Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide

Have you been to Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Irondale, Missouri, yet?

This natural area is probably one of my favorite hiking trails in the state of Missouri. It’s managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and features many scenic views throughout the hiking experience.

The hike is 1.5 to 2.3 miles out and back, depending on how much you explore. You’ll experience about 400 feet in elevation gain, which isn’t too bad for a mountain hike. It takes around 2 hours to complete the hike. You can access this hike using All Trails.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Missouri.

 

What is Hughes Mountain Natural Area?

Hughes Mountain Natural Area is a natural area consisting of a hiking trail located in rural Irondale, Missouri.

The natural area consists of around 462 acres, according to its land manager, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

The natural area has unique geological features. These Precambrian rock outcrops are more than a billion years old. The rocks were subject to liquidation from ancient volcanoes that erupted in the area. A rhyolite formation occurred within the rocks, giving it the name Devil’s Honeycomb.

You’ll hike to Hughes Mountain’s highest point and see amazing rock formations, scenic overlooks, and other interesting sights along the way.

 

How to Get to Hughes Mountain Natural Area

Getting to Hughes Mountain Natural Area is very easy.

All roads leading to this trail are paved and maintained. The gravel parking lot can hold several vehicles. If you want to experience this hike with fewer people, visit during the morning hours and through the week.

• To get to Hughes Mountain from St. Louis, see this Google Maps link.
• To get to Hughes Mountain from Carbondale, see this Google Maps link.

If you need to travel from somewhere else, feel free to enter a different location in the linked above maps.

Please be cautious when traveling to this natural area, as deer may run out in front of you. Also, please respect those who live and travel through this area.

 

Hiking Hughes Mountain Natural Area

After you park at the Hughes Mountain Natural Area trailhead, the trail starts behind the signs to the south.

At the beginning of the trail, you’ll notice a nicely mowed path that eventually turns into a singletrack trail.

Make sure you stay on the trail heading straight. There is a trail to the right that is not a part of the main trail. You’ll also see a pond area to your left at the beginning. From my research, it’s where an old homesite used to be.

As you start going uphill, you’ll notice very interesting bluffs and rock formations starting to occur. It makes for going uphill a lot more interesting.

You’ll also start seeing scenic overlooks. These are great for viewing fall colors. Just please be careful when using them, as falling from them would likely result in death.

You’ll get to a part where there is a trail to the left. That trail goes to a dead end pretty quick. Ahead of that intersection was a sign showing what way to go. There are a few signs for this, but the main trail is pretty easy to identify.

You’ll eventually get to an area clear of trees with a lot of rocks and scenic overlooks all over the place. It almost seems like the main feature, but it isn’t.

Keep going until you reach the top to see all the amazing rock formations that give them the name Devil’s Honeycomb. It’s amazing at the top. Just take it easy and be careful, as it’s easy to trip off some of the rocks.

Hang out up top and take it all in, but please remember to practice good sun safety measures, such as wearing sunglasses and using sunscreen on exposed skin.

After you’re done, simply follow the same path back down to where you parked.

 

Gear and Safety Recommendations

These are the gear and safety recommendations I would like to give you when you visit.

Wear hiking or fitness-appropriate clothing when visiting. When I visited, I wore a dry-fit shirt, a pair of running tights, and trail running shoes, and that was all I needed to enjoy the trail comfortably. It was a cooler day that day.

Bring plenty of water, a snack, and at least the 10 essentials of hiking.

Make sure whatever hiking boot or shoe you wear has been broken in first. You don’t want to wear new footwear on uneven terrain like this, as it may cause blisters and discomfort.

Please practice safe hiking when adventuring in this area.

Watch your step. Look for hazards such as snakes, holes, and the edges of cliffs. Remember that wet rock or even rock with dust on it can be really slick and cause you to fall. Never use this trail if the Missouri Department of Conservation has closed the area. Always use common sense and put safety first.

 

Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guidelines

There are some important guidelines to keep in mind when visiting Hughes Mountain Natural Area.

DO NOT attempt to collect wildlife of any kind. Do not lift rocks, either. They will fine you for this. They have conservation agents who show up and look for this exact thing. This is not an ideal place to “herp”.

Pack it what you pack out. There are no trash services along this trail.

This trail is for foot traffic only. Equestrians, cyclists, and any sort of motor vehicle are prohibited from using this trail.

This trail is for day use only. Fires and camping are now allowed. The area is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Large groups or any sort of commercial activity require a special-use permit.

Hunting may occur here or in this area during hunting seasons.

 

Visit Caledonia, Missouri after Hiking

After checking out Hughes Mountain Natural Area, I highly recommend you visit the nearby village of Caledonia, Missouri.

The main street of this village features multiple stores and eateries that are worth visiting. These establishments sell ice cream, old-fashioned candy, antiques, crafts, local products, and food.

Most of the buildings are also historical buildings, which makes this place even more special.

Bring cash, as it tends to make things a little cheaper. Credit cards often require processing fees that are usually paid by you, the consumer.

 

Now, Over to You!

I hope you have enjoyed my guide for Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Irondale, Missouri. Be sure to check out the photo gallery and video of the area in this guide. You’ll love visiting this trail, but I bet the best time to visit is during the fall color season.

What do you think about this hike? Have you done it? Do you have any additional questions about visiting this trail? Please comment below because I’d love to hear from you.

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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!

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Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!