Recreation Ideas in Southeast Missouri
By Emily Sladek

As the weather warms up and the sun stays out longer, outdoors is where many of us like to spend our time. The smell of fresh blooming flowers is in the air, and whether it's raining or the sun is out there are plenty of things to do recreation wise.

For starters, you can find one of many triathlons, 5K Walk/Runs, or bicycling clubs to dive into. With events such as the Steamboat Classic Triathlon in April  to test your strength and endurance, the Michelle Bundy 5K to raise awareness about cancer, or the Velo Girardeau Cycling Club offering local scenic rides around the area, there are plenty of things to get out and do.

If sporting isn't your cup of tea, then perhaps a hike along one of the many trails in a Missouri State Park would suit your outdoor spirit. Trail of Tears State Park offers four trails varying in length from 1/2 mile to 10 miles. The scenic trails take you along the bluffs and ridges overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River, introduce you to some of the area's wildlife including deer, rabbits and squirrels, and show you the blossoming spring foliage such as the pawpaw, known as Missouri's banana tree. Several other hiking opportunities in the area can be found at the Cape Conservation and Nature Center, Big Oak Tree State Park in East Prairie, Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview, and Sam A Baker State Park in Patterson to name a few.

For the rainy days or any day, the Cape Conservation and Nature Center offers an appealing, close-to-home line up as well, featuring events for children and adults of all ages. In addition to the hiking trails, you can explore the many displays and exhibits inside the nature center. From Native American artifacts to native Missouri fish, the nature center offers a fun, hands-on look at many of the hidden gems in Missouri's natural habitats. They also offer several educational programs and activities to get you a touch closer to nature.

Finally, if the recreation you seek isn't found in any of those options, there is always the option of hitting the local off-road park. Close to home are Leer-Jak Off Road Ranch in Patterson, as well as Outlaw Off-Road just outside of Jackson, and Brick's Off-Road Park in Poplar Bluff. Each offering, mud, mayhem, tournaments, and other events, these are a perfect highlight to any outdoor adventure.

Among many others, these events and places all provide the chance for some recreational fun. Our calendars are filling up with things to do, so check them regularly to keep in the loop!

             

For articles on hiking, Click Here Missouri State Parks The following links will take you to resources for more information on state parks around Southeast Missouri and ideas for things to do outdoors and for recreation! Dr Edward A Babler Memorial State Park – Wildwood (Southwest of St Louis) Elephant Rocks State Park – Graniteville (Iron County) Felix Valle House State Historical Site – Ste Genevieve Fort Davidson State Historical Site – Pilot Knob Gov Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State Historic Site – Herculaneum Hawn State Park – Ste Genevieve Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park – Reynolds County Lake Wappapello State Park – Williamsville Mastodon State Historic Site – Imperial   [Click here to download Mastodon Fair Flyer. ] Meramec State Park – Sullivan Missouri Mines State Historic Site – Park Hills Onondaga Cave State Park – Leasburg St Francois State Park – Bonne Terre St Joe State Park Sam A Baker State Park Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historical Site – Goldman (Jefferson County) Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – near Ironton (Iron & Reynolds Counties) Trail of Tears State Park – Jackson Washington State Park – De Soto Missouri State Parks By Region St. Louis Area Southeast Missouri Area State Parks - All

Little Grand Canyon Loop Trail By JD Tanner This loop hike in the Shawnee National Forest features exposed bluffs, an erosion carved canyon, seasonal waterfall, and several rock overhangs, making it one of the most interesting areas in the entire region. The Hike The Little Grand Canyon National Natural Landmark is a small, but dramatic, part of the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest.  Located in Jackson County, IL, the deep box canyon has been slowly eroding over time and now boasts it’s exposed, majestic bluffs. Visitors to the Little Grand Canyon area will witness typical southern Illinois landscapes.  Rich oak and hickory forests tower above sycamore and beech trees. Just south of Little Grand Canyon is a place known as “snake road.”   Each year the road is closed down to accommodate several species of snakes, including Timber Rattlesnakes, Western Cottonmouths, and the endangered Green Water Snake, as they migrate to and from their winter hibernation spots, such as the Little Grand Canyon. The Little Grand Canyon Loop Trail is a 3.6-mile hike that begins with a roller coaster like ridge descent to a scenic overlook.  Hikers can stop, enjoy the view, and return to the parking lot or continue into the canyon below. The trailhead is located (southwest) corner of the parking area, just to the right (west) of the outhouses.  Begin hiking southwest on the obvious, gravel and dirt trail.  Follow the trail as it traverses Viney Ridge through a thick forest of maple, oak, sassafras, beach, and tulip trees. Pass several wooden benches before reaching a large scenic overlook on Chalk Bluff at 1.0 mile.  Here you have a good view of the Big Muddy River to the west.  At this point, the trail curves to the right (southeast) and begins to gradually descend the ridge.  At 1.3 miles, the trail grows noticeable steeper and you enter the moss-covered, sandstone canyon.  Carefully descend, alternating between following the trail and the natural drainage.  Look closely and you will notice that steps have been etched into the rock in several areas, a work project completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.  At 1.8 miles reach the bottom of the canyon and begin following the tail, now marked with white diamonds, to the east.  Cross a small creek at 2.2 miles and continue east, passing tall bluffs.  At 2.5 miles, the trail curves to right (south) and into another slippery, sandstone drainage.  Follow the drainage, again using caution and looking for steps as you pass several seasonal waterfalls.  At the top of the drainage, turn left (east) and ascend the moderately steep trail back to the parking area. Distance:  3.6 miles   Approximate hiking time:  2 hours   Difficulty:  More challenging Trail contacts: Shawnee National Forest, 50 Highway 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946; (618) 253-7114 Special considerations:  Ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy are common during warmer months.  Rocks along trail can be quite slippery following wet weather. Finding the Trailhead:  From Cape Girardeau, take the boogie bridge crossing over into Illinois.  Turn left (north) onto IL 146/IL 3 and continue on IL 3 for 32.3 miles. Turn right onto CR 5 Town Creek Road (look for the sign pointing to the Little Grand Canyon). Travel 6.6 miles to Hickory Ridge Road. Turn right onto Hickory Ridge Road and continue 4 miles to a four-way stop; turn right to stay on Hickory Ridge Road. Drive 2.3 miles and turn right onto Little Grand Canyon Road. Follow Little Grand Canyon Road until it dead-ends in the parking area. The trailhead is located at the southwest corner of the parking area.