Onondaga Cave State Park: Deer Run Trail

Hike over 100 feet above the Meramec River and through dolomite woodlands on the Deer Run Trail at Onondaga Cave State Park.

This hike is listed at 2.5 but starting directly from the parking lot and with lookout stops I clocked in at 2.8 miles with 351 feet of elevation gain.

The surface is a mixture of gravel, rock, and dirt with some hill climbing, stairs, and brook crossings, which were dry the day I was there. Rated as moderate.

Start of the Hike

I parked in the lot near the camp check-in and restrooms. The trail begins on the wooded west side of the lot. Look for the wooden trail sign and the start of the trail behind it. A warning at the bottom explains the need to be bear-aware since bears have been sighted in the park.

Look for the green arrow on a wooden post and go left off the gravel start of the trail. The gravel trail ends at the park’s amphitheater.

Then you will come to the start of the loop. If you want to start the trail on Meramec River bluffs, then go left. I wanted to go into the woods and then end it along the bluffs, so I went right. Going right does mean you will do the hardest climb up to the bluffs at the end, also.

Next, I came to a green mossy cliffside.

Cathedral Cave

Then I came to the cement-enclosed Cathedral Cave entrance. Offered on weekends are tours available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Contact the Naturalist at the Visitor Center at 573-245-6576 for the summer schedule if you want to tour this cave. Check the website for more information.

You can also tour Onondaga Cave. Located at the Visitor’s Center at the front end of the park. Tours are currently closed until June 30, 2024.

NOTE: Admission charge for cave tours.

After the Cave

I continued past the cave and noticed a small pond. Five deer rushed away into the woods as I walked further along the trail.

Next, I came to the White Connector Trail which connects to the 3.1 Oak Ridge Trail. The Oak Ridge Trail has a wet-weather stream and waterfall and best scene on a rainy day. I will do this hike in the future.

Then I came to a park service road and crossed it. A bench is here if you need a break.

I came to a high point on the trail looking out over distant hills.

Glade Area

A sign explains why I came to an open area. Cedar trees have been cut to restore a glade. Come back in a few years and you will see a greater variety of “typical” glade plants.

Then I came to a small cedar forest among eroded bluffs.

Follow Trail Markers

I walked through where water flowed freely through the woods. It took a minute to find the trail, but I saw a green trail marker on a large tree to the left to continue going the right way.

Then I crossed a small gulley. You will follow this creek bed that has some pools in it for a bit.

Next, I came to a wooden bridge.

I continue on the trail as it crosses a gravel park road.

Then I enter another cedar grove.

River Cliffs

I come to stairs on the left where the trail goes un into the Meramec River bluffs.

Then I go to the right to a bluff view. Be careful walking in this area since there is no railing and these are sheer bluffs.

Along the way, I take in different views.

I take in a view with a lookout along the river.

Gnarled trees cling to the bluffs.

Then I go up higher on stairs.

*Looking down to the river through the woods.*

I walk around a river hollow.

Then come to another walkout to view over dark rocks to the river below. (main blog photo)

*Last view then head away from the river*

I take in more views before the trail curves away from the river.

Then I cross a short wooden bridge and then I am back at the start of the loop and go right to the parking area.

Final Thoughts

The best part is the cliff walk. It is rocky in places so watch your footing. It might be nice to return here on a day after a rain to see if these small stream beds have water in them. Overall it was a nice hike on Meramec River hills in the Ozarks.

Details

Drive: The state park is about an hour and 20 minutes from St. Louis down Interstate 44 to exit 214 going south on Highway H following signs for the state park.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO 65535