Natural Areas

Explore Missouri's Original Landscapes

Missouri's natural areas represent some of the best—and last—examples of the state’s original natural landscape, each offering a shining example of Missouri’s outstanding biological and geological features. Hiking through a natural area, you can observe rare plants and animals that would have been familiar sights to native Americans or explorers, such as Lewis and Clark. Natural areas are defined as natural communities or geologic features that represent the natural character, diversity and ecological processes of Missouri’s native landscapes. Natural communities are groups of plants and animals and the landscapes, such as forests or prairies, that they inhabit—and that occur repeatedly throughout the state.

Use the information in this section to plan a visit to a natural area. Whether your interest is in nature study, birding, hiking, fishing, hunting or photography, you'll find a designated Missouri natural area to explore and enjoy your favorite low-impact outdoor recreational activity.

Natural Areas Directory

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Title	County	Designation Date
Cowards Hollow	Carter	09/25/1991
Cupola Pond	Ripley	01/21/1981
Current River	Shannon	07/21/1977
Danville Glades	Montgomery	11/16/1984
Dark Hollow	Sullivan	05/20/1992
Dave Rock	St. Clair	03/13/1987
Des Moines River Ravines	Clark	09/25/1978
Diamond Grove Prairie	Newton	08/24/1982
Donaldson Point	New Madrid	03/20/2003
Dripping Springs	Texas	04/11/1973
Dupont	Pike	11/15/1972
Eck Memorial	Texas	04/06/1993
Elephant Rocks	Iron	06/05/1978
Elk River Breaks Woodland	McDonald	06/28/2000
Elmslie Forest	Marion	12/20/1971
Engelmann Woods	Franklin	01/21/1983
Fern Nook	Ripley	08/26/2011
George A. Hamilton Forest	Lincoln	02/14/1983
Golden Seal	Carter	12/18/1973
Graham Cave Glades	Montgomery	03/22/1989

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Get a complete alphabetical list of Natural Areas.

Natural Areas Visitor Guidelines

Regulations on each Missouri natural area vary, so please consult the area's Web page and call the manager for permitted uses and other details before you visit.

Natural Areas Newsletter

See the latest edition of the Missouri Natural Areas Newsletter for information on natural areas, natural community management, and biological diversity conservation news!