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Adventures with Uncle Bob

Big Oak Tree State Park

Directions: Cross I-57 at Cairo and proceed to Charleston, MO where you will take MO 102 south for approximately 25 miles. This is flat delta country through soybean and cotton fields, as well as marsh areas. Follow the brown signs. Two trails start at the parking area. Go to the self-service visitor center for exhibits and maps. Start the 3/4 mile boardwalk trail. Along the route you will encounter thick canebrake, bald cypress trees, and other huge trees including a 140 ft. Burr Oak (18 ft. diameter), a black Willow tree at 118 ft. (10 ft. diameter), and other majestic trees. Six trees qualify as state champions, and two are national size champions. There are 150 species of birds in the park. This park is not well-maintained. I found that, after a half mile hiking, whole sections of boardwalk were missing and hikers must continue on concrete muddy piers to finally reach the lake. According to the website, the boardwalk is being replaced in segments. It will be completely closed for repairs in May and August 2005.

Back to the parking lot, cross the road and take the other trail which forms a loop; this will offer you additional views of gigantic trees. Back in the car, drive up to the lake and locate the unmarked trail which parallels and surrounds the lake. On the trail you’ll soon discover cypress and tupelo trees in the lake. You may want to avoid this place on a hot, humid summer day. During my first visit to this trail was on a pleasant Fall day. The second visit was in July and I "itched" all over my body after a couple hours, despite only few insect bites. This park is noted in the book, Hiking in Missouri by Kevin Lohraff.

For additional information on these or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643, or, mailto:robkay43@webtv.net ■

 

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