St. Louis: Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
This 6-mile out-and-back offers commanding views from bluffs overlooking the St. Francis River and passes remnants of an old mining operation.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.8
Waypoints
MGC001
Location: 37.5787925720215, -90.4632873535156
Trailhead; head S on paved trail under a hardwood forest to St. Francis River
MGC002
Location: 37.5705451965332, -90.4610900878906
River bluffs; watch kayakers play in the rapids; turn L, heading downstream
MGC003
Location: 37.570255279541, -90.4535980224609
Begin short descent
MGC004
Location: 37.5648880004883, -90.4433212280274
Turn L @ fork; trail continues along the river; an off-shoot on the R leads to an impressive rock face on the S side of the river
MGC005
Location: 37.5640602111816, -90.4420318603516
Cross over Turkey Creek; begin climb up the bluffs
MGC006
Location: 37.5595054626465, -90.4419174194336
Near the high point of the bluff look down onto Willow Jungle rapid, named for its ability to snare unwary boaters in the branches and trees. Turkey Creek campground on L
MGC007
Location: 37.5590896606445, -90.4418716430664
Veer R and down slope to view old granite dam used for mining nearly a century ago; mineshaft located on opposite side of river
MGC008
Location: 37.5564842224121, -90.4414443969726
Turn R off the trail for a commanding view of the river; lizards often sunbathe on rocks
MGC009
Location: 37.5551109313965, -90.4383010864258
Silver Mines Campground; end @ bridge on old Hwy. D; return to trailhead
