The area consists of more than 6,000 acres of rugged forest terrain in prime Ozark country. Three watersheds, the Meramec River and Huzzah and Courtois creeks, draw many visitors. Bring a canoe or kayak to access these waters for a day of fishing or floating adventure. Hikers will appreciate that six miles of the Ozark Trail transects most of the area, allowing access to many of its unique features. The Narrows, located in the extreme southwest portion of the area, is a narrow hogback ridge divided between Huzzah and Courtois creeks that features extremely steep topography and rapidly changing vegetation from ridge to creek bottom. Bear Cave and Bat Cave add to the site’s geology. Primitive campsites are open from Sept. 15 through May 15. To reach the area, cross the Meramec River at the end of Route H at Onondaga Cave State Park, or go northeast of Steelville on Route E and cross the low-water bridge at Huzzah Creek.

Meramec Conservation Area affords a glimpse of one of the jewels of the Ozarks — the Meramec River. Most of the area is home to lush forestland. Sheer cliffs along the Meramec River form the western border of the area, giving a scenic view of the river valley and surrounding hills. The wheel-chair accessible Woodland Trail offers hikers of all abilities glimpses of the river as well. Other trails provide the more adventures with hiking, horseback and bicycle riding. The area contains six caves, a great blue heron rookery and abundant wildlife. A number of streams and a spring are found on the site. Don’t forget to pack your fishing gear for a chance at hooking bass, catfish and sunfish. To reach the area, take I-44 to Route 185 near Sullivan. Exit south, go five miles and look for the cantilever sign.

Rockwoods Reservation provides a nearly 2,000-acre haven of nature in west St. Louis County. Visitors can discover Missouri’s forests and wildlife on seven different hiking trails. Bird watching is excellent — Rockwoods Reservation is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon Missouri because of its diversity and abundance of birds. Bring your binoculars and camera. A number of picnic facilities provide a picturesque view for an outdoor lunch. The visitor center offers naturalist-led programs; most require advanced registration, so calling ahead is recommended. For the more adventurous at heart, the area also offers rock climbing, rappelling and wild cave exploration. These activities require special use permits, so contacting the visitor center before arrival is necessary. To reach Rockwoods Reservation, exit I-44 at Route 109 and continue four miles north to Woods Avenue. Go west on Woods, then north on Glencoe Road.