Crossing Creeks at Young Conservation Area

Walking along a clear stream, going up into Ozark hills and through a pine forest was part of my three-mile hike at Young Conservation Area.

Hiking the Taconic Trail combines two loops and provides variety in what you see with ponds, stream crossings, and creek views.

Conservation sign by the parking lot — Young Conservation sign by the trailhead.

Starting the Taconic Trail Hike

I headed out of the parking area down the trail close to the trailhead sign. This walk started through a field.

I took a side-mowed trail down to a pond to look for frogs and turtles in the water. This trail goes back to the main trail further down from the start.

Next, the trail goes along pebble and sand-filled LaBarque Creek. Side trails go out and back down closer to the creek if you want to spend more time here.

This trail intersects near a cement bridge on the right that will take me across the creek to the main part of the conservation area.

Along the bridge, you are high over the creek for distance views of the water below.

Going to a Pond

After the bridge, another side trail heads up to another pond. I hiked uphill to it and checked it out. It is surrounded by forest and you can walk across a dam to where the path dead ends.

I then followed this trail back to the main one.

Along the Main Loop

Now I headed to where the loop for the Taconic Trail begins.

Crossing the creek that eventually flows into LaBarque Creek.

I came to a rocky creek and crossed it into the forest.

Going uphill now and through woods and even into a pine grove.

I came out of the grove to an open prairie area created by powerlines then back in trees now closer to LaBarque Creek.

Making the loop, I crossed the powerline cut once more and the creek.

Back Along LaBarque Creek

This time I walked along the high cliffs above LaBarque Creek instead of going by the pond. Small trails lead out to creek views along the bluffs.

This was a pleasant walk listening to the creek gurgle below.

Going to the parking lot instead of along LaBarque Creek.

Returning Across the Bridge

Instead of walking along the creek back to the car, I went the other way around that comes out on the far side of the parking lot. It was a faster way to get back to the car, but not as interesting since it goes through fields and near the main road.

Final Thoughts

The pebble-filled LaBarque Creek flows through the center of the conservation area and next time I am here I might spend more time exploring it. More than likely I will check out the other trail in the conservation area.

LaBarque Hills Trail

The 3.5 Mile LaBarque Hills Trail meanders along streams and rolling hills past seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers, and oak-hickory forests. The trailhead is located along the southeastern portion of the Taconic Loop Trail.