Hiking Trail Through Time in Pickle Springs Natural Area
Hiking Trail Through Time in Pickle Springs Natural Area
Today I’m hiking Trail Through Time in Pickle Springs Natural Area, a National Natural Landscape in southeast Missouri.
Trail Through Time
Type: Loop | Rate: Easy/Moderate | Traffic: Moderate | Distance: 2mi | Elevation Gain: 310ft
A National Natural Landscape most deserving of the distinction.
View the full route on AllTrails.
Trail Through Time
I’ll admit I had avoided hiking Trail Through Time in Pickle Springs Natural Area for the simply ignorant reason that it was short; and Hawn State Park is right next door. Oh how I was wrong. The hike is only 2 miles, but it might be the most scenic hike in Missouri.
A National Natural Landscape
Designated a National Natural Landscape by the National Parks Service in 1974, I have yet to hike a trail in Missouri more deserving of the honor. Every quarter mile there is a new enchantingly beautiful aspect to explore of the Missouri outdoors.
Sandstone Hoodoos
The main attraction are the Lamotta Sandstone “hoodoos,” which are giant boulders featuring 6 foot keyholes in the stone and one particularly beautiful double arch that the trail passes through. These Cauliflower Rocks as they’re referred to are only a half mile into the hike, but the adventure starts along the way as the trail first passes through The Slot, a small canyon foretelling the geological wonders to come.
Bluffs and Bluff Views
Trail Through Time also features three sandstone bluffs. The first is Owl’s Den Bluff located in an area called Spirit Canyon. The trail leads hikers along the base of roughly 50 foot bluff with its wet rock overhangs covered in ferns. The second is Dome Rock, which is an overlook above the tree line offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Finally one the trail winds through Rockpile Canyon with its striking red walls.
One could hike Trail Through Time in as little as an hour or less, but I would strongly encourage giving yourself at least a half a day to wander the trail. It will not be a waste of time.
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Hiking Gear List
Jacket - Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie
Long Sleeve Shirt - REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer
T-Shirt - REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt
Pants - KUHL Renegade Rock Pants
Underwear - REI Co-op Everyday Boxer Briefs
Shoes - The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT Hiking Shoes
Pack - REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
Water Bottle - REI Co-op Nalgene 1L
Headlamp - Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Camera Gear List
Camera - iPhone 14 Pro
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