Best Day Hikes in Southeast Missouri

Nestled in the hills of Southeast Missouri , you will find scenic beauty and nature abounding along miles of organized trails.

[sacomo]

I have made the hike at "Elephant Rocks" and thoroughly enjoyed its beauty and the enormity of the boulders. The park is set up nicely and the walk is not to difficult or tiring. My 96 year old mother made the walk. If you haven't been there, I think you might enjoy it.

[Hey]

Where is it?

[sacomo]

From Fredericktown go west on State 72, to Ironton then take State 21 North to Elephant Rocks State Park. About a 40 minute drive.

[Sharky]

Pickle Springs near Hawn State Park on Hwy 32 near St. Gen is a good. The trail is just chat/gravel but it is a pretty hike.

[jes]

Sharky wrote:

Pickle Springs near Hawn State Park on Hwy 32 near St. Gen is a good. The trail is just chat/gravel but it is a pretty hike.

i love this trail...very scenic

[Hiker]

Hawn State Park itself has many trails, two big loops equalling around 13 miles round trip. The hike from Millstream Gardens to Silvermines in Madison county is a favorite of mine. Probably 5-7 miles, following the St. Francois river with many kayakers. Johnson Shut-ins, although still in bad shape after the resevoir collapse, is very near Elephant Rocks. And Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest hill in Missouri, is also near there.