By Katie Oreskovic Staff Writer
When you hear the words “breathtaking” and “picturesque” it is not likely for Franklin County, Missouri to be the first image to come to mind. However, upon taking time to hike the right local trail, the humble beauty of Missouri can be uncovered. With the tolerable temperatures of fall capturing the area, there is no better time to discover the natural world that our patch of Missouri has to offer.
Shaw Nature Reserve, a preservation area that focuses on maintaining native Missouri habitat and connecting the community to nature, is located 11 miles Northeast of East Central College. The reserve appeals to hikers, artists, bikers, gardeners, and everything in between.
“[Shaw] Nature Reserve is able to offer over 18 miles of hiking trails through a diversity of Ozark Border landscapes,” Shaw Nature Reserve Supervisor of Visitor Services, Jennifer Laquet said, “There is a lot for guests to discover and explore during their visit… Some of our most popular locations include the Nature Explore Classroom, Sense of Wonder Woodland, the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, and the Maritz Trail House.”
Not only do wildlife and vegetation greatly benefit from the reserve, but visitors can also improve their well-being by spending time in it.
“Being able to regularly access a natural area generally helps to improve a person’s health and wellbeing,” Laquet said, “By creating personal connections to the outdoors, we hope to also encourage protection and stewardship of the natural world.”
Located 11 miles east of ECC marks Robertsville State Park, a natural area that harbors two hiking trails, camp sites, and access to the Meramec River. A recommended trail to visit is the Lost Hill trail, a two-point six-mile loop hike.
The trail has moderate elevation gain and is easy to navigate despite the vegetation that surrounds the area.
“Hiking the north side of the trail provides an excellent view of an old oxbow slough of Calvey Creek and extends down into the bottomlands surrounded by pawpaw trees.” According to Mostateparks.com.
Past Robertsville State Park, and about 16 miles east of ECC is the Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area, offering a moderately challenging two-point six-mile hike through rolling hills. The area has a lake for the avid fisherman, a variety of forgeable plants and 634 acres of solitude. Additional information on the park can be found on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
As the Missouri wilderness bursts into fall color, these hidden gems provide the community with a place to take in the surroundings and reconnect with nature. Whether going for a hike, run, bike ride or picnic, consider visiting a preserved area this fall- you might discover a new favorite spot.
Photos taken by Katie Oreskovic
ECC Cornerstone 