Stroll through limestone glades, follow clear rocky creeks, and explore a small cave at Danville Conservation Area. This park is located just off Interstate 70 near the exit for Hermann, Mo.
The hike is 3 miles with creek crossings and 256 feet of elevation gain.
Heading to the Trailhead
I drove down Missouri Highway RB until it turned to gravel. Before you reach the conservation area sign, turn down the gravel road on the left to access the Glades Trail. This windy gravel road descends a high hill to the trailhead.
At the Trailhead
When I arrived at the trailhead parking lot, I wasn’t sure where the trail began. My Alltrails app wasn’t working due to limited cell coverage.
Then, I noticed a field road on the right; this marks the beginning of the trail. A small trail marker on the pole holds a wire to stop drivers from using the field road.
Start of Trail
First, I needed to cross the clear, rocky streambed. I found a spot to the right where the creek narrowed around larger rocks. This stream bed may shift, but if you look closely, there are other areas to cross.
Now, I followed the mowed field road that runs along the creek.
It at first heads slowly uphill.
I came to another rocky brook crossing that I could easily cross.
Walking along, I came across a small waterfall near the trail.
Water flows across limestone, so it is worth monitoring the streams here, especially after a recent shower.
Next, I came to an open area created by a powerline cut.
Spring and Going Up
Then, I arrived at a circular pond. I heard the sound of water flowing and realized it was spring-fed. This is a great spot for a water bottle break before starting the rocky trek up the hill.
At the top of the hill, you will come to a mowed intersection. Go to the right. The other way ends at the conservation area property line.
Ridge Top Walk
Prairie grass grows tall on both sides of the mowed path.
Even though you are on higher ground, the path can be muddy in certain areas.
On the right, I came to a plant-filled pond.
A second one was clear and had frogs croaking until I approached it.
To the Glades
The trail then curves to the right and enters a small forest, where it becomes rocky. From my position on the hillside, I could see the gravel road I had driven to reach the trailhead.
A bit further along, I arrived at a glade, from which I could see the distant river, hills, and valleys beyond.
The glades are a mixture of open grasslands with rocky areas in between.
Looking closely, you can see some cactus growing near the rocks.
After descending some rocky terrain, I reached the bottom of the hill—a field road branches off to the left and toward the back of the property.
Bottom of the Hill
I walked to the right and found the creek I had crossed earlier. This section featured small waterfalls and rapids.
Then, I continued a short distance to the first pull-off before reaching the trailhead.
Small Cave
Then, looking back towards the creek, I noticed a faint trail near a low bluff. This trail led to a small cave and a long cliff overhang. Water drips from the top. I walked around under it and long it.
At the far end, a tree created an intricate roof system exposed by the creek. The water raced around it. This scenic spot was worth stopping at just off the first pull-off.
Heading back
Next, I walked through the first pull-off along the road to the trailhead. I was happy that I saved the best for last.
Final Thoughts
The best parts were the two creek sections at the beginning and the end. I also enjoyed the spring-fed pond and the walk through the glades. If I was with my kid and he was not up for a long hike, I would do an outback hike to the pond and then the cave. This area felt surprisingly remote even though you are right off Interstate 70.
More About the Conservation Area
The 2,654-acre conservation area is primarily wooded and features numerous ridges between the tributaries of the Clear, Pinch, and Dishwater creeks. Limestone glades, dolomite, and sandstone woodland are similar to habitats south of the Missouri River in the Ozarks.
Dry glades support pale-purple coneflower, prairie clovers, and Indian paintbrush plants.
DETAILS
Pets are permitted on a leash, and I brought my dog out the day I was here.
NOTE: The area is popular with deer and turkey hunters, so be aware of them during hunting season and consider wearing brightly colored clothes.
Also, the area is historically known as “The Snake Ranch” because of the purported abundance of snakes. Much of the landscape can be described as suitable for snakes. I visited in early spring and did not see any due to the season.
I recommend coming here in winter, late fall, or early spring, as much of the trail system is made up of mowed walkways that can be overgrown in summer.
Directions: Take Interstate 70 to exit 175 for Missouri Highway 19 and make a left to go over the interstate. Then, make a right onto the Outer Road/ Tree Farm Road. Next, make a left onto Missouri Highway RB. There is a gravel road at the end of the highway, just before the conservation sign on the left. Take that road to the end for the trailhead.
Hours: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m., Daily
Address: Danville Conservation Area, New Florence, MO 63363
MORE NEARBY HIKES
Prehistoric Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park is right off Interstate 70 and is a hike into ancient history. Hiking through the park you walk in the footsteps of hunters-gathers thousands of years ago who found shelter in Graham Cave.
Grand Bluffs: Hiking High Above The Missouri River
A view from 300-foot high bluffs, some of the highest along the Missouri River, awaits you at Grand Bluffs Conservation Area near Hermann, Mo.
