OZARK TRAIL IN MISSOURI

Overview: This unofficial section is designated for descriptive purposes as OZT extending from the southern boundary of Robertsville State Park to the northern boundary of Meramec State Forest and Park running in a southwesterly direction. Meramec State Park is a short distance from U.S. highway 44. The section is within the confines of the southernmost portion of the 108 mile long Meramec River Greenway.

Counties

Franklin, Crawford, Washington

Agencies

MO-DNR State Parks Division. MO Dept. of Conservation maintains a Meramec Conservation Area in Franklin County on hwy. 185.

Directions

Take U.S. 44 to Exit 226 to Sullivan; Meramec S.P. is 4 miles east on hwy. 185 and the Conservation Area is adjacent to it.

Maps

Two MO-DNR brochures include park maps: "Meramec State Park, Trail and Natural Guide Area" and "Meramec State Park." The MO Dept. of Conservation Area map is presented on p.77 of the Atlas.

Facilities

(At Meramec, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.): boat ramp and trailer parking; picnicking; 20 campsites with sewer, water and electrical hookups; 60 campsites with just electrical hookups, and 130 basic campsites, hot showers, coin-operated laundry, sanitary dump station. Fifty-one campsites are available by reservation. Daily fee paid after campsite is selected. Canoe, raft, and inner tube rentals. Fishing and swimming. Rustic dining lodge. General store. Visitor center with 3,500 gallon aquarium.

Features

Meramec Park has 6,788 acres and a 461-acre Meramec Upland (chert) Forest Natural Area. Caves with bats. Meramec River access. Wild turkeys. Ten miles of trails are available within the park; part will become a section of the OZT. Fisher Cave guided tours. The Meramec Conservation Area is 3,779 acres along 4.8 miles of the Meramec River. It has 20 miles of trails, 5 ponds, 4 caves, and a spring.

Trails

(At Meramec S.P.) Bluff View (1.5 mi); Walking Fern (0.5 mi); Deer Hollow (1.8 mi); Wilderness (6 mi); River (0.8 mi); Natural Wonders (1.3 mi). (At Meramec Conservation Area) 12 mile horseback riding trail and an 8 mile hiking trail.

Contact Information

MO-DNR, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (ph 1-800-334-6946);Meramec State Park Visitor Center, Route 4, Box 4, Sullivan, MO 63080 (ph 314-468-6072). For cabin and canoe rental, call 314-468-6519. MO Dept. of Conservation, Sullivan Office (314-468-3335).

Related URLs

http://www.mo_dnr.gov/

http://www.mo.bot.us/stateparks/meramec.html.

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