CDP Public Meeting and Optional Hikes

11/9/2024 | Taum Sauk Mountain State Park | Ironton, MO

Conceptual Development Plan Open House and Optional Guided Hike to Mina Sauk Falls

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend a conceptual development planning meeting for both Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. As the long-range plan for the facilities is updated, the public is encouraged to come learn more about the planning process, ask questions, and provide input regarding future facility use and development. A 30-day comment period will begin Nov. 9 with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/CDP.

A guided hike to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park's Mina Sauk Falls will be available for those attending the open house and will begin at 10:30 a.m. This is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike.

Optional Backpacking Trip to Jay Nixon Backcountry - Registration Required

For those interested in seeing Jay Nixon Backcountry, a guided overnight hike and camping trip is being offered. Space is limited, and reservations are required and can be made by clicking here. This is a strenuous hike recommended only for those with extensive hiking and camping experience, as it is 8.9 miles to the destination. There will be only primitive camping overnight, and the overnight stay will be followed by a 9.5-mile hike back the next morning.

The hike is only open to those age 18 or older, and pets are not allowed. Participants must bring their own backpacking equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, food and water.

ITINERARY:

  • Participants will arrive at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park’s Black River Center at 6:30 am on Nov. 9. (Park address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656.)
  • Participants will be shuttled to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park’s Mina Sauk Falls Trailhead.
  • The backpacking group will begin their guided hike at 7:15 am.
  • The group will hike 8.9 miles to Jay Nixon Backcountry, where they will overnight.
  • On Nov. 10, the backpacking group will hike 9.5 miles to their vehicles at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located at:

Highway CC, Ironton, MO | 573-546-2450