Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

                                 Outings    Newsletter    Local Action    Resources     Membership

National
Sierra Club Campaigns

 Sierra Club Chronicles TV

Sierra Club Radio

   Event Flyers

Adventures with Uncle Bob

Directions: Cross the bridge at Chester, take Missouri Hwy 51 to County H. When it ends, go left and turn on the county Z. Follow to the junction with I-55. Just past St. Genevieve, take Hwy 32 west to County C. Take a right and go about 3 miles to Sprout Rd. Take a left until you come to the parking area for Hickory Canyon. The trail to your north is a 1.5 mile loop. This moderate hike descends into a high walled ravine/canyon for lovely views. At some point 2/3 of the way, you will come to a large horseshoe shaped rock canyon along with small caves and a couple neat rock shelters. Upon return, you can take a short trail south of the parking lot down to some canyons (not a loop trail). I would recommend this place when leaves are off the trees, for better views.

Return to MO 32 and drive west until the turnoff for Hawn State Park. Two trails are here. Whispering Pines Trail is a 10 mile loop. I have not done much of it, but it is reported to be worthwhile for many views from high elevations. Another trail is a two mile loop that starts along the river. As you walk parallel with the river you are blessed with continuous cascades, canyon walls and rock shut-ins. This trail is shared with the Whispering Pines Trail, but at some point you hit an intersection to cross the river. From there you ascend the trail and have continuous view looking down into this steep canyon. Both trails start at the picnic area at the bottom of steep, paved road.

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