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The forested ridges and cool hollows of St. Francois State Park offer visitors a retreat from everyday life. Three hiking trails, including one that allows equestrian access, wind through the forested hills and glades of the Coonville Creek Wild Area. Easy access to the Big River makes St. Francois State Park ideal for canoeing and kayaking, as well as, floating and the many shaded picnic sites and two covered shelters make the park perfect for family gatherings. Overnight guests can choose from more than 100 campsites, in campgrounds with modern restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.
The wild forested terrain of the Pike Run Hills once was refuge for desperate Civil War outlaws. Today, these same hills in St. Francois State Park serve as a natural refuge from modern-day life for thousands of visitors each year.
COONVILLE CREEK WILD AREA
The 2,101 acres that make up Coonville Creek Wild Area boast the forested ridges and hollows of the Pike Run Hills. Mooner’s Hollow and Pike Run trails provide access to this wild area covered with woodlands of white oak and black oak, as well as, shagbark hickory and dogwood. Coonville Creek and its narrow valley make up Coonville Creek Natural Area. Small springs and tributaries, as well as, wet meadows, or fens, feed this high-quality Ozark stream. Many rare northern plants continue to thrive in the moist, sheltered conditions of these fens. Several trails, one of which allows equestrians, wind through these wild areas and other scenic areas of the park. A park naturalist offers nature walks and slide shows, as well as, audio/video presentations and demonstrations Many of these are held in the park’s outdoor amphitheater, to inform visitors on a variety of nature topics.
BIG RIVER
The Big River marks the southern boundary of the park. Scenic dolomite bluffs overlook the river and grassy forest openings known as glades occur on several of the south-facing slopes. This slow-moving Ozark stream is ideal for families and novice canoeists. Fishermen enjoy casting their lines into the river for bass and catfish, as well as, sunfish. Visitors can cool off by taking a dip in a swimming hole or just wading along the river’s edge.
More than 160 picnic sites are scattered throughout the heavily wooded park. Alongside the Big River and Coonville Creek, these provide a nice place to relax and take a break from the day’s activities. Two picnic shelters can be reserved for family reunions or large gatherings. Playground equipment and horseshoe pits, as well as, open ball fields are located near the shelters to entertain young and old.
Overnight accommodations include basic and electric campsites. Modern restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities and a dumping station are located in the campground area.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
573-358-2173
PARK ADDRESS
8920 US Highway 67 North
Bonne Terre, MO 63628-3598
For more information click HERE.
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BREATHE LIFE!
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