TAUM SAUK SECTION

This is one of the finest trails in Missouri. It’s rugged, scenic, and passes by one of the best swimming areas you’ll find.

Trail Conditions

Generally in good shape, mostly tree free, but expect some seasonal growth. Hwy 21 to Taum Sauk to JSI should be mostly clear, with a tree down here and there and some seasonal growth. Hwy A to Johnson’s Shut-Ins Scour Area is reported as mostly clear. When the water is high near Johnsons Shut-Ins, continue north into the park and cross at the Scour or Hwy N.

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Campgrounds

Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Taum Sauk. Primitive Camping is allowed 100′ from the trail, except within two miles of of Johnson Shut-In’s main parking lot. Please don’t camp on glades.

35

Miles of Trail

VARIED

Difficulty

4250′

N to S ascent

4150′

S to N ascent

Trail Geography

It’s hard to understate how great this section is. You have 1.5 billion-year-old mountains, igneous glades, springs, grand vistas, odd rock formations, and a swimming hole complete with natural flumes. If this author could only hike one trail in Missouri, this would be his choice. The section is 35 miles in length, but lends itself to two different hikes: one from Highway A to Shut-Ins (15 miles), and the other to Shut-Ins to Taum Sauk (12.5 miles ( although you can continue to Highway 21 for a total of 18 miles). This trail will slow you down– you’ll find your average speed drop a mile-an-hour for your normal pace as you negotiate the rough terrain. One person described the tread as “a natural stair-stepping machine.” Look for the cairns in the igneous glades, as it’s easy to get lost.

Maps

Land Managers

US Forest Service

Mark Twain National Forest

Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger

District

10019 West State Highway 8

Potosi, MO 63664

573-438-5427

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf

MO Dept of Conservation

Southeast Regional Office

2302 County Park Dr.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

573-290-5730

www.mdc.mo.gov/regions/southeast

MO Department of Natural

Resources

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

148 Taum Sauk Trail

Middlebrook, MO 63656

573-546-2450

www.mostateparks.com

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