Search For the Losing Stream at Forest 44

Finding a disappearing stream was part of the fun at Forest 44 Conservation Area.

I hiked the 2.2-mile Dogwood Trail and the .4-mile Losing Stream Trail here.

What Is the Losing Stream?

The losing stream is where the creek disappears under a rock ledge and wells up like a spring several hundred yards downstream.

Losing Stream Trail

This paved .6-mile trail starts from the back of the parking lot. First I walked by a small pond surrounded by trees.

Crossing the Losing Stream

Then I headed through a field before arriving at where the paved trail goes in two directions. I went to the left.

This trail leads to the side of a creek where a bridge was once located.

If you look to your right a small natural surface trail has been created that goes down to the losing stream creek.

Stepping stones across the fast-moving clear water allow you to go to the other side. They are not close together so be prepared to get a little wet. Once across the paved trail continues a short way to the right near the losing stream.

The stream goes down through a hole in this rocky area.

I spent some time following the water. Next time I will bring my son here so he can learn about this phenomenon. Putting my hand I tried to see if there was any pull, not much, only a steady stream going underneath the ledge.

Next, I used some stepping stones to walk up to a bench on the other side of the creek.

Back of the Bench

I noticed a paved trail behind the bench and followed it back. It ended where the two paved trails divided earlier. I went back to the parking lot to do my next hike.

Dogwood Trail

This trail starts near the information sign for the conservation area and heads west.

Horse Riders

First, you walk near a road that goes by a large horse stable. My son would enjoy watching the horses run about.

The Dogwood and Losing Stream Trail are only for people, but the other multiple trails in the conservation area are also for those riding horses. I even saw two people riding horses on a high trail as I headed to the start of the loop.

Next, I crossed the dry part of the losing stream and scared a large groundhog that rushed back into the trees.

Signs pointed the way for the trail and away from the horse trails.

Along a Field

In the valley, the trail was flat with the hill to the left and the prairie to right.

About halfway down was a cut-off trail that went up into the hill that cuts the Dogwood trail in half.

Bridge across the dry creek — Bridge across a dry creek

Heading Towards a Creek

The trail begins to turn into the hillside following a dry creek bed. Then I crossed a dry brook.

Now the hard work began as I head up into the woods. Along here I saw a number of flowers. If I looked closely through the woods I could see nearby hills.

Trail sign for the Short Loop up in the woods

Once more I came to the other part of the cut-off and now began to head down towards the Losing Stream Trail.

Down by the stream you can use stepping stones to cross the creek to go back to the paved part of Losing Stream Trail or you can go left along the dry creek bed back to the start of the Dogwood Trail Loop.

Finding the Return of the Losing Stream

After hiking the Dogwood Trail I wanted to locate where the stream returned. I took the connector trail back along the creek to where the Dogwood Trail crosses the creek I walked in the creek bed short ways to where a lot of trees had fallen into the creek.

Here I saw the water come back. The trees are stacked all over each other so I turned back around.

I went back to the parking lot using the Dogwood Trail.

Be watchful in the streambed. Found a snake as we were walking in the rocks.

Final Thoughts

The Dogwood Trail gives you a workout going up into the hills. I think it was easier starting the trail from its trailhead than using the Losing Stream Trail, which is the other option.

My favorite part of the area was the stream. If I come back again I will spend time there, but also might check out some of the Multi-Use trails to explore the area further.

Horse trails go off the Dogwood Trail after crossing the dry creek bed.

Multi-Use Trails

Yellow Trail 3.4 miles
White Trail .7 miles
Gray Trail 1.2 miles
Blue Trail 2.4 miles
Red Trail 1.2 miles
Purple Trail 1.4 miles
Brown Trail 1.2 miles
Green Trail .3 miles

Informational brochure near the Dogwood Trail and the U Horse Trail.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to Exit 272 and then go south on Highway 141 and then make a right onto Meramec Station Road. Lastly, take a left onto Hillsboro Road and go south passing by horse stables and look for parking on the right for the conservation area.

Hours: Closed 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: 653 Hillsboro Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049