Explore Shut-Ins on a Lower Rock Creek Hike

See waterfalls, shut-ins, creek cascades, pink boulders, and pine-studded hills at Lower Rock Creek, located 12 miles southwest of Fredericktown, MO.

This is a 4-mile natural surface hike with a 325-foot elevation gain. The trail is unclear in some places, so consider bringing a map and compass. I used the AllTrails app but encountered some issues. Be aware that this is a remote location.

The area is also known as Cathedral Canyon because of its impressive 400-foot-tall rock walls. It is also known as Dark Hollow, which it resembles on cloudy days or in the late afternoon.

It is located in the Mark Twain National Forest, just off Missouri Highway E and southwest of Fredericktown, Missouri.

Start of Hike

The day I was there, it was overcast, with a chance of rain. Since it is a canyon, I couldn’t really tell if the rain was coming, so I hoped for the best and was lucky that the rain came after I left.

I parked close to the beginning of the field road that leads to the trailhead.

*The road is filled with large potholes*

The road is more of a wide path with many gullies, so be warned if you decide to drive further down.

You will start the hike walking along the field road if you don't want to get your vehicle stuck in a gully. — *You will start the hike walking along the field road if you don’t want to get your vehicle stuck in a gully.*

Walking the Field Road

This part of the hike is easy to follow, along the field road.

Along the way, there are other pullouts. Eventually, you arrive at a field where people have parked and camped out.

*Last pullout parking area. Near the gate is the start of the trail.*

Next, I came to a gate and a smaller field. This is the end of pullout parking, and people have also had campfires at this location. At the gate, go to the left to start the trail.

*At the start of the hike, coming to a creek.*

*Crossing a small stream near the start.*

Beginning the Trail

First, I came to a creek, which I had to cross using some stepping stones. This broad, clear stream was ankle-deep the day I was there.

After crossing the stepping stones, I saw the trail once more. Now, I was on another wide path.

*Going to the left to head toward Lower Rock Creek.*

Next, you will come to a point where a trail goes left. Look for it while walking here; otherwise, you will be heading away from the creek.

Left Trail to Lower Rock Creek

Now, the trail narrows. I cross a small clear stream using some rocks.

Next, I am greeted by a box turtle on the path, who waits for me to pass.

Then, I came to a more significant stream filled with grey and lichen rocks.

It widens and goes along ledges, leading to pools of water and cascades.

*The stream becomes a waterfall as it flows into Lower Rock Creek.*

The trail follows this stream, which cascades into a waterfall. Water spreads over a rock face covered in lichen in all directions. It was spectacular on the day I was there, but the photos I took did not really capture it.

Walking down to Lower Rock Creek, looking left. — *Walking down to Lower Rock Creek looking left.*

Along Lower Rock Creek

The waterfall flows into Lower Rock Creek, and the trail continues on the right.

I used it a bit, along with bouldering in the creek below, to explore the rapids and cascades.

*I found a boulder with a small waterfall flowing behind it.*

As I continue on the path, I encounter a large rock and a small waterfall.

*Rocky terrain and hills along Lower Rock Creek*

Water flows gently alongside rocky walls, with hills visible in the distance.

Then, I arrived at another waterfall flowing into the creek.

Again, pictures and videos did not fully capture how the water flows over rocky walls and around stones.

Purple flowers are found between the rocks.

Further back, I find more rapids.

I leave the water and head up into the canyon on the right, where the creek runs through the rock-walled canyon.

I come to a small waterfall that goes through large rocks.

Since the area became less filled with shut-ins, I decided to head back, using more of the trail. I walked as far as I could until the canyon narrowed. It was harder to stay along the creek.

Taking in more views of Lower Rock Creek

Going Back

On the way back, I took more photos from different angles of the numerous cascades along the way. Then, I took a selfie near the river cascades.

As I walked back, I recalled that the trail veered to the right of the first falls, and someone had made a campfire on the other side of the first falls.

*Finding my way around the large waterfall as I headed back.*

Getting Confused

I walked a short way down the creek going east before seeing once more where the canyon came to the creek’s edge. I turned around at the campground, scrambled up by the falls, and found the trail again.

This time, I noticed why the trail looks a little off: some of it has become more like a creek than a trail.

Then I made a right and back to the creek crossing and the gate.

*Another view of Lower Rock Creek Canyon*

Final Thoughts

This is a beautiful walk, and my pictures don’t do it justice. It is wild, wooly, and remote, so be prepared. Be cautious when walking near the brooks and seepages entering Lower Rock Creek, as the rocks can be slippery. I looked for dry spots so I didn’t slip and fall. The trail can be overgrown, so use bug spray to keep off ticks.

When walking along Lower Creek, take a moment to enjoy the area beside the creek, but be cautious and mindful of your footing on the rocks.

Again, here it is about being in true Missouri Ozark Shut-Ins!

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 55 south, then exit 174B onto U.S. Highway 67 south. After that, exit onto Missouri Highway E going west.

*Crossing a lower water bridge to the pull-off.*

After crossing the St. Francis River on Highway E, you will find County Road 511 on your right. Follow this road across a low water bridge; shortly after, you will see a field road on your right. This field road is the path for the hike.

I parked in the first pull-off on the right. This is a rough road and can only be driven by high-clearance vehicles. Your only other option is to pull off on the side of Madison 511, but be sure to be off the road so as not to block traffic.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Address: 1026 Madison 9540, Fredericktown, MO 63645