail. Enter the woods here and turn left (west) onto Lone Spring Trail. After 0.3 mile reach the trailhead register. Sign in before turning right (northwest) to continue on Lone Spring Trail.

At 1.3 miles come to a spur trail that forks left and leads to Lone Spring and a wooden bench, which offers an ideal place to relax. After taking in the sights of Lone Spring, follow the spur trail back to Lone Spring Trail and continue northeast, passing a sinkhole on the right. Avoid the spur trail at 1.6 miles, which leads to a backcountry campsite; follow the yellow arrow east to continue on the Lone Spring Trail.

Reach a spur trail at 2.5 miles that heads north for 0.5 mile to Shady-Eighty Ranch Lake. This spur offers a nice side trip and primitive camping options.

At 3.0 miles cross MO KK and continue to the Lone Spring Trail–South Loop. The trail branching to the west leads back to the trailhead parking area and can be used to shorten your hike. Enter a grove of eastern cedar after 4.0 miles. Shortly after, cross Lincoln Hills Road and follow the trail as it turns to the northwest.

After 5.3 miles cross MO KK for the final time. Follow the trail into the woods and turn right (east) at the trailhead register, following the trail back to the trailhead parking area.

Miles and Directions

0.0From the trailhead enter the woods and turn left (west) onto Lone Spring Trail.

0.3Come to the trailhead register. After signing in, turn right (northwest) to continue on the Lone Spring Trail.

1.3Reach a spur trail branching to the left. Go left to visit Lone Spring, or stay right to continue on the Lone Spring Trail.

1.6Come to a spur trail leading to the backcountry camping area; stay straight (east) to continue on the main trail.

2.5Pass the spur trail, branching to the north, for Shady-Eighty Ranch Lake.

3.0Continue southeast and cross MO KK.

4.0Enter grove of eastern cedars.

4.1Cross Lincoln Hills Road and continue on the trail as it turns to the northwest.

5.3Cross MO KK and follow the trail into the woods. Turn right (east) at the trailhead register.

5.8Return to trailhead.