Places to Go: Apple Creek CA

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Outdoor opportunity on land and water

Whether as a destination for land-based adventure or a launching point for a big-river expedition, Apple Creek Conservation Area (CA) in southeast Missouri offers visitors opportunities galore.

Located on just over 2,100 acres north of Cape Girardeau, Apple Creek CA consists of forests, woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Combined with shooting and archery ranges, campsites, and trails, the area offers plenty for those wanting to enjoy the fall, said River Hills District Supervisor Kyle Lorenz.

“There’s a lot of trails and access roads to hike and look for forest and woodland birds and other wildlife,” Lorenz said.

The area’s 5 miles of multiuse trails, along with nearly 6 miles of improved and service roads, opens much of the area to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.

Even with the many options the area offers on site, it has another feature that can serve as a jump-off point for additional big-river adventures, Lorenz said.

“There is a boat ramp to Apple Creek on the area that, at high enough river levels, does get a fair amount of use from anglers accessing the Mississippi River,” he said.