St. Joe State Park: Pine Ridge Hike

Hiking on land once mined as part of the old “lead belt” and exploring woods and a small stream was my day at St. Joe State Park.

The park has several trails and I chose to do about half or 5.2 miles of the 12.6 Pine Ridge Trail. This is the most remote area in the park, and I was alone once I started the loop portion of the trail.

At the Blankshire Trailhead with a marker for the Pine Ridge Trail. — At the Blankshire Trailhead with a marker for the Pine Ridge Trail in St. Joe State Park

Starting the Hike

I began the hike from the Blankshire Trailhead using part of the Paved Bicycle Trail that goes throughout the park.

If I wanted a longer hike, I could have reached the loop by starting at Campground 2.

Walking through the woods on the paved trail.

The paved section was the easy part. Then I came to the sign for the Pine Ridge Trail leading off the paved trail.

Start of the Pine Ridge Trail at St. Joe State Park

I was happy to begin hiking the natural surface of this trail and exploring deeper into the woods.

At the Loop

Once I reached where the loop began, I decided to head to the right. This part of the trail is narrow and not as clear as the other side of the loop which follows an old road.

East Side of the Loop

I noticed below my feet sparkles in the sun, and quartz rocks glisten along the walk.

Then I crossed a rocky clear stream. I will do this three times and each time offered different views of the creek. Up the stream, I found cascades and small boulders. This was a scenic creek to follow along.

Cut-off Trail

I came to White Connector #3 where I would take this trail to the other side of the loop. Otherwise, I still have a lot more hiking to go.

This trail was wider and in better shape than the first part of the loop. Normally I’ve found connector trails in worse shape since they are not used as often.

It was also well signed with a number of trail markers placed through the short walk.

The backside of the Loop

A brown sign greeted me at the end, and I made a left onto the backside of the loop.

Along the left side of the trail, I found a thong tree which is a tree bent to the side created by Native Americans. Once used as trail markers, possibly for water sources.

I came across wildlife. A butterfly on a flower and a young box turtle. Throughout the hike, I scared up a number of lizards and deer so plenty of wildlife away from the main area of the park.

Marker on how to get back to the parking lot.

At the End of the Loop

I came back to the start of the loop and there are designations on a tree where parking is which can be helpful if you get turned around.

Another sign pointed out the way to the Blankshire Trailhead so I stayed on course.

The paved part of the hike at the end was long now since it also slightly goes up back to the trailhead.

Word of Warning

The east side of the loop is narrow and was overgrown in places, which allowed for ticks. The west side still had them, but not as bad. Also, horse riders go on the trails so parts of the path are well-trodden.

Final Thoughts

I would recommend doing this trail in winter or early spring or late fall to cut down on the tick factor.

It was not a strenuous hike, but the length makes it a workout. If I come back I would like to check out the back section of the trail or do another trail in the park.

Details

Drive to Trailhead: Take Interstate 55 south to exit 174B for U.S. Highway 67. Then take the exit for Missouri Highway 32 and go right. Look for the entrance to the park on the left. Blankshire Trailhead will be on the right after Park Road.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. April – September and 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. October – March.

NOTE: Trailhead locations are not listed on Google maps so refer to the park map for information.

OTHER TRAILS AT ST. JOE STATE PARK

Hickory Ridge Trail

Accessed from Campground 2, it is a 4-mile loop trail. It goes through hardwood trees and sections of shortleaf pine. Varied terrain with a natural surface, rocky portions, level areas, and steep inclines.

This trail is a loop with white connector trails 1 and 2 allowing users to shorten or lengthen the route and connect with other trails.

Lakeview Trail

A 1.25-mile natural surface loop trail that has a paved section that goes around Monsanto Lake. Trailhead is at the Pim Day-Use Area.

Paved Bicycle Trail at St. Joe State Park

The trail is open for hiking and biking and a 3.75-mile section of the 11-mile loop is wheelchair accessible. The first two trailheads, Blankshire and the Harris Branch are located along the main 11-mile loop. Located just north of the park office at the Pim Day-use Area is the third trailhead. If starting at and returning to this trailhead, users can expect a total of 12.5-miles. A trailhead is at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, which makes the round trip of 12.25-miles. The Farmington Trailhead in the southeast part of the park offers a round trip of 14.50-miles.

MISSOURI MINES HISTORIC SITE

In the separate north area of the park is the Missouri Mines Historic Site. Here you can learn the history of mining lead. A museum is in the former mine’s powerhouse and you can see underground mining equipment once used.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday

Admission: $4 – Adults; $3 – Children; free – 0-5 ages

Address: 0492, 4000 MO-32, Park Hills, MO 63601