Hickory Canyon Falls in April 2013
This weekend I took a trip into St. Louis so that I could look for Missouri waterfalls. Mina Sauk Falls, the tallest falls, is on the agenda. When I searched for other Missouri waterfalls, it seemed difficult to find many. One that I stumbled upon was Hickory Canyon Falls. I’m definitely glad I stumbled upon it!
The Hickory Canyons Natural Area is a treasure that you should check out if you’re in the vicinity of Ste. Genevieve or Farmington, Missouri. It might even be worth driving out of the way! First, it wasn’t busy! I had the whole place to myself. The hike to the main waterfall, which I’ll refer to as Hickory Canyon Falls, is only 1/4 of a mile (one way). It is worthwhile visiting after early in the spring or after a significant rainfall, as the falls are likely to be less exciting if little water is flowing. Even now, there wasn’t a massive amount of water, but enough to make it worthwhile.
The 1-mile circle hike across the road is equally worthwhile. With caution (and following the approved paths), these hikes are moderate but manageable. If you want to explore, you will be crossing a few creeks, though none of them very wide. The whole natural area is a gem, and I’ll post about two other minor falls I saw in the same canyons.
Directions:
- Driving along I-55, take exit 150.
- Drive along MO-32, heading west. You’ll drive for about 8 miles.
- Turn right on County Road C. This turn is somewhat abrupt, so pay attention! Drive about 3 miles or so to Sprott Road.
- Turn left onto Sprott Road (the only option!). Head just less than 2 miles down the road. There will be a parking area on the left. This parking area is almost impossible to miss. It’s the only real clearing along most of the road (before arriving at houses later on the road).
- The trail to the falls is at the left edge of the parking area. The other, longer trail is found on the opposite side of the road. Both are marked with signs.
(Sprott Road can also be accessed from County Road EE. The drive to the parking area is just less than 2 miles.)
Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate, some steep parts)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip
Where in the World is Hickory Canyon Falls?
The Waterfall Record 
Yay Missouri Falls!!!!
They closed the real Hickory Canyon Falls in the early 80’s. It’s now a one hour hike through the woods, but worth it. I guess it’s good that tone of people don’t go there. The falls you show are technically not in HC Canyon. It’s another drainage. Hope you are impressed.
Thank you for the information. I’m unable to access anything from the Facebook link, though. I refer to this waterfall as Hickory Canyon Falls not because it is on Hickory Creek/Canyon (which it isn’t), but simply because it is the waterfall in the Hickory Canyon Natural Area that is the easiest to visit and will likely be the most impressive.
My daughter and I did the hike this spring. It is a twin box canyon with 2 falls. One a straight drop and the other cascading. Can you see the pics here? I hope so. If not feel free to delete these messages.
Thanks,
https://picasaweb.google.com/Tnelsoni87/HickoryCanyonKR