Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Hike

A tall narrow cave in limestone is at the end of a two-mile out-and-back hike at Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Conservation Area. (Sadly, this land is no longer available for hiking and no longer open to the public)

Created when a stream branch took a shortcut to Sandy Creek creating a natural tunnel. The tunnel is 12 feet wide, and 16 feet high inside a 50-foot cliff on the shoreline of the creak.

***Short lane to the conservation parking lot.***

Parking at the Trailhead

The gravel lane to the trailhead is immediately on the right after the intersection of Missouri Highway Z on Missouri Highway HH.

Limited parking so you are asked not to block the lane. I parked in the grass in front of the trail sign.

Printed map of the area — *Printed map of Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Conservation Area*

Map It Out

Before starting I would recommend printing off the map for this area provided online by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The map shows the fields and forests and it helped me to find my way. Be aware that along the hike there are field roads so that was why the printout was important so I could follow where I was going.

Starting the Trail

The path first follows a gravel road along a bean field.

I sighted a white trail sign with an arrow. A few more of these would help but look for them as you go to make sure you are heading in the right direction.

Next, I passed by a dark wooden barn in the trees. I wondered if it was still used and how old it was.

On the Right

I came to the point where the trail went to the right off the gravel road with a sign saying Masters Trail.

Now I went through some more woods before reaching some fields. I used the map to keep heading in the right direction with the forest to the left and the field to the right.

*Follow the field around to the right and to a creek.*

The field trail can be hard to follow since it might be overgrown.

Keep going around the field on the right and eventually, you will come to a sign that says No Swimming. I read in some reviews that the creek can be quite swift and dangerous if it is up don’t go into it then.

Crossing the Creek

It was only about ankle deep when I was here. I stopped for a moment to admire the cliffs and the rocky shoreline.

A large tree had fallen, and small rapids formed nearby. I wore sandals here so getting my ankles wet was not a problem.

*Creek on the left and field on the right through here.*

Along the Creek

Once across, I walked with the creek on my left and a farm field on my right.

*Look for this sign along this part of the trail*

Then I came to an opening in the woods and saw a sign with a plant on it and written below was Missouri Natural Area. A black arrow pointed to the left.

*On the shoreline across from the tunnel*

I walked down through the woods and faced the natural tunnel. A sign on a tree here said no swimming.

At the Natural Tunnel

You could look in and see the short cave and then the opening on the other side. I didn’t go in since I thought it might be wet inside so close to the streambed.

If you look to the left there is another short cave higher on the cliff.

I sat on a rock and had a drink and a snack taking my time to commune with nature.

It is unusual to see a rock feature like this far from the Ozarks and by itself. Having to use the map to find my way made it feel like my own little private place. I almost didn’t want to share it with others, just a cool hike to a natural treasure.

Heading Back

I retraced my steps and headed back through the fields then crossed the creek again.

I walked back through the first woods area that crosses over a rock escarpment.

Slightly different route back — *The slightly different route back*

When I came out of it I should have gone right but instead, I went left and walked along the farm field back to the gravel road. I knew that the tree line where the gravel road was is in the distance. So as long as I headed northwest I would find my way back.

Final Thoughts

For about a two-mile out and back hike this was worth the drive. It is an unusual rock cave all by itself north of Wentzville and Troy, Mo. When I come back with my son, I’ll check the weather to make sure the creek is low.

DETAILS

At the trailhead in a box is paperwork that you need to fill out. You are also asked to carry part of the paper with you and turn it in after the hike.

NOTE

This property is privately owned and made possible through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the homeowner so stay on trails. The homeowner also does not want any hunting, fishing, camping, or looking for mushrooms here.

Drive: Take either Interstate 70 or Interstate 64 to north U.S. Highway 61. Drive-up U.S. Highway 61 to Missouri Highway Z and make a left onto this road. Then turn onto Missouri Highway HH and then immediately look for the lane for the conservation area on the right.

Hours: The area opens one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Address: 198 Valley Green Ln, Eolia, MO 63344