Points of Interest:
- Explore a landscape of narrow rocky ridges dotted with numerous dolomite glades.
- Look and listen for a variety of songbirds from blue-winged warblers to Louisiana waterthrushes.
- Enjoy the rush of water over narrow, rocky wet-weather streams and short waterfalls that enliven the area after a rainstorm.
Natural Features Description:
Forests, woodlands and glades spread over a thoroughly dissected landscape of narrow ridges and valleys that define the Gasconade River Hills region and this natural area. Ringing most of the glade openings are wizened post and chinkapin oaks - most over a century or more in age. Over 200 native plant species have been found here and it is expected that many more species remain to be found. Visitors to the glades will be treated to a progression of wildflower blooms from the Indian paintbrush and hoary puccoon of spring to the prairie dock and aromatic aster of summer and fall.
This natural area is within Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area. From the intersection of Interstate 44 and Highway 63 in Rolla, go north on Highway 63 for 13.5 miles. Turn right (north) onto old Highway 63 and proceed nearly two miles to the area parking lot on the right (north). A map and compass are recommended to explore this area. A system of old roads makes for a good hiking trail network. Hunting is permitted.
MO
United States