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What We Do

Clifty Creek Trail

Clifty Creek Natural Area and Conservation Area in Maries County protects a natural bridge carved from Gasconade dolomite. With its forested, rugged terrain, native shortleaf pine and interesting glade plants, the area captures many Ozark features in a small area, and the trail showcases them all.

 

In 2008, this 2.5-mile loop trail, leading to one of the geologic wonders of Missouri, was dedicated. The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation provided a total of $13,000 for the trail, which was designed and constructed by the late and dearly missed John Roth of Roth Trails, Inc. Roth also organized all construction work days during which Ozark Trail Association volunteers did trail construction. Funding was also provided by the MDC, the LAD Foundation and the Department of Natural Resources via the federal Recreational Trails Program.

When outdoor photographer Cliff Keeler first visited Clifty Creek Natural Area and Conservation Area in the late 1990s, he had to rely on instinct, chest waders and a hefty hiking stick to reach his destination.

To find the photogenic natural bridge carved from the streams that traverse this scenic area in Maries County, Keeler said, “I started down what could be called a rough path and abruptly found myself at a creek, which I waded along for more than a mile, knowing it would eventually lead to the bridge. All the while, I was negotiating large boulders and carrying 40 pounds of camera equipment on my back!”

This fall, Keeler visited the area again, but had a much different experience, thanks to the recently completed 2.5-mile loop hiking trail leading to the natural bridge carved from Gasconade dolomite. “I’ve visited the area before the new trail and after, and it has made all the difference in the world,” said Keeler. “The trail is awesome. It’s very well done and makes it much easier for photographers like me and other visitors to see the bridge and enjoy the area.”

“The bridge is stunning, and seems to appear out of nowhere,” said Keeler. “But the way the trail is routed helps hikers see how two drainages come together to carve the bridge.” Visitors can hike 1.4 miles one way to see the bridge, which spans 40 feet, and retrace their steps, or they can complete the 2.5-mile loop.

The natural bridge is located within the 230-acre Clifty Creek Natural Area, which is owned by the LAD Foundation. In 1971, it was the first place in the state to be designated a Missouri Natural Area due to the geologic significance of the area. Adjacent to it is the 256-acre Clifty Creek Conservation Area, owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The trail traverses both properties.

“It was always the intention of the Conservation Department to construct a trail in the area,” said Rick Thom, executive director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. “I’m pleased that foundation contributions helped cover funding shortfalls to make the trail possible,” said Thom. “And the trail helps meet the foundation’s goal of providing high quality outdoor opportunities for Missourians.”

In 2006 and 2007, the foundation provided a total $13,000 for the trail, which was designed and constructed by John Roth of Roth Trails Inc. Roth also organized all construction work days during which Ozark Trail Association volunteers did trail construction. Funding was also provided by the MDC, the LAD Foundation and the Department of Natural Resources via the federal Recreational Trails Program.

Thom, who had a 28-year career with the MDC before directing the foundation, remembers visiting Clifty Creek in the late 1970s. “It was one of the first places I visited after joining the department, and I was impressed with the beauty of the area,” said Thom. “Unfortunately, I knew its inaccessibility frustrated visitors.”

With its forested, rugged terrain, native shortleaf pine and interesting glade plants, the land captures a lot of the Ozarks in a small area, noted Thom. “The trail is routed to really showcase all these subfeatures of the area,” he said.

How to get there: The area is 6 miles northeast of Dixon at the end of Route W in Maries County. A six-car parking lot for he area is on Maries County Road 511. Go to area map>> Go to area brochure>>