Hidden Gems

By MDC | October 1, 2024
From Missouri Conservationist: October 2024
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Engelmann Woods NA
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Hidden Gems
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Sometimes the best conservation areas are right in your own backyard

The fall season in Missouri is arguably one of the best times to get outside and discover nature. With near-perfect cool, crisp temperatures and foliage aglow in shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, you could not dream of better days spent in the outdoors. And thanks to MDC’s over 1,000 areas, you don’t have to go far to experience it. No matter where you are located in the state, there is probably an area near you, maybe one that is a well-kept secret. It’s a great time to explore. What will you discover?

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St. Louis Region
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Engelmann Woods Natural Area, Franklin County

by Dan Zarlenga

Whenever I think of Engelmann Woods Natural Area (NA), brilliant arrays of ephemeral spring wildflowers always come to my mind. I need to remember that the area offers an amazing autumn adventure, too.

Nestled in the Ozarklike hills of Franklin County, the 148-acre Engelmann Woods NA is just south of St. Albans. Engelmann is an excellent example of a rich, old-growth forest adjacent to the Missouri River.

Prominent trees include red oak, white oak, white ash, basswood, and sugar maple. The largest trees can grow 3 feet in diameter, 100 feet tall, and approach 200 years in age. It’s probably why Engelmann Woods NA puts on an incredible show in the fall. Visit from about mid-October through early November and you’ll be dazzled by splendid colors everywhere you turn. Orange, red, brown, yellow, green … a magnificent pallet of autumn hues.

Engelmann Woods NA has a 2-mile natural surface hiking trail. While not extremely long, the journey meanders along steep ridges and down into a deep creek bed. It’s enough to get the heart pounding, especially if hiked at a brisk speed. But with its modest length, taking the trail more slowly can still be a relaxing walk.

As someone who enjoys photography, I find Engelmann’s varied terrain creates fascinating layers in color, accentuated by textures of wood. Intriguing geometries abound, from stately trunks standing proudly erect, defying the challenge of the elements, to fallen logs that have surrendered to them.

Engelmann Woods NA is 3 miles east of Labadie on Route T. From the Highway 100/Route T (St. Albans Road) junction in Wildwood, take Route T west about 6 miles. Visitors should note that the parking lot is small, so consider carpooling if going in a larger group.

For more information about Engelmann Woods NA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ln.

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Engelmann Woods NA
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Dan Zarlenga
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Engelmann Woods NA
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Dan Zarlenga
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Southwest and Ozark Regions
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Bicentennial Conservation Area, Newton County

by Francis Skalicky

My hiking experiences are enhanced by areas with interesting historical back stories. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the area, I always try to envision what the area looked like in its past form.

With that in mind, I headed for MDC’s 721-acre Bicentennial Conservation Area (CA) in Newton County. This area, on the outskirts of Neosho, is known to the locals for relaxing hikes and wildlife viewing on its approximately 6 miles of trails. Unbeknownst to many, it also has ties to a well-known military base and one of the country’s best-known military-themed comic strips.

Bicentennial CA comprises part of what was once the 60,000-acre Camp Crowder, also known as Fort Crowder. It was a prominent U.S. Army base during World War II, in operation from the early 1940s until the mid-1950s. Among the thousands of soldiers who passed through was Mort Walker, creator of the comic strip Beetle Bailey. His days at Camp Crowder inspired the comic.

At Bicentennial CA’s main parking lot (the area has four), I saw a sign that read, “Mort Walker Trail.” Named for the cartoonist, this disability-accessible trail, which is less than a mile in length, provides a glimpse of Camp Swampy, the fictional army base that was home to Beetle Bailey, Sergeant Snorkel, and the strip’s other characters. But the area boasts a spring, not a swamp.

There are still a few concrete and stone building foundations sprinkled across the area, reminders of its military days. This mostly forested area is a showcase for beautiful fall colors. Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed on designated trails. The area has a pavilion with picnic tables and primitive camping is allowed on the area.

For information about Bicentennial CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4LE.

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Bicentennial CA
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Francis Skalicky
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Bicentennial CA
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Francis Skalicky
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Gist Ranch Conservation Area, Texas County

by Francis Skalicky

If you’re looking for a place that will get you far from the hustle and bustle for a day, MDC’s Gist Ranch CA may be the site you seek.

As I walked a multi-use trail that loops across the southern half of the 11,240-acre area in southern Texas County, it occurred to me that this is a slice of remoteness that people outside of the immediate area probably aren’t familiar with.

