Hughes Mountain Natural Area is made up of rock columns and is a unique geological feature found only in a few places in the world, such as Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
History of Hughes Mountain Natural Area
The igneous knob is named for John Hughes, the first European settler in the area, who arrived in 1810. The land stayed in the Hughes family until purchased by the Missouri Conservation Department.
Natural Features
The 1.5 billion-year-old Precambrian rock outcrops on Hughes Mountain are among the oldest exposed rocks in the United States.
The rocks were once liquefied by ancient volcanoes associated with the St. Francois Mountains. Some of the molten rock contracted and cracked as it cooled to create multi-sided columns. This rhyolite formation, known locally as the Devil’s Honeycomb, is one of Missouri’s geologic wonders and is the highest point on Hughes Mountain.
At the Parking Lot
The parking area is on your left just off of Highway M. It is a gravel lot for a few cars. You start at the bottom of Hughes Mountain. Here you can find a brochure and a wooden kiosk that includes a map of the hiking area.
Starting the Hike to Devil’s Honeycomb
Passing by the sign I headed through a small field before I began to ascend the side of the mountain. I looked for small brown trail signs on the trees here to find my way.
The 1.6-mile trail is pretty easy to follow well marked in this area even with an occasional side trail.
Rocks and Cliffs
I stopped as I headed up taking in views along a small cliff with views of distant mountains. Also, I found a few boulder fields to wander around.
It is worth wandering a bit here to enjoy views and walk around the lichen filled rocks.
Going Towards the Devil’s Honeycomb
The trail turns towards the summit and becomes rocky. Here it begins to feel like your walking along an ancient road with the hard bedrock below your feet.
They’ve done a good job of marking where the trail is with the brown trail signs on small logs on large rocks.
Heading into the Rock Columns
The rocky landscape begins to fill with rock columns. All different sizes, small to large to big to tiny all stacking up on each other in places. It feels like an ancient civilization had started to build a city here and their remain are these columns. It is amazing to think that lava created this.
Wandering Around
I walked around the large honeycomb area for a while. I climbed around the lichen columns going up and down and enjoying myself. This area is filled with wildflowers and grasses and prickly pear, look closely to find the variety of plant life that survives here.
A Memory of This Place
I had been here once years ago with David. That day there was water in some of the small fissures in the rock and the water had even gone down some of the columns. You can see some of this water activity if you look closely. It had been too dry recently and the lichen was even light green. The moss was not filled with moisture as it had been that day.
At the Top
The trail ends at a lookout. Here you can see mountains in the distance, a valley below, and forests all around. A dad and son were having a snack together.
I will have to take my son Andrew here one day. I might wait a year since it is a bit of a hike up and can be steep in places. He tends to run ahead and the rock here is unforgiving. I think you can do this with a young one just watch them closely.
Luckily it was not hot today so the breeze made the walk even cooler. At the top, you are also exposed to more wind.
Going About
Since the dad and son occupied the point and since I was alone I occupied my time by going up and down the columns. I went towards the back finding where it ended to trees. Then going below the high point and finding more columns in this area. I found cactuses and bluff areas and had these areas to myself.
Among the rocks, I saw collared lizards, lichen grasshoppers, and prairie warblers. Plenty of life exists here.
Heading Back
The last time we were here the trail back was harder to find. The Missouri Department of Conservation has work overtime with brown signs pointing you the way down on rock cairns and logs. If you remember that you came from the west to this area you should not have a problem.
Going Back Through the Woods
The woods you walk through is filled with blackjack oak and black hickory. I took a moment on a side trail that went through some boulders and bluffs before heading back on the main trail to the parking lot.
Final Thoughts
This is my favorite high point hike in Missouri. I recommend that anyone coming here take the time to explore the Devil’s Honeycomb area on top and take in the views of the faraway mountains.
Out in the open, there seems to be always a breeze, so just breathing the mountain air is worth it.
I can’t wait to go back again. That is how much I love this area!
DETAILS:
Drive: Drive Interstate 55 out of St. Louis. Then take exit 174B onto US-67 toward Bonne Terre/Farmington. Next, take the exit for US 67 BUS/MO-8 toward Desloge/Park Hills. Then turn right onto MO-8 W/ Marty Drive and continue on this highway until you get to State Highway M and make a right onto this road. Stay on this road until you pass Wallen Creek and parking for the natural area is on your left.
Hours: 4 am – 10 pm daily
Admission: Free
Address: 13706 State Hwy M, Irondale, MO 63648
Nearby Dad Hike: Bootleg Access
Hiking through a forest to lookouts of the St. Francois Mountains and stops along the rocky Big River were the highlights of the trail at Bootleg Access.
Another Geological Wonder Nearby: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park with its huge gray boulders and splashing water slide like rapids is a hiking and swimming destination.
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!
