A mineshaft and a cascading river rushing through the remains of a stone cut dam are what awaits you at Silver Mines Recreation Area.

Before Hiking the Trail

I parked across a low water bridge from the trailhead for the 1.4-mile Air-Conditioner Trail and paid my admission. There are signs everywhere telling you to pay, so I think they are serious about it.

Here the St. Francis River flows through some boulders and so I took a moment to take some photos before crossing a low water bridge, formerly the bridge for Highway D, to the other side to the trailhead.

A mother and two kids were playing in the water in a sandy and pebble beach area down from the bridge by the campground. If I was here with my son I probably would have done the same. It looked like a clean and safe area to swim, but I did not have time today.

I headed across the bridge and looked along the road to my right. Just when I thought I walked too far from the river I saw the trailhead with a brown painted sign saying simply “Trail.”

High side of the Hike

I begin my ascent into the hills walking by igneous boulders spotted with different shades of green lichens.

The boulders become larger and look like rhinos or elephants in rock in size.

I somehow missed a spur to an overlook about halfway in the hike to the dam. It was supposed to be near a ravine with boulders. If I had done it I would have gained the first glimpse of the remains of the Einstein Mining Company’s dam below.

I walked through more boulders with ferns and mosses growing among them.

The Mine

Then I came to what looks like remains of building for the mining company with large stones forming a wall going into the hillside.

Then I look downhill and see the roof of the old log structure for the mineshaft. I walk up to it and look inside. You feel some cool air coming from down below, the “air-conditioning” that the trail is known for. The shaft is sealed with a grate.

A puddle of water is in front of the grate and I hear something move around in it, not sure if it was a snake or frog, but it quickly disappeared.

I walk around to the back of the metal roof of the mine shaft entrance and see a sinkhole. I would be careful walking around the back.

Next, I pass more rock walls and old foundations before coming to an opening in the woods.

Dam Area

Down from the mine, I began to walk through loose rocks and tailings from the mining. This is an open area and if my son was with me I would be holding him tight to me so we could make it down to the dam together.

The trail then skirts away from the loose rocks to the back of the dam. You have to look closely to follow it around.

In this area, there are some huge boulders and then the dam itself is made up of huge boulders cut to fit.

The dam has a large hole on the side since it is in disrepair and no longer used to power the equipment that was once used for mining. Water forms rapids in an opening in the dam.

Crossing the dam is possible, but only if the water is low like today and you have to mind your step. I was very careful in watching each step I made it across the opening.

The hiking book that I used doesn’t mention crossing the dam so it is up to you if you want to head back or do the tough part and find your way across the dam.

The dam holds back some water creating a pond and then on the other side water is pooled in among a lot of boulders and rocks. If I had more time I would have taken the view and relaxed a bit here.

The Dam Trail

I headed up the spur through boulders to the about half mile Dam Trail. You can take this trail to the left and head towards Millstream Gardens Conservation Area which has a shut-in or take it to your right and head back to the parking area as I was doing.

I headed up through the boulders but I am not sure if I was actually on the spur. Just know that halfway up the hillside from the dam is the Dam Trail. If you keep going straight up you’ll walk into a campground and you’ve gone too far.

Along this trail, a lookout on a cliff allows for views of the dam and river below. Just mind your step since it comes to a point.

I found some bright yellow flowers along the trail and admired them for a moment. This was an easy walk and I found myself right where I parked.

Final Thoughts

I could easily spend more time here. I might have walked up through the river some among the rocks or went towards Millstream Gardens. I might have also wandered around the dam area more. and ended the day swimming. This was one of my favorite hikes this summer.

Next Blog Entry

Silver Mines and Millstream Gardens Conservation Area are connected by trail, which I might do in the future after having explored both places. Check out my blog entry on Millstream Gardens for more information on this amazing place!

Details

Drive: I drove down Highway 67 south from St. Louis and got off at the exit for Highway 72 heading west and looked for Highway D heading south. There is signage from the Silver Mines Recreation Area at the intersection. I parked at the first turn off for the recreation area. This has the largest parking area. You can take the second turn off but there is less parking there. If the river is high and you still want to do the hike I would park on the small lot from the second turn off since you have to walk across a low water bridge to get to the hiking trail by the mine.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset with camping available

Admission: $5 and self-service. I took a brown envelope from a wooden box by the information board and left one slip of paper off the envelope on the dashboard writing my information on the tab. Then the envelope went into another wooden box nearby with the money in it and my information also written on it.

Address: Highway D, Ironton, MO 63650

MORE DAD HIKES

Millstream Gardens

Majestic pines, huge rock boulders creating shut-ins, and rapids greet you at Millstream Gardens Conservation Area. In the spring when the water is high, this area is known for its whitewater kayaking competitions.

Sunflowers and Ferry Rides

Our family adventure included fields of golden sunflowers and a Mississippi River ferry ride.

Illinois Mississippi River Bluffs

My journey today was to explore two trails along the bluffs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River just south of St. Louis.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

Walking among the green stalks of a cornfield and admiring the lakeside flowers were part of our adventure on Walker’s Island at Horseshoe Lake State Park.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park with its huge gray boulders and splashing water slide-like rapids is a hiking and swimming destination.

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!