It’s located in a part of the state where towns are small and scattered. It’s 5 miles west of Summersville and 14 miles southwest of Houston. It’s not near a major highway, so, even though the area is large, Gist Ranch CA is off the beaten path.

Therein lies Gist Ranch CA’s charm. Except during heavy hunting periods, such as the November firearms portion of the deer season or spring turkey season, visitation to the area is sparse. There are days you may be the only visitor on this primarily forested area that covers approximately 17 square miles. The trail I walked, which is open to bicycles and horses as well, is considered the main trail on the area. However, service roads on other parts of the area that are used by MDC staff (but are not open to public vehicular traffic) also offer nature-viewing opportunities. Put together, the service roads and trails combine for 11.5 miles of trails on the area.

Deer, turkey, and other wildlife populations can be found there. I saw a bald eagle just outside the area, so bring binoculars and keep your eyes open.

Gist Ranch CA has designated camping sites, an unstaffed shooting range, an unstaffed archery range, and two fishing ponds in the northeast corner of the area.

For information about Gist Ranch CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4oA.

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Kansas City and Northeast Regions
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Brickyard Hill Conservation Area, Atchison County

by Bill Graham

MDC’s Brickyard Hill CA demands choices from a visitor, especially in October. Located in Atchison County in Missouri’s far northwest corner near the small town of Watson, just off Interstate 29, nature and scenery are rich where western prairie plant species mingle with eastern woodlands on a great river’s edge.

Am I going to fish in the lake or hunt wild turkeys in the forest or try to do both in the same day? Do I make a lung-and-leg challenging uphill and down hike through forest to reach rare loess soil prairie natural areas on the dry, west-facing ridge slopes overlooking the Missouri River valley? Or do I stick to interior forested valleys and ridges?

The relaxing choice when the oaks and hickories are in fall color is a simple hike on the 1.7-mile dirt service road around the 13-acre Charity Lake. The hike is uphill and down on modest slopes, but fairly easy walking most of the way.

Still, fishing is a draw. I recall being with MDC fisheries biologists to measure fish populations, and they found a lot of bass and bluegill. There is a boat launch ramp, electric motors only. I’m looking forward to some kayak fishing there.

Still on my yet-to-do list is camping at Brickyard Hill CA. Two designated primitive camping areas are on the area, one near the lake and one in the uplands. They’re not large and I noticed on a recent visit one was almost full.

But with service roads that also serve as hiking trails through a 2,897-acre conservation area, solitude in the outdoors is easily found.

For more information about Brickyard Hill CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4Lu.

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Brickyard Hill CA
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Bill Graham
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Brickyard Hill CA
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Bill Graham
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Granny’s Acres Conservation Area, Benton County

by Bill Graham

Autumn is a fine time for a walk in the woods, and MDC’s Granny’s Acres CA in Benton County, south of Truman Lake, is a worthy destination. I like it because a walk in the forest and open woodlands is a haven from the busy world of human strife. But also, MDC staff has done a fine job of laying out interesting trails with good signage and maps to guide hikers.

MDC acquired the 351-acre area in the early 1960s. Frequent wildfires once charred the hilly area but did boost diversity in the plant community. MDC foresters are restoring the area’s rocky dolomite glades and maintaining the oak and hickory-dominated forest.

Getting there requires a drive down a dirt road to the area’s lone parking lot. Then comes a long walk on a service road past an old, flat creek bottom field now planted to natives. When you reach the forest edge, you cross Whig Creek, which may be dry or may have shallow water, weather depending. But then the road leads uphill into forest.

Once you’re up the hill and reach the Yellow Loop Trail, directional choices must be made, which lead to intersections with the Blue Loop and Red Loop trails. Signs at intersections keep you posted on where you are on the 4.3-mile trail system. The trails are rocky in places, but most hikers rate them moderate difficulty.

Of course, on an MDC conservation area, you are also free to simply walk through the woods in any direction. I like the freedom to roam at Granny’s Acres, on or off trail, in an area where meeting other hikers is infrequent.

For more information about Granny’s Acres CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4L2.

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Granny's Acres CA
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Bill Graham
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Granny's Acres CA
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Bill Graham
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Southeast Region
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Red Rock Landing Conservation Area, Perry County

by Josh Hartwig

If the Chester River gauge is sitting at 20 feet or below, I recommend visiting one of MDC’s most tranquil historical destinations — Red Rock Landing CA in Perry County.

When accessible by road, the area contains quite a feast for the eyes, including seven ponds, 60 acres of unprotected bottomland fields, and 70 acres of upland fields. MDC purchased this 419-acre timbered property in 1994, chiefly using it as a public fishing access.

