Pickle Springs Natural Area is a two-mile hike that highlights some of the best of the Missouri Ozarks.
It has wet weather waterfalls, springs, sandstone rock formations, and even views of the surrounding mountains.
Natural History of Pickle Springs
The sandstone rock here was formed from the sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed here 500 million years ago. Since then years of erosion and uplift of the Ozark plateau have exposed the sandstone we see today.
Over the eons, ice, rain, wind, plant roots, and streams have worn away this sandstone to form the many unique geologic features here.
Our Time Hiking
Pickle Springs Natural Area has one main hiking trail, called the Trail Through Time.
It now has two parking areas due to its popularity and luckily we were here early and found parking near the trailhead.
Starting the Hike
We decided to head to our left to go through the more scenic sections first to keep the interest of our son Andrew. A short easy hike in wood chips starts the walk before the natural surface loop trail begins.
The Slot
We entered the area known as The Slot. Here we descended into a narrow gap in rocky terrain for about 250 feet.
Here we saw some narrow caves along lichen rock walls to the sides of us.
Since it was winter when we hiked here, water collected above the walls creating icicles and small frozen waterfalls.
This was the first time we had been here in the winter, so these were neat to see.
Large Rock Area
Exiting The Slot we headed to an area of boulders and cliffs. My son Andrew enjoyed going up and around the rock faces and through narrow spaces between them. We explored this area some before heading on.
Next, we passed through the Double Arch sandstone formation.
Then next we squeezed through The Keyhole, which is another arch in the rock layer.
We rounded a bend and came across Terrapin Rock. It looks like a turtle looking towards its right with its head out over the trail.
Crossing Pickle Creek And Bone Creek
We went over a bridge above Pickle Creek. The water flows over a stony terrain creating a small waterfall up from the bridge.
Then we headed by Bone Creek with hollows and rock outcroppings.
Andrew went back and forth across two bridges closed together with the water trickling down through the rocks.
After the bridges, I came across a short waterfall.
Then checked out Owl’s Den Bluff with frozen water at the top.
Spirit Canyon to Pickle Creek Hollow
Next, we came to a canyon. Andrew wandered around a rock shelter that went into the cliffs. This alcove can be a cool respite on hot summer days.
Then we climbed above Bone Creek and reentered the hollow of Pickle Creek. Andrew went up and down and through the boulder gardens here.
Dome Rock to Pickle Springs
A wide stone terrace with pines interspersed in the rock near Dome Rock with a vista of the surrounding hills that drain the Pickle Creek.
We then head out under Dome Rock and to Pickle Springs where a waterfall pours over the ledge that hides the spring.
More Climbing
Now we climbed up again after leaving the spring to Rockpile Canyon and Headwall Falls.
Found in Rockpile Canyon are large boulders scattered about created by a rockslide in 1959.
Area residents remember hearing a thunderous sound when the wall tumbled into the canyon floor.
A spur trail leads to Headwall Falls that drops 100 feet from above.
Shallow caves stacked on top of each other are inaccessible on the opposite side of the rock walls of the canyon area.
Heading Out
We took the final climb and headed back to the entrance. Stopping briefly at Pine Glade, which is a good place to stop for warmth on a cold sunny day.
Final Thoughts
This is the best trail for a family wanting to do a two-mile loop. You can see so much and cross a variety of terrain and can all be down within two hours.
Naming the Conservation Area
The name Pickle dates back to the original owner of this land, William Pickle, who acquired the land in 1848. Pickle was \from England and had immigrated to the U.S. in 1842.
According to local legend, Pickles, a settler from Illinois who owned the land until he was shot by a band of renegades during the Civil War.
DETAILS:
Drive: It is about an hour and fifteen minutes from St. Louis mostly on the interstate. Go south of St. Louis on Interstate 55 to Exit 154 for Highway O and take it west to Highway 32. Make a right onto MO-32 then make a left onto Highway AA then left onto Dorlac Road and look for parking for the Natural Area on your right.
Hours: 8 am – 7 pm daily
Address: Dorlac Rd, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Nearby Dad Hikes
Finding Waterfalls at Hickory Canyons
Box canyons, dripping waterfalls, and fern-filled cliffs are the sights and sounds and Hickory Canyons Natural Area.
Dad Hikes: Hawn State Park
Walking along Pickle Creek with its rapids and small waterfalls made for an enchanting hike as the creek gurgled beside me at Hawn State Park.
More Ozark Stream Walks
Dad Hikes: Climbing Boulders at Castor River Shut-Ins
Pink granite boulders and waterfalls await you in the Castor River Shut-Ins at the 1,632 acres Amidon Memorial Conservation Area.
Lon Sanders Canyon: My Favorite Shut-Ins Short Hike
Waterfalls and shut-ins in a rocky gorge are what you will find at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in the Missouri Ozarks.
Dad Hikes: Silver Mines
A mineshaft and a cascading river rushing through the remains of a stone cut dam are what await you at Silver Mines Recreation Area.
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.
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!
