St. Louis, MO: Bell Smith Springs Loop

You’ll find dramatic vistas and thousands of plant species, including the rare French’s shooting star, along this 3.6-mile loop that follows sandstone cliffs around Bay Creek. The first half-mile descends 200 feet into the hollow where four creeks converge and natural springs ensure rich displays of wildflowers such as cream violets and violet wood sorrels. Shed your shoes (twice) for easy fords of Bay Creek, exploring sandstone overhangs beneath the 125-foot span of the Shawnee’s largest natural bridge and a trickling falls 2 miles later. The last 2.5 miles of the hike skirts the cliff’s upper edge, 100-150 feet above the rocky creek and shoulder-to-shoulder with moss and fern-covered canyon walls before climbing back to the trailhead.

Mapped by: Ted Villaire

Trail Facts

• Distance: 5.9

Waypoints

BEL001

Location: 37.521874, -88.656621

Start at the parking area at the entrance to the Rebud Campground. Cross the park road and follow the switchbacks into the canyon.

BEL002

Location: 37.522827, -88.654958

At the bottom of the bluff, turn right on the blue trail and look for flowers including dwarf larkspurs.

BEL003

Location: 37.521141, -88.655067

Enjoy the view from the rocky ledge 100-feet above Bay Creek.

BEL004

Location: 37.518646, -88.65538

Turn left to descend into the hollow along the yellow trail and a narrow stairway carved in the rock by the Civilian Conservation Corps circa 1930.

BEL005

Location: 37.51844, -88.655205

Turn left to explore the sandstone overhangs along the water’s edge, but continue on this route by fording the creek. Be careful: the bottom is littered with shoe-box-sized rocks.

BEL006

Location: 37.518364, -88.655052

Climb the bank to the base of the 30-foot sandstone arch. Head south along the yellow trail and pass climbing bars (a shortcut to waypoint BEL008) embedded in the sandstone.

BEL007

Location: 37.5145, -88.654625

The path brushes vertical walls covered by lichen and moss. Towering beech, hickory, sugar maple, and oak shade the trail.

BEL008

Location: 37.518078, -88.654297

Pass the climbing bars and walk the 125-foot span of the natural bridge. Be careful: the wet sandstone gets slippery.

BEL009

Location: 37.520126, -88.653709

The yellow and blue trails merge at this junction; continue straight along the blue path.

BEL010

Location: 37.523445, -88.651421

Long stretches of trail are solid rock. Below, the creek disappears under a deep rock overhang.

BEL011

Location: 37.521809, -88.641212

Compared to the previous ford, the creek here is narrower and a bit deeper. Follow trail markers to the opposite shore.

BEL012

Location: 37.522861, -88.654931

Work your way around some deadfall and turn right on the blue trail, retracing your steps to the trailhead.

Bay Creek view

Location: 37.521138, -88.655006

The surprisingly blue-tinted waters of the creek surround enormous sandstone boulders that fell from the cliff. © Ted Villaire

Natural arch

Location: 37.518337, -88.654968

Behind this gray sandstone arch is a 40-yard opening through solid rock. After a rain, water flows into the chasm below. © Ted Villaire

Bay Creek ford

Location: 37.521812, -88.641136

Kick off your shoes and socks and for another ford. A walking stick may help you stay balanced on slippery rocks. © Ted Villaire