Nestled near the St. Francois Mountains in eastern Missouri, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers rugged beauty and is an accessible adventure for everyone.
Visit this ancient landscape of geological wonders for an awesome day trip or camping stay.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
WHAT IS A SHUT-IN?
The St. Francois Mountains contain many Shut-Ins. They form when a river or stream is narrowly confined by very resistant bedrock, preventing it from widening its channel. The result is a steep, rocky gorge with rapids, chutes, and plunge pools.
In 1955, Joseph Desloge donated the original 2,400 acres that became the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, a Missouri landmark.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHUT-INS
The park is open for year-round enjoyment.
- Winter – open views and solitude await, use caution as surfaces may be icy.
- Spring – watch the landscape come to life.
- Summer – have fun splashing in the plunge pools. Weekends will be crowded.
- Fall – Enjoy autumn splendor, fewer crowds, and no bugs, what could be better?
Early spring and periods of high rainfall could cause flooding. Always check the park website for up-to-date alerts.
For more information visit the park website
JOHNSON’S SHUT-IN STATE PARK TRAILS
I had a fun day in June at Johnson’s Shut-Ins. Read on for a description of the hiking trails I took.
Shut-Ins Trail
This trail follows a rocky gorge along the east fork of the Black River. For an astounding view, take the easily accessible 0.3-mile beginning section from the parking lot to the observation platform above the Shut-Ins.
The trail then becomes more difficult, continuing up a stairway.
Entering the East For Natural Area, the Trail travels through a pristine old oak forest and more gorgeous scenery that will make you glad that you didn’t give up and turn around. There are some short rocky climbs, but nothing too difficult. Total distance: 2.3 miles.
Continue on for more classic Missouri scenery.
Black River Trail
This trail connects with Shut-Ins, the campground, and the day-use area. It is an easy walk, with a paved surface between the campground and day-use areas and crushed limestone within the valley. Total distance is 1.8 miles, with pretty scenery along the way.
Horseshoe Glade
This 1.2-mile trail heads south into the East Fork Natural Area. It is a loop trail, with a bit of an uphill climb. The trail passes across a small glade with a view of the east fork of the Black River.
More To Explore
Camping
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Campground offers walk-in, basic, electric, and full hook-up sites.
Nearby Sights
Nearby trails include the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail and the Mina Sauk Falls Trail. I hope to return to the area and visit some of these landmark sites. The Mark Twain National Forest has so much to offer.
I found this article especially helpful:
Check out their site. They have a ton of great advice on hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Some Great Gear to Explore
Get Your Lagom Bushcraft Saw Here!
That’s it for now, see you in the next adventure!
Discover more from Dirtundermyboots
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
That is cool some great areas.