Small waterfalls splash across sandstone brooks and a rock shelter cave can be found at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area south of Eureka, Mo.
Our Time at LaBarque Creek
Watch for potholes as you drive the gravel road to the parking area.
To one side of the lot are two carved wooden benches if you need a break after the almost three-mile hike.
Start of the Hike
Crossing a bridge over LaBarque Creek, I looked down below to see a clear stream flowing through rocks and pebbles. If I had my son with me I would probably let him play in the creek either before or after the hike.
Next, we headed towards a boardwalk that led to some wooden steps. These are new since we had been here last and a nice addition to the hike.
Going Up
Heading above the creek it was really muddy due to recent rains. We tried to stay to the side, so we didn’t slip or sink into it.
Loop Marker
I stopped at the loop marker and asked if David wanted to go to the left or right on the trail. Going right would mean seeing the more interesting areas first and heading left meant saving these scenic spots for last.
We decided to go left and luckily less muddy as we entered groves of evergreens.
Occasionally, I would come across a bluff that I would stand on for a moment and look out into the forest and hills around us.
Rock Garden
The best part of this section of the trail is a rock garden area. Trees have rooted themselves among the large rocks and boulders.
One boulder area with an embedded tree creates a sitting area. Nice place to have lunch if we had brought it with us, I thought.
Rocks and boulders were strewn throughout this area and it was worth stopping for a while to check it all out.
Half-Way Point
A marker showed 1.5 miles, at least I think it did, since some vandal and tore up the sign on top. I never understand why people have to do this.
After this point, the trail turns right on the ridge and heads down towards LaBarque Creek with numerous brooks flowing towards the creek.
Rock Shelter
We heard a mother with a girl that shouted, “I found a cave.” Below us were cliffs and farther afield was a brook that went across rocky terrain.
I saw the family down from us. Along the side of the cliff was a rope with sort of a sandstone ramp. I used the rope to go down and was now in a gorge near a stream.
Here I found a small waterfall that flowed over a rock shelter. It was cave-like since you could be below. The water shimmered and flowed across the sandstone.
I didn’t stay too long since the kids were having a fun time splashing around and didn’t want to disturb them in their antics.
I walked around the area for a bit checking out small rock shelters and cliff areas further down.
When we come back here next time, I will let my son spend time exploring here.
Back to the Trail
I used the rope to go up to the trail. Next, we crossed over sandstone with water flowing down it.
This area had many little brooks flowing down to the creek.
Sandstone Glade
Another favorite stopping point of mine is a sandstone glade. Water flows freely from different directions creating little pools here and there.
It is an expansive area that you can walk around with a foundation of rock with water flowing through it.
One Last Waterfall
After passing the glade we passed one last waterfall that went straight down from high above. It was the last scenic stop before reaching the loop’s end.
Heading Back
It was easier going down the muddy trail than going up which made it that much nicer.
Final Thoughts on LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
Even though it was muddy, it was worth hiking here when it has rained recently since it produces a lot of water flowing across the sandstone rock.
I am glad we left the best for last making the experience here that much better.
Although, if we had my son I probably would have gone to the right and took him to the rock shelter and let him play around. Since he might have gotten bored doing the other part of the hike, which only had the rock garden to enjoy.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 44 out of St. Louis and then take exit 264 and Go south on Hwy 109 from I-44 in Eureka, then take Hwy FF to Highway F. Make a left onto Highway F and look for Doc Sergent Road on the right after crossing LaBarque Creek. Then make a left onto Valley Drive and look for parking for the conservation area along this road.
Hours: 4 am – 10 pm
Address: Eureka, Highway 109, Pacific, MO 63069
Nearby Hikes
Much to Explore at Babler State Park
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park has a cave-like spring, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architect, and many hiking trails to explore.
Many Trails to Choose From at Rockwoods Reservation
Hiking in Rockwoods Reservation you come across caves, old mines, and a spring. In this 1,880- acre conservation area just outside of St. Louis, you can hike several different trails through forest, grassland, and hills.
Dad Hikes: Along In the Woods at Rockwoods Range
Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you.
Hiking Fox Creek Spur Loop at Rockwoods Range
On a spring day, I did about a 3.2-mile hike combining parts of four trails for a loop at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. This hike includes an uphill hike and then downhill following a brook with small waterfalls and green lichen rock.
Dad Hikes: 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.
This park has an interesting past and is known for its trail along the Meramec River and especially the cliffs at the top.
HIking at a Route 66 Ghost Town
Hiking along a former street in a ghost town near the skeletal remains of a Route 66 bridge across the Meramec River was my destination. This area has a lot of history, from once being a resort town to becoming contaminated by the dangerous chemical of dioxin.
