Lost Valley Short Trail Hike

Hike to a flowing spring and walk along the clear Little Femme Osage Creek on the Lost Valley Trail at Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

Parts of this trail follow along old roads so this makes it easier if you are hiking with a friend. Used heavily by mountain bikers so be aware of them as you hike although the good part of that it is well-maintained by their association.

**Map of Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Lost Valley Trail is found in the last parking lot in the conservation area going west on Missouri Highway 94.**

Overview of My Time Here

I hiked the 8.3-mile Short Loop Trail with 557 feet of elevation gain. It includes sections of an abandoned road along with a natural surface. The Lost Valley Trail full loop is 11.5 miles including the out and back on the trail to the loop.

I might have done the full loop, but I made mistake in hiking and missed a turn, and did an extra mile hike total on a connector. Even though I’ve done lots of hiking, I can still mess up. At least I can figure out how to get back right again.

*Trail information sign near the start of the hike*

Starting the Hike

I parked in the large gravel lot off Missouri Highway 94. Near the front was an information board, along with a wooden box with trail maps.

After picking up a map I headed between the wooden gates down the gravel road portion of the trail.

*Creek at the start of the hike* at Lost Valley

Along Little Femme Osage Creek

To the left side of the gravel trail flows Little Femme Osage Creek. It is a clear rock and pebble stream with occasional pools. A low water bridge crosses it at one point.

After passing the .5-mile marker I came to a fork. If you go right, you head away from the creek towards the gravel road section of the Short Loop Trail and connects to the right side of the full loop trail. I wanted to go left deciding later if I wanted to do the full loop.

Further Along the Creek

The gravel road trail continued to follow Little Femme Osage Creek. Sometimes closer and other times farther away.

I walked near a large field and butterflies flew around me. The trail crosses occasional creeks but above them on bridges.

*Clearwater flowing through the bushes.*

I think one of the creeks might have been a spring with cold clear water flowing in it.

After the creek crossings, I walked by some ponds. Wood ducks were swimming in one and a gnarled tree lay across another.

Near the 2.5-mile marker, there is supposed to be a tall rock chimney, but I was unable to locate it.

Going Up

Now I headed up into the back hills. Here I would pass rock outcroppings and lichen field boulders. I would also need to watch my step since the path is rocky.

Near the 3.5-mile marker was where I made my mistake.

I made a right following a well-tread rocky embankment for the mountain bikers missing the narrower trail straight ahead, the direction I was supposed to go.

Finding A Spring

I walked back and was on my way once more. This area was scenic with lots of cliffs and ravines. Then I heard the trickling of water and looked to my right and saw a black mud trail going straight down.

*Watching water trickling out of the low cave.*

At the bottom was a small cave and water trickling. I had found a spring. To get closer I pulled out a bunch of spider webs and took a moment to put my hands into the spring and put cold water onto my face. It was refreshing. After having a snack and a drink here I headed straight back up. Near this area is “Haunted Hollow” – – an old cemetery. Yet, with the thickness of summer growth, I couldn’t find it. Then I searched for the pond that was supposed to be near here. I climbed an embankment that I thought might be a dam only to see a forest on the other side.

I decided that the next time I hike here will be in winter when it is always easier to find these hidden places.

Back in the Hills

The trail now follows along the side of the hills going by ravines and more rock outcroppings and boulders.

Then I walked down through rocks crossing a small brook. The trail continued on a dirt path coming to a formerly paved road.

Big Decision

From here I could continue on several miles along the full loop Lot Valley Trail but after doing extra hiking and not finding some sites I decided to do the Short Loop Trail this time. I will come back again to explore more in the future. It was also a really hot day and I was ready to head back.

Abandoned Road/Short Loop

Now the hike was going downhill along a gravel road. It was easy but also boring.

*Connection back to the full loop on the left.*

The next landmark would be on the left, which is where I would have come out if I had done the full loop.

Then I saw a marker for the Parking Lot.

Final Thoughts on Lost Valley

Someday I will come back here to find the cemetery and maybe the fireplace if it is still standing. I am curious now about what this place is like in winter. With less heat, I hope to do the full loop. Now knowing where I messed up can make this an easier hike overall.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Exit 10 and make a left onto Missouri Highway 94 and look for Lost Valley Hiking Trail parking on the right after you pass by the St. Charles County Police Training Facility and the Weldon Spring Trailhead.

Hours: Closed 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Address: Lost Valley Trail Head Parking, Defiance, MO 63341