Trail of Tears State Park: Sheppard Point Trail

Hike through deep ravines and along ridgetops to a Mississippi River bluff on the Sheppard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park.

*Map of the park for reference. The Sheppard Point Trail is on the southeast side of the park.*

The park is situated just north of Cape Girardeau, MO, and is approximately one hour and fifty minutes south of St. Louis.

Visitor’s Center

Upon entering the park through the second entrance near the Sheppard Point Trailhead, the first location you encounter is the Visitor Center. If the Center is closed, you can find information about the park on the information board by the parking lot.

The Center shares the history of the park’s namesake, the Trail of Tears, during which nine of the thirteen Cherokee Indian groups were relocated to Oklahoma across the Mississippi River in harsh winter conditions between 1838 and 1839.

Visitor Center Hours: Check the park’s website for hours, as they vary depending on the season. The Center is Closed November 2 – March 19.

Also, behind the Visitor’s Center is the .7-mile natural surface loop Nature Trail, where you can see tulip and pawpaw trees.

SHEPPARD POINT TRAIL

This natural surface trail, which I hiked, was 3.2 miles long with 663 feet of elevation gain.

Starting from the Trailhead

I hiked with my dog Chewie in a dog backpack, so I had added weight with the walk.

The trail crosses a metal bridge with a wooden railing and then goes to the right.

This spot was muddy, so I decided to step to the side of the trail.

Ridge Walk

Then, the trail widened with leave coverage. I proceeded uphill along a ridge flanked by ravines on either side.

Since it was winter and the leaves were off the trees, I could see the Mississippi River in the far distance along the high points.

Next, I reached a point where trees had been blown down, creating a strange log garden.

Then, I went further uphill before coming to a turn. A bench keeps you from following the trail’s former route, which had a loop at one time but is now out-and-back.

Going Down

The trail goes to the right and follows cliffs and bluffs. It is rocky here, so watch your step, as there is a bit of climbing down.

I like some of the eroded boulders, which was an interesting hike section.

Valley Walk

Now, I have entered an area bisected by a brook you can cross. It has been dry recently, so there is no water, only small pools and icy spots.

*Look for these trail markers as we walk.*

Along the trail, look for an orange and yellow marker on trees to indicate that you are still on the trail.

Going Way Up

Next I came to where the trail goes up to 499-foot Sheppard Point. This is a real climb and the most challenging part of the trek.

*Careful walking along the bluffs here.*

At the top, you can walk out onto different bluffs; be careful here since it is steep for views of the Mississippi River.

In the distance, you can see Illinois valleys and hills. The cliffs are deeply eroded with deep, dark grooves.

I took a moment to take a selfie with Chewie in the back. It was hard to get her to look my way as she scanned the forest alone.

*The area is filled with different bluffs.*

Going Back

After taking in the views, I headed downhill. Before heading off the bluffs, I looked at a dark bluff in the distance.

Then I was back around the brook at the bottom, noticing how the brook turns into a rocky stairstep, which is probably pretty after a big rain.

A large tree grew above another bluff; it is amazing how life develops sometimes.

Back on the ridge, I took one last look at the hills in the distance before heading back down.

I was then back at the trailhead to give my dog some water and treats, and I had a sandwich and chips for lunch.

Plant life Along the Trail

Trees such as American beech, cucumber magnolia, and tulip poplar are found in the valleys, while oaks and hickories line the ridges. The understory has abundant ferns and a rare parasitic plant called beech drops.

*Another cliffside along the Mississippi River bluff area.*

Final Thoughts

I would rate this hike as difficult, with many elevation changes along the trail.

It can be muddy, as leaves cover it, so watch your step. My favorite part was the bluff view at the end, which I had all to myself.

At the bluffs, watch your step since there are no railings and a steep drop-off. If I return, I will go to the Peewah Trail to check that area out since I find the terrain interesting.

OTHER SITES

After leaving the trailhead, I made a right onto Hill Road in the park. This leads to other parts of the park. Along the road, I came to a picnic table with far-off views—another place to have lunch.

*Different campgrounds are located in the park.*

I passed by an entrance to a campground, which is closed in winter. Others are open throughout the year; check the website for more information.

*During the summer months you can swim in the park.*

Lake Boutin

Then I came to Lake Boutin. Located along the lake is a beach, and up a hill is a playground with picnic tables.

The Lake Trailhead is near the beach. The 2.2-mile natural-surface Lake Trail goes along the lake’s shoreline, then through a campground, and crosses valleys and ridges. Remnants of old homesteads may be seen, with evidence of clearings, old roadbeds, a man-made pond, and barbed wire fencing through trees.

Pee-Wah Trailhead

I made a right onto Overlook Road off of Hill Road. The first gravel parking lot I came to is for the Peewah Trailhead. Peewah Trail explores the Indian Creek Wild Area, a 1,300-acre area in one of the most rugged Mississippi River hills.

The Mississippi River, along with Indian Creek and small tributaries, dissect the surrounding loess-covered hills, creating a maze of ravines and side hollows.

This natural surface strenuous trail is made up of two loops. The Red Loop is 6.2 miles long and can be divided in the middle.

The Connector middle trail leads to a backpacker camp.

The second parking lot along Overlook Road, which is only open during daylight hours, leads to the 3.9-mile Red Loop, which includes an out-and-back 1.5-mile Mississippi River overlook trail.

Overlook

Next, I drove to the Overlook Road, which leads to an overlook, which is an easier way to see out over the Mississippi River.

A historical marker by the parking lot describes Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette’s discovery of the course of the Missouri River.

From the parking lot, you take a short path.

Then, you come to an elevated boardwalk to the overlook. It is out past the bluff, so the views of the river, hills, and valleys are expansive. I could even hear the river below lapping due to the strong winds that day.

*Learn about Lewis and Clark at the overlook*

A sign talks about the Lewis and Clark Expedition across Missouri at the overlook.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 55 to exit 105 for U.S. Highway 61. Turn left onto the road and then right onto Missouri Highway 177. Follow 177 to the south or second entrance for the park and turn left into the park. You will pass by the Visitor’s Center, and then the Sheppard Point Trailhead will be on the right.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., April through October, and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., November through March. Overlook Hours 7 a.m. to Dusk, Daily

Address for Visitor’s Center — 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Address For Sheppard Point Trailhead: CGVM+X8, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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