Hickory Canyons Trail Guide

The Hickory Canyons Trail is a 2-mile loop trail system near the town of Farmington, Missouri.

The trail is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and is considered a natural area where foot travel is welcome on designated trails.

There is a lot to see on such a short amount of trail system, especially during wet conditions.

In this guide, I’ll share my experience and everything you need to know about visiting and hiking the Hickory Canyons Trail in Missouri.

Trail Snapshot

Important trail information that you should know:

Location: Hickory Canyons Natural Area
Trail Length: 2.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 384 feet
Type: Loop
Average Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets Allowed: Yes (Leashed)
Restrooms: None
Parking: Parking for about 6-8 cars.
Road Conditions: Paved road, gravel parking lot
Best Seasons: All Seasons

PRO TIP: This is a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) site. They will issue a citation to people for lifting rocks and looking under them. Don’t do it. A lot of the areas have hidden trail cameras installed to alert conservation agents. Stay on the designated trails and Leave No Trace.

Why the Hickory Canyons Trail is Worth Hiking

The Hickory Canyons Trail is worth visiting year-round. The area is especially photogenic when it has received a good amount of rain or there are frozen waterfall potentials. Even when the area is dry, it is still a really good hike to take.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) does a good job with its hiking trail systems, and I highly recommend visiting them.

Trail Map + Directions

The Hickory Canyons Trail is very easy to get to but requires a lot of backroad driving.

From Farmington, Missouri:

Head towards W Columbia Street.
Take State Route EE to Sprott Road in Union Township for 9 miles.
Turn right onto Sprott Road and drive 1.8 miles.
The trail is on your left and right.

You can also use this Google Maps Link to reach the Hickory Canyons Trail from Farmington, Missouri.

All roads leading to the Hickory Canyons Trail are paved. The parking lot for the trail is gravel and may contain potholes. There are about 6 to 8 parking spaces available at the trailhead. During wet seasons, parking may quickly fill up.

During the winter or during flash flooding conditions, the area may be inaccessible. Please check road conditions to ensure the trail is accessible before visiting.

What You’ll See on the Hickory Canyons Trail

There is a lot to see on the Hickory Canyons Trail near Farmington, Missouri.

The eastern trail was the shortest. It has a beautiful creek on top and a large waterfall on the bottom. You can easily get to the top (please use caution on the edge) and to the bottom of the waterfall.

On the western trail, there are many things to see, and the hike is much longer.

There are plenty of bluffs to see on both sides of the trail. While the eastern side has the biggest waterfall, on wet days, there are plenty of smaller falls, cascades, and creeks to see on either side. The area is also very scenic and enjoyable during dry months, as well.

How Difficult is the Hickory Canyons Trail

The Hickory Canyons Trail is a very easy 2.1-mile figure-eight trail.

There is around 384 feet of elevation, meaning there are some hills, some of which may be challenging. There are creek crossings, rocky surfaces, and some minor technical terrain you will be faced with. The trail is definitely considered moderate.

This is not an ADA-compliant trail system.

The Eastern Trail and Western Trail are available on AllTrails. Keep in mind that my links are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a commission if you purchase AllTrails through them. Do note that the offline maps may be required to use AllTrails in this area.

I would rate this trail system to be safe for families with children, but please use caution if going on top of the waterfall, as the bluff is very high and if wet will be very slick.

Best Time to Hike the Hickory Canyons Trail

I feel that every season holds some kind of beauty when visiting and hiking the Hickory Canyons Trail.

In the Spring, you’ll be able to see wildflowers. In the Summer, everything is green, vibrant, and alive. In the Fall, you’ll enjoy autumn colors. In the winter, you can see everything and the shape of the land.

Visiting when it’s wet is likely ideal if you want to see the waterfall, but in the summer, the areas may be packed with locals swimming around the falls.

The winter brings the opportunity to see frozen waterfalls. If you venture out during the winter, please practice extra caution, especially on top of the falls. The roadways may be impassable after heavy snow and ice.

What to Bring on This Trail

We visited the Hickory Canyons Trail in the summer of 2025 (July) when it was really hot and really dry.

Wear comfortable and breathable hiking or fitness clothing and layer up if needed during colder days. Wear comfortable and durable outdoor boots or shoes that are well broken in. Make sure to apply sun protection and buy spray as needed.

Bring plenty of water and a snack. There are no trash cans at this site, so please pack out what you pack in. If you see any trash from other, consider taking it with you and leaving the place better than you found it.

Safety Notes and Warnings

Please be sure to follow the rules when visiting the Hickory Canyons Trail:

The trail is open from dawn until dusk.
Pets are allowed if on a leash.
This trail is for foot traffic only.
Stay on the designated trail.
Do not take plants, flowers, or move rocks.

As with anywhere in nature, please use common sense while hiking on this trail. Watch your step as there could be hazards in your path. Be mindful of snakes and other wildlife that could present a negative encounter if they’re stepped on or cornered.

You will encounter very slippery areas when visiting this trail during wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

Poison ivy, ticks, and other hazards could be present along the trail.

Photography Tips

The Hickory Canyons Trail is a great place to take photos and videos of nature scenes.

The area has a lot of natural canopy, but it does open up a bit around the larger waterfall. There are many vantage points you can get to take photos of the waterfall. There are other scenes, like bluffs and creeks, to also capture.

It is unknown whether drones are allowed. I recommend calling the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and requesting information about drone usage on their managed properties. Don’t try to beg for forgiveness later, as you may still be subject to violation and conservation code charges.

Nearby Trails to Hike

When in the area, check out Pickle Springs Trail. The trail is around 2 miles in length and is moderately difficult. There is a lot to see on the Pickle Springs Trail, including waterfalls, bluffs, scenic overlooks, and natural arches.

For an additional nice hike through the woods, I suggest visiting the Whispering Oaks Trail at Hawn State Park. There isn’t a lot of bluffage or waterfalls on this trail. However, it’s a nice hike if you want to add more mileage to your day.

Please remember to use caution when visiting these trails and always put safety first.

Who is the Hickory Canyons Trail Best For?

The Hickory Canyons Trail is a great trail for practically anyone who enjoys hiking.

This is a good trail for families with children and hikers with pets. Please watch your children and pets closely to ensure their safety. Please keep pets on a leash and clean up after them, so that everyone can enjoy the trail just the same.

This trail is not ADA-compliant or handicap friendly.

What To Do Near the Hickory Canyons Trail

When visiting the Hickory Canyons Trail, I recommend checking out the City of Farmington, Missouri, for other things to do.

You can eat there, get lodging, and find other things to do. Please remember to shop local. Shopping local (not chain stores) will truly help the community.

I also recommend Hawn State Park, which is nearby.

Final Verdict for the Hickory Canyons Trail

We really enjoyed visiting and hiking the Hickory Canyons Trail near Farmington, Missouri.

We went when it was dry and really hot and still had a good time. I suggest going when it is either really wet or there are frozen waterfalls. It will be a sight to see, but one last time, please use caution, as your risk of getting hurt will increase in those conditions.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!