It may not be the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but Hickory Canyons in Missouri can still make up for a pretty neat day hike. As a bonus, it’s located right near downtown Ste. Genevieve, where you can head after your hike to enjoy a bite to eat and drink in Missouri’s oldest town.
To get to the trailhead, head west on Sprott Road for about 1.75 miles. There will be parking pull-offs to drop your car off before the hike.
lavella98/TripAdivisor
Hickory Canyons feature two hiking trails, both relatively easy. The Allen Brohn Memorial Trail is a one-mile loop trail on the north side of Sprott Road. A short half-mile out and back trail provides access to a wet weather waterfall. The shorter trail is located on the south side of Sprott Road.
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Speaking of waterfalls, you’ll come across some wet weather waterfalls in this natural area.
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If you’re okay with hiking in the cold, the falls are pretty cool to see in the winter, when they have frozen into icicles.
Dave Clark/flickr
This natural area is botanically rich and hosts 541 native vascular plant species and 152 bryophyte species.
Dave Clark/flickr
On the way to the Canyons, you’ll cross Hickory Creek.
Dave Clark/Facebook
Once you get to the Canyons, you’ll notice the Lamotte sandstone. This sandstone was formed from the sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed 500 million years ago.
Dave Clark/flickr
The Glacial relicts at Hickory Canyons include hay-scented fern, fir clubmoss and winterberry.
Dave Clark
This natural area is quite the hidden gem in Missouri. As a matter of fact, some days you’ll find yourself as the only one on the trail, making it that more serene.
somewhereonthetrail/YouTube
For a brief tour, check out this footage of the natural area captured by a hiker.
lavella98/TripAdivisor
lavella98/TripAdvisor
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Dave Clark/flickr
Dave Clark/Facebook
Dave Clark
somewhereonthetrail/YouTube
Ready to take a trip? Once you get to Farmington, go east on Highway 32 to Highway C. Go north about three miles on Highway C and turn left (south) onto Sprott Road (gravel). Head west on Sprott Road for about 1.75 miles until you reach the parking pull-offs for the trailheads.
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