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.
These bluffs give you a bird’s eye view over the river valley below and the surrounding hills.
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area is located just 12 miles west along Highway 94 from Hermann, Mo., known for its Oktoberfest.
Length and Workout at Grand Bluffs
It is one mile up to the bluff and one mile back hike. It is strenuous so be prepared for a good workout.
At the Parking Lot
I pulled up into the gravel parking lot being the only person here. I looked up to the front of the lot and found a box filled with brochures on the hike and picked one, which was right by the “Welcome to Grand Bluffs Conservation Area” sign.
Heading Up The Trail
The climb begins up a rocky surface through a forested slope. You will see white oak, black oak, post oak, sugar maple, and red oak trees.
This trail starts out through private property on both sides so stay on the trail in this section.
Into the Conservation Area
A welcome sign on a fence post greets you once you have entered the conservation area. This also lets you know you are about halfway.
The next major landmark is the fishless pond. It is filled with algae. I didn’t see a way to observe it closer without going through a lot of underbrush. I am sure a lot of frogs and snakes find this pond home.
On the open ridge, I noticed the area included persimmon, sumac, along with bluestem grass.
Back in the Woods
Then I entered the woods again coming across large rock boulders and sandstone covered by lichen.
Then I walked down towards the lookout platform. Here you will have views of the surrounding valleys and hills through the openings in the trees.
Then you come to a straightaway on the trail to the platform high above the valley below.
At the Lookout
An informational board on Lewis & Clark can be found here. William Clark, who was the main cartographer, would routinely climb to a vantage point like Grand Bluffs. From the overlook, the scene spans 20 or 30 miles up and down the river.
Landscape views helped them improve map sketches, take measurements, identify landmarks, estimate distances, and learn the character of land along important tributaries such as the nearby Gasconade River.
In the Past
The river of 1804 had a wider channel than today. Looking closely below you can follow the curve of an old river channel that trailed against the bluff, then curled across the bottomland. Lewis and Clark camped near this bluff in 1804.
Spending Time at the Lookout
I took my time hereafter doing the hike up here. I walked down from the platform onto the bluff. Be very careful in doing this. Under the platform, I found two lawn chairs. I wonder if this is for those who make it up here to take a break?
It is a really amazing view since you can see a long way. Far in the distance was forested hills across the river. Below you out of view is the Katy Trail, a rail-to-trail bicycle trail that goes across Missouri, along with the highway near the river. Then in both directions are the eroded white bluffs that make this area grand.
Careful Heading Back
I headed back the way I came. It is easier going down, but you have to watch your step since it is steep in places.
NOTE: This conservation area is in an Emergency Planning Zone since Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center (nuclear power plant) is not far away as the crow flies. A sign at the front of the trailhead provides you information on what to do in an event of an emergency.
DETAILS
Drive: About an hour and a half from the St. Louis area. Take exit 188 for State Highway A/State Highway B towards Truxton. Turn left onto State Highway A/State Highway B and then turn right onto State Highway B and stay on this for 10. 5 miles. Then turn right onto Missouri Highway 94 West for 15.7 miles then turn right onto Bluffton Road for .3 miles before seeing a gravel parking lot on your right for the conservation area.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Free
Address: Rhineland, MO 65069
Nearby Sites
Bluffton
The town below Grand Bluffs is the aptly named town of Bluffton which you drive through on the way to the conservation area.
The large white house near the gravel road that you take up to the conservation area was built in 1879 out of the material of a pilothouse of a wrecked steamboat.
If you want to stay longer in the area you can find Steamboat Junction Campground near Bluffton along Highway 94.
Katy Trail
If you want to see the bluffs from below you can do that by walking or bicycling along the Katy Trail. It might be easier to see the bluffs in the winter when there is less foliage.
Although, there is no trailhead parking within five miles of the bluff. (I think you can unofficially park where the trailhead meets Highway 94 in Bluffton, but I can’t officially endorse this though and I didn’t do this myself.) The town of Portland has parking at Katy Trail Mile Marker 115.9 and Rhineland has parking at Katy Trail Marker 105.
Hermann
About 12 miles away from the conservation area is Hermann, Mo., a German town known for its many wineries. Here you can also visit the German heritage sites of Deutschheim State Historic Site and German School Museum. There are also a number of bed and breakfasts and restaurants in town.
Last Week’s blog was on nearby Graham Cave State Park, which is just 30 minutes from Grand Bluff!
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.
More Dad Hikes With High Views
Spending the Day at Castlewood State Park
Cliffside walks along the Meramec River and wading in Kiefer Creek were part of our day at Castlewood State Park.
Dad Hikes: Cliff Cave Park
Near St. Louis is Cliff Cave Park with panoramic Mississippi River views and a cave to check out along its trails.
Bee Tree Park: A Mississippi Bluff Fit For a Telephone Executive
A former telephone executive mansion, Mississippi River views, and a forested lake were part of my explorations of Bee Tree County Park in south St. Louis County.
Dad Hikes: Same A. Baker State Park
Wet-weather waterfalls splashing down through boulders and a lookout across the St. Francois Mountains await you on the Shut-Ins Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park.
Dad Hikes: Olin Nature Preserve
A bubbly waterfall and a monument to the Underground Railroad were found on the trails at the Olin Nature Preserve along with Mississippi River views.
Dad Hikes: 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.
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!
