Box canyons, dripping waterfalls, and fern-filled cliffs are the sights and sounds and Hickory Canyons Natural Area.

Natural State of the Area

This area is botanically rich, supporting 541 native vascular plant species and 152 bryophytes (liverworts and mosses) species. A number of these species are considered glacial relicts. Glacial relicts are species that were more common in Missouri 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age and survive in microclimates like this area.

The Lamotte sandstone here was formed from the sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed 500 million years ago. Layers of limestone were deposited over the sandstone, but millions of years of erosion and uplift of the Ozark Plateau exposed the sandstone found here.

The Hikes

Hiking here involves two hikes. A one-mile hike begins on the other side of the parking area and across from Sprott Road and a half-mile hike starts from the parking lot. Look for two wooden poles designating each trail entrance. After you walk a little way on the side of the trails are map boards showing where the trails go.

Waterfall Trail

The trail is a natural surface and the area is rocky with numerous cliffs and you will come across some side trails for further exploration.

Starting The Trail

As I headed into the forest I noticed a bright red mushroom growing up among some tree roots. I was taking my time today since I was only hiking here and I wanted to look closer at the forest than sometimes I do.

Trees and Plant Life

The upper areas of this walk begin with shortleaf pine, oak trees, and highbush blueberry. As I headed down into the canyon I found sugar maples, pawpaw, spicebush, and wild azalea.

Into the Canyon

The canyon walk here includes cliffs, ledges, overhangs, and ends with wet weather. I looked into the overhangs and ferns that grew along with them as I began to hear the pitter-patter of water.

Waterfall

The waterfall on the day I came was large drips coming down the cliffside. A small pond formed at the bottom of the falls with a small brook. I have seen photos of a streaming waterfall here after a large rain shower, so it can be heavier at times.

Walking Along the Cliff

I noticed a small trail heading up into the cliffs on the other side of where I can come down to the waterfall and I decided to explore this trail. You can take this trail along the cliffs to where it ends opening up into a large open area where power lines cross the hills.

Above the Cliff

I followed a trail that went above the cliffs and headed back towards the waterfall. This added to the walk and made this trail more of a loop as opposed to out and back. The trail crosses the water before it cascades to form the waterfall. Be careful here so you don’t go down the waterfall. It was slippery today. Nex the trail rounded back to the main trail. I enjoyed this added adventure. If I come back here I’ll do this loop again.

Another Side Trail

Before you turn right to head towards the waterfall there is another side trail that goes down to the brook below. I didn’t explore this time and will leave it for something new to see next time.

1 Mile Loop Trail

I hiked this trail counter-clockwise to save the best for last. This trail is not as spectacular as the other one but has more variety of sites.

Beginning the Trail

I had a copy of the trail map with me. The trail is not used as much going counterclockwise so I had to keep a watchful eye on elevation and direction as I went.

Going Down

First, know this trail is going straight down. I came to a rock outcropping and a trail went to the left of me and I looked at the map and knew I needed to keep going ahead and not turn. Possibly, I might check this side trial out next time.

Along this trail, some ferns have taken over rock outcroppings. The cliffs in this area are always interesting to look out for plant life and shapes.

Creekside

The trail turns left and follows a rocky creek crossing back and forth. I like the cascades on the slick-rock bottom.  

Heading Up

Now you head up into the rocky terrain of the canyon. You’ll know you’re going in the right direction when you come to the sign “Caution – Steep Bluffs Ahead.” Now you are in the box canyon area.

Exploring Here

When you come to the stairs this is the end of the canyon area. I decided to check out the canyon area more. A large rock ledge creates almost a cave to walk into. I didn’t follow it down.

Instead, I went up along a bluff that juts out between two parts of the canyon. Be careful here. A small trail here goes out into the center of the bluff ending at a point.

Drip Waterfall

On the other side of this bluff is another drip waterfall. It is very steep here so don’t go into this area unless you have hiking boots on so you don’t lose your grip. I walked down towards the bottom looking up at the high cliff above me then carefully walked back up.

Up the Stairs

I walked back up the stairs and took the trail to the parking area. There was one other side trail that ended at some more cliffs. I also found a yellow flower in rocky soil that I’ve never seen before. You never know what you’ll discover in hiking.

Back at the SUV

I ate a sandwich and checked out the map. I decided to drive back using Highway 67 instead of Interstate 55 exploring more of the backcountry in this area. Doing the loop made the drive a lot more pleasant on the way home.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 55 south to Exit 154 for Highway O and take it west to Highway 32. Make a right onto MO-32 which you’re on for a short time before making a right onto Highway C then a left onto Sprott Road and look for parking for the Natural Area on your left.

Hours: Area closed from 10 pm to 4 am.

Address: Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

More Dad Hikes to Waterfalls

Lon Sanders Canyon: My Favorite Shut-Ins Short Hike

Waterfalls and shut-ins in a rocky gorge are what you will find at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in the Missouri Ozarks.

Olin Nature Preserve

A bubbly waterfall and a monument to the Underground Railroad were found on the trails at the Olin Nature Preserve.

Dad 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.

This state park also has waterfalls when it rains and babbling brooks along with a river nearby. 

Luckily the day we went as a family the waterfalls were flowing.

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!