Hiking through a forest to lookouts of the St. Francois Mountains and stops along the rocky Big River were the highlights of the trail at Bootleg Access.
Starting the Trail at Bootleg Access
The trail is a loop starting at the farthest parking area.
Here I headed to the left to head up the hillside first. I would recommend doing it this way otherwise you’re starting from the bottom and will face stairs at the end.
Heading Up
The start of the trail is along the bluffs before you start to curve into the hillside. You will come across two old wooden bridges as you go further along. Then you’ll curve around the backside of the main hill before arriving at a lookout.
Lookout
This is probably the best part. I could see three huge hills in the distance. Wooded hills closer in and then make out a green valley. It was worth stopping for a moment to take it all in.
Through the Woods
The trail is easier to see here since it is rocky and goes pretty straight. I like that it follows the ridgeline down towards the river.
Also, look for a large tree with a small wood fence around the bottom to know you are still going the right way.
I also found another bench to sit at and have a small view of the distant wooded hills. There is another bench after this, but it is only surrounded by woods.
The Stairs
You’ll know you’re at the end of the hill part when you reach the stairs. At the bottom, you are near the Big River. I walked towards the river along a dry brook for a bit to check out the river. If you want you could probably spend a little time here around the river.
Bluffside Walk
Bluffs are on the right of you and the river is on the left. The problem with this area it’s filled with weeds. It is not necessarily hard to follow, just very weedy. The bluffs had interesting striations on them but I couldn’t focus on that since I was using all my effort to get past the weeds and cobwebs. I even picked up a walking stick to make this part of the trail easier.
At one point the trail went through a muddy section and I had to walk towards one side to get around it. Not fun.
If cleared, this would be an easy section since it is wide in here, since this was part of an old creek bed it seems.
By the River
The trail goes to the left nearer the Big River. Here there are small paths out to the river. It looks like some people had parties here, with campfire rings at different sand bars. A small creek rapid was by remnants of a campfire. This area is worth exploring. If I had sandals on I might have taken a dip in the water
First Parking Lot
I decided to drive down to the first parking area. Here there is a short trail down to the Big River in which you can put a kayak or small boat into the river. If I had brought my water shoes I might have spent some time exploring the river.
Points to Consider at Bootleg Access
First, a word of warning, the 1.5-mile trail is not well maintained so you have to work to stay on the trail. I kept my eye open for trail markings, benches, and looking over the trail brochure I got at the wooden sign by the parking lot.
This is a trail you do if you want a challenge after hiking the nearby Hughes Mountain Trail. It is not a destination trail, although I still enjoyed it.
Also, make sure to spray yourself well with Deet to keep off the ticks since you’re walking through some high weeds in parts. I’ve read hiking reviews where people have found ticks on themselves even after doing this. I didn’t have a problem the day I went.
Final Thoughts
I think this is again a good jaunt for an added addition to Hughes Mountain. Also, if after you’re done hiking and want to take some time exploring a streambed this is also an option. If I come this way again I might check out the river and not do the hike here.
DETAILS
Drive: Drive Interstate 55 out of St. Louis. Then take exit 174B onto US-67 toward Bonne Terre/Farmington. Next, take the exit for US 67 BUS/MO-8 toward Desloge/Park Hills. Turn right onto MO-8 W/ Marty Drive and continue on this highway until you get to State Highway M and make a right onto this road. Then turn right onto Highway 21 and after crossing Big River look for the road on your right to turn into Bootleg Access.
Hours: 4 am – 10 pm daily
Admission: Free
Address: Potosi, MO 63664
PAST DAD HIKES SPOTLIGHT
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Dad Hikes — 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!
