Park Trails

Lake Trail

This picturesque trail runs along the shoreline of Lake Boutin and then loops around the basic campground, crossing valleys and ridges. Remnants of old homesteads may be seen with evidence of clearings, old roadbeds, a man-made pond and barbed wire fencing through trees. In some places, you may detect the rows of tulip poplars that were planted by park staff in the 1960s in an effort to reforest old farm fields. A rare plant, the pennywort, may be found on this trail early in the spring. A short section of the Lake Boutin Campground road is used as you travel the trail loop.

Nature Trail

This is the shortest trail in the park. You may spot white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels and box turtles on this easy trail. The trail starts next to the visitor center and loops up on the ridge. Follow the boardwalk around the building and through the amphitheater then across the bridge. There are lots of tulip poplar and pawpaw trees located along the trail. The pawpaw is also known as the Missouri banana tree. Look for the small dark flowers blooming as early as February and the green, oblong fruits in the fall. There is an abundance of spring wildflowers on this trail including the pennywort and large areas covered by ferns. Poison ivy, ticks and snakes may be encountered while hiking. 

Peewah Trail

This trail explores Indian Creek Wild Area, one of the most remote parts of the park. It consists of two loops with white connector 3 linking both loops, which is marked with black and white. In general, Peewah Trail is moderately difficult and offers a wide range of possibilities for both day use and overnight stays. Overlook Road gate will be closed daily at dusk.

The east loop traverses the ridges of the area and runs atop the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a short spur that will take you to an overlook of the Mississippi River. This spur can be used as a shorter hike, about 1.5 miles there and back to the trailhead. The yellow trail runs long the Mississippi River bluffs before dropping down into a valley with several creek crossings. The bottomland along the creek is full of wild flowers in the spring and also contains giant cane. This area is subject to backwater flooding depending upon the water level of the Mississippi River, and portions of the trail may be underwater. The trail has a steep climb out of the valley back up to the ridge top.  There is a black and white connector trail at this point, where you can choose to take a longer hike by going on to the west loop or head back to the trailhead.

This west loop traverses several valleys and ridges. You will notice a significant amount of damage and opened areas from a tornado in 2003. These areas are slowly regenerating with new plants and trees. A variety of forest types may be encountered on this trail. There are sections of dry, cherty soils with lots of oaks and hickories, and bottomland areas with large sycamore and sweet gum trees and an abundance of ferns. Steep drainages empty rainwater into Indian Creek and flash flooding may occur.  Some backwater flooding can occur when the water level of the Mississippi River is up.  At times a small portion of the trail may be underwater.

On the west loop, white connector 2 divides the loop and a primitive backpack camp is located off this connector. The camp contains no improvements or water.  Groups of seven or more must camp in this area. No open fires are allowed; backpacking stoves must be carried in for cooking. Please notify park staff of intentions to camp. Equestrians with larger trailers may park on the grass outside the overlook gate at the entrance to the west loop. Equestrians should take care not to travel on the trail when conditions are wet and use caution while riding on the bluffs above the river. Equestrian camping is not allowed.

Sheppard Point Trail

This trail is located on the southeast end of the park. This area of the park highlights the sharp ridges, steep ravines and a distinctive forest type with an Appalachian flavor. Trees such as American beech, cucumber magnolia and tulip poplars envelop the hollows and valleys, while oaks and hickories line the ridges. The understory has a rich growth of ferns and a rare parasitic plant has been found called beech drops. 

The trail ascends to the top of a ridge and heads towards the Mississippi River. You may be impressed by the steep inclines you can see off the edges of the ridge. The trail drops off the ridge and loops down to a valley and back up a steep incline to Sheppard Point. This spot is on top of a beautiful bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. This is a great place to view eagles, especially in the winter. The trail is steep in places and is considered difficult with rugged terrain.