MDC

Cowards Hollow

Cowards Hollow Natural Area

Cowards Hollow Natural Area has a number of significant geological features as well as natural plant communities.

Geological Formation

The most important geological features are: the chert shut-in ( a narrow, steep-sided ravine along the course of an otherwise broad stream valley), chert cliffs (vertical walls of exposed chert bedrock), and a shelter cave. All these features are formed out of an uncommon, massive bed of chert rock, measuring up to forty feet in places. An exposure of this magnitude is not known from any other location in the state. Chert formations vary from other rock formations because they do not easily break down with weathering. The shut-in begins with a 10-foot waterfall spilling down into a narrow stream scattered with massive chert boulders. Along the south wall is a large chert shelter cave, rich in local history.

Fen and Seep-Fed Stream

A series of small wet-weather seeps, 150-400 yards above the waterfall, creates a fen plant community and adds to the stream which flows through the shut-in. A fen is characterized by an upwelling of mineral-rich groundwater forming ooze areas and spring rivulets. The open portion of the fen is dominated by bulrush, sedges, hog fennel, winged loosestrife, sensitive fern, marsh coneflower, and royal fern, while common alder and Ward's willow rim the edges.

Gravel Wash

Gravel wash communities occur in streambeds composed of sand, silt, mud, gravel and boulders. These materials constantly change with each flooding. The slopes are steep and flash floods are a seasonal occurrence. Many fallen and damaged trees are evident along the stream. At Cowards Hollow the gravel wash natural community makes up most of the streambed above the fen and throughout the shut-in. Sycamore, northern red oak, and white oak are scattered along the banks. Shrub thickets of common alder and spicebush occupy the gravel deposits with herbaceous species such as sea-oats grass, self heal, ironweed, and cardinal flower sprinkled about.

Moist Chert Cliff

Along the walls of the shut-in are chert cliffs, 5-20 feet high. The rocks are splashed with dense mats of multi-colored lichens, while ferns and mosses extend from the cracks and small ledges. Among them are ebony spleenwort, maidenhair spleenwort, walking fern, Christmas fern, and hairy lip fern.

Wildlife at Cowards Hollow

Cowards Hollow provides habitat for cliff-nesting species such as turkey vultures, eastern phoebes, and northern rough-winged swallows. The cave may be used by a variety of bats, including the eastern pipistrelle, big brown bat, or the rare small-footed myotis. The eastern wood rat often builds its nest in caves and the grotto salamander may be found in the darker recesses. Around sunrise and sunset a variety of animals are likely to visit the water holes, and in the spring frog and toad tadpoles can be seen along the banks.

Special Regulations

Camping, hunting, trapping, fishing and the collection of plants or animals, and vehicular traffic are prohibited. Enjoy all other recreational activities allowed on the National Forest.

Additional Natural Areas

You may wish to visit nearby natural areas on the same day. Listed below are Mark Twain National Forest, National Park Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation natural areas. For more information on a particular site, check ownership and contact the Forest Service District Ranger office, National Park Service - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, or the Department of Conservation Wildlife District Supervisor in the town listed.

• Haney Pond, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Big Barren Creek, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Cupola Pond, USFS, Winona, MO
• Wells Branch Fen, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Marg Pond, USFS, Winona, MO
• Overcup Oak Sink, USFS, Winona, MO
• Mill Mountain, NPS, Van Buren, MO

Natural Features

The area contains an unusual chert shut-in, chert shelter cave, a 20-foot waterfall and a chert cliff in the Lower Ozarks Section. Such a massive bed of Ordovician chert is unusual in Missouri. For further information and a brochure of the site contact the District Ranger at: USDA Forest Servic,e Eleven Point Ranger District, #4 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, Missouri 63935, 573/996-2153.

For Further Information, Contact:

• Forest Supervisor 401 Fairgrounds Road Rolla, MO 65401 314/364-4621 TTY
• Doniphan Ranger District 1004 Walnut Doniphan, MO 63935 314/966-2153 TTY

Map: 

Cowards Hollow Natural Area Map