Picture swimming with a Red Bluff towering above you on Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks carved by the elements over the past 10,000 years.

Red Bluff Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest was once home to timber mills, but now provides a serene place to enjoy nature.

We didn’t do much hiking here, but Andrew enjoyed his time swimming.

History

Early settlement of the area surrounded the Boyer Mill constructed around 1830. Railroads created a thriving timber industry until the supply was depleted. The U.S. Forest Service purchased the land in 1940 for recreation use.

The Area

Large 400-foot high red bluffs are on the opposite side of Huzzah Creek, gravel bars along the creek, a mixture of pools and riffles, and natural vegetation provide a backdrop for a very relaxing space for camping, hiking, or swimming.

Red Bluff Trail

This trail was closed at the time, but here is the description. Hope it opens back up soon.

The trailhead is across the main road from the picnic area. A sign for it can easily be seen from the road with the trail going up into the hills.

It is a 1.2-mile loop that winds through a pine plantation and big oak timber, into an adjoining hollow before returning to the campground area. The trail is estimated to take about a half-hour.

Small Trails

Small trails can be taken from the picnic area down to the river along with some trails going along the river although I didn’t explore them more since I was with my son and all he wanted to do was swim.

Swimming Area Parking

I parked in the picnic area and paid the fee of $3. Here we found a large picnic shelter and nearby restrooms. A small path leads down to the river from here.

Swimming Hole

The area nearest the picnic area has a swimming hole with the depth above five feet closer to the cliffs. 

The recreation area side of the shoreline starts shallow for the kids. Outside of this area, there are shallower places and rapids.

Exploring the Creek

Large rocks can be found in the deep pools so watch your step. A rope swing was tied up on the cliffside. Although the water looked to shallow to do that today.

Andrew and found a rock with lots of sparkly quartz in it. There are some interesting rocks along the creek.

It was not too busy here so we were near other people, but they were not on top of us.

If we wanted to we could have gone further down the creek to find our own space. Andrew wanted to swim in the deeper water so we didn’t.

Flooding

This area can experience flash floods and the river camping area was heavily damaged a few years ago and has been rebuilt since then. So be aware of the weather when you come.

Pines Campground

I stopped at the Pines Campground that includes views of the surrounding hills. The road for the campground comes to a circle with a lookout at the end. This was well worth the stop.

Davisville Natural Arch

My travel book provided details about this arch situated in a steep bluff overlooking Huzzah Creek. Walk towards the bluff from the entry road about 100 yards from the entrance where the white pines are planted you can find your way towards the arch. The bluff is steep here so you travel at your own risk and the path is unmarked. I was with my son so I wasn’t going to try this today.

Final Thought

Even though I didn’t do much hiking beside along the river, Andrew enjoyed himself swimming in the water. The stream was clear so you could easily see fish dart back and forth or look for crayfish.

Be aware the swimming hole had some depth nearer the large rocks. I think part of a milldam was in this area since I saw a partial wall with these huge rocks. Also, I saw some older kids diving from this area, which I would not recommend with the large rocks.

I found this is a worthy stop if you want to do some swimming, kayaking, or tubing on the Huzzah Creek.

Andrew added, “I wish my cousin could have come with us here.”

DETAILS:

The Drive

Red Bluff Recreation Area is about an hour and fifty minutes southwest of St. Louis.  Take Interstate 44 to Exit 208 for Highway 19 and go south. Then turn left onto Highway 49 at Cherryville.  Look for Highway V and turn left on that highway heading for Davisville. Just past Davisville look for a sign for Red Bluff Recreation Area and make a left turn into the area. If you cross Huzzah Creek you’ve gone too far.

Hours: Day Use: 6 am – 10 pm. Area restricted to campers only from 10 pm to 6 am.  Season: April through October.

Admission: $3 Day-Use Fee. At the picnic area look for envelopes and a pay station by the information board.  Camping is available.

Address: Davisville, MO 65456

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Dad Hikes is a new feature on my blog. Many times I will do these hikes alone to learn the lay of the land before we do it as a family. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!