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

History

A local legend has it that the canyon here was the hideout of Jesse James and Younger Brothers after they had robbed the nearby Gads Hill train on Jan. 31, 1874. Hiking through this area you can imagine them hiding out among the recesses of the McKenzie Creek Shut-Ins that flow through this conservation area.

At the Trailhead

The trailhead can be found at the stone pillar gates and small parking lot just off the paved Wayne County Road 341. From the gravel parking lot, you can go up into the hills of the loop trail here or head north along the creek or head south across a wood bridge that heads into the stone bluffs and shut-ins.

Along the Creek

I headed north first along the trail that had once been a service road. Here I followed along the creek that babbled over rocks and boulders. This was a simple hike that allowed me to relax a bit. Every once in a while I would step over by the creek taking a photo of the creek as it splashed along.

The trail comes to an area where the rock was quarried. This rock was cut for cobblestones for the streets of St. Louis.

Low Water Dam

Then I came to the remains of a low water dam. The water rushing out of the center creates a waterfall, which the canyon is known for.

The rocks of the dam and the nearby boulders create a shallow swimming hole. I stayed here a moment before heading on down the trail.

Further North

I passed another quarry and checked out the creek some more before the former service road now trail turned away from the creek. This road trail is wide and is an easy hike.

I followed the former road until it came to the street. I had missed a turn to go up the hillside for the loop.

Up the Hillside

I walked back and then saw a stack of wood and next to it the trail heading up into the hillside.

At the top, there is a former foundation but I was not sure what that was for. The best part was I heard a large rustling and then a swooping noise. I had scared a deer that rushed quickly off into the woods.

This is not a long trail and after heading to the top the trail goes back to the parking lot after having gone through rocky terrain in the woods.

Crossing Over Bridge

I headed to the south trail taking a wooden bridge that crosses a small brook that feeds into McKenzie Creek. The rock-filled brook was worth stopping for a moment to admire all the boulders it has to flow through for its final destination.

Into the Canyon

The trail becomes steep as you head into the canyon. I used the rocky terrain and then the steps built into the canyon to go up. There is a metal line held in by wooden fence poles to help guide you along.

If you are afraid of heights this might not be the trail for you. It is a bit steep here and you have to watch your step. I’m in pretty good shape and not bothered by heights so I didn’t have a problem. It is not so much high, as the drop-off goes down into large boulders.

Swimming Hole

This trail ends at a swimming hole that was a few feet deep. There were a grandfather and his kids who were splashing about. This one is deeper than the one by the low water dam.

If I had more time I would have stopped here and done some wading.

Final Thoughts

It is a longer drive, about two and a half hours, but I still think it was a scenic spot that I had mostly to myself.

If I had more time I would have done some bouldering. Explored the creek further in either direction. The water went through quite a lot of shut-ins in this area. It is not as big as the others I’ve been to such as Millstream Gardens or Johnson Shut-Ins, but much more secluded.

I especially liked the rock cliff walls I walked up to get to the southern swimming hole. Again, the older gentleman had to watch his step as he walked, so just be aware of your footing.

DETAILS

Drive: Drive south from St. Louis along Interstate 55 to exit 174B and merge onto US-67 S and stay in this highway until the exit for Mo-34 toward Piedmont. Take Mo-34 west to near Piedmont. Turn right on Canyon Road (County Road 341) in front of the Missouri Department of Conservation. If you cross McKenzie Creek you’ve gone too far.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Admission: Free

Address: Lon Sanders Canyon Traihead, Piedmont, MO 63957

MORE SHUT-INS

Sam A. Baker State Park (Nearby)

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.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park with its huge gray boulders and splashing water slide like rapids is a hiking and swimming destination.

Millstream Gardens Conservation Area

Majestic pines, huge rock boulders creating shut-ins, and rapids greet you at Millstream Gardens Conservation Area. In the spring when the water is high this area is known for its whitewater kayaking competitions.

Silver Mines Recreation Area

A mineshaft and a cascading river rushing through the remains of a stone cut dam are what awaits you at Silver Mines Recreation Area.

Dad Hikes — The area around St. Louis is filled with wondrous sites for families to explore, which I share at 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, post any questions you might have on the hikes!