Red Rock CA has some of the best remaining riparian habitats in this part of the Mississippi River. MDC Wildlife Management Biologist Keith Cordell said it provides excellent bank fishing for catfish and other big river species.

One of best things I discovered about the area is its ridgetop, which offers several trails for the hiking enthusiast. Once you reach the top, prepare yourself for an instant panoramic view. It’s amazing.

The area is like most other forested river hills areas within southeast Missouri, except it has giant, steep river hills. And the proximity to the river is justifiably why fishing is one of the main reasons to visit.

It’s also a good birdwatching area since the Mississippi River is a huge corridor for migrating birds. The healthy, riparian forest against the river attracts a lot of neotropical migrants and all kinds of waterfowl you won’t see further inland.

Plenty of hunting opportunities are also there, including deer, turkey, and some small game such as rabbit and quail. And you’ll even find a camping area with three defined campsites, complete with fire rings, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and gravel pads.

For the hiking novice, the habitat is similar to Trail of Tears State Park. It’s stunningly steep, rugged, and is must-see. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your bicycle on one of many service roads, but be prepared for a steep bike ride.

To learn more about Red Rock Landing CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ls.

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Red Rock Landing CA
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Josh Hartwig
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Red Rock Landing CA
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Josh Hartwig
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Central and North-Central Regions
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Edward Anderson Conservation Area, Ralls County

by Maddie Fennewald

Tucked away on the easternmost edge of the state lies a highway of little recognition for its stunning views. Highway 79 is a two-lane road that parallels the Mississippi River as it meanders south from Hannibal toward St. Louis, and travelers who take this scenic route are greeted with the most stunning vistas overlooking the river bluffs. While the drive is beautiful on its own, the opportunity to witness Missouri’s natural landscapes does not stop along the highway lines.

Drivers are presented with multiple stopping points along the route as they progress from Hannibal toward St. Louis. Ten miles south of Hannibal along Highway 79 sits Edward Anderson CA, which boasts the highest point in Ralls County. The forested area transitions to a vibrant landscape during the fall season, and it presents visitors with the opportunity to hide themselves away from the busyness of life, even if just for a few moments.

After absorbing the beauty of Anderson CA, travelers can continue south on Highway 79 for 7 miles toward Dupont Reservation CA. Like Anderson CA, this 1,320-acre property is home to a plethora of wildlife thanks to its diverse habitats of upland timber, bottomland timber, and grasslands. Visitors are encouraged to use the area’s picnic benches to find their mid-day respite from work as they eat their lunch.

For those who find themselves wanting to experience the visual art of a changing fall landscape without having to leave the comfort of their vehicle, Highway 79 and the conservation areas along the route offer the perfect viewing opportunity. With multiple scenic pull-offs and various stopping locations, this well-kept secret of northeastern Missouri should be added to your list of must-see fall landscapes.

For more information about Edward Anderson CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4LX.

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Edward Anderson CA
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MADDIE FENNEWALD
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Clifty Creek Conservation Area, Maries County

by Maddie Fennewald

Picture the leaves crunching beneath your feet as you crest the top of a hill overlooking miles of wooded land in rural Maries County. To your right you look down and see the creek bed of Clifty Creek CA; and to your left, you see hill after hill sporting beautiful, wooded habitat for a variety of native Missouri animals. When you have made it about halfway through the 2.5-mile looped hiking trail on the property, in front of you sits a rock formation that serves as a wonderful resting point for weary hikers to catch their breath while taking in the scenic views surrounding them.

The well-marked trail winds from the parking lot through the creek bed, and to the stunning natural bridge that spans 40 feet and was formed by a tributary of Clifty Creek winding through the Gasconade dolomite. Hikers visiting the area can expect a moderately difficult trail that involves minor elevation changes, uneven ground, and a low water crossing depending on the weather. This hike is ideal for the late fall. Once the leaves have fallen from the tree canopy, visitors are able to observe the birds as they flit from branch to branch without any foliage blocking their view.

It is recommended that hikers bring binoculars, water, and snacks for the hike. For those hoping to make a day of the visit, pack a sack lunch and eat on the natural, rock “picnic” area on the backend of the loop. Dress for the weather and take in the wonderful visage of Maries County.

For more information about Clifty Creek CA, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4L7.

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Clifty Creek CA
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MADDIE FENNEWALD
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This Issue's Staff

Magazine Manager - Stephanie Thurber
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale