Pickle Springs Natural Area Trail Guide

Pickle Springs Natural Area is a short but very scenic trail with a lot to see, located near Farmington, Missouri.

This is a loop trail consisting of around 2 miles. The trail is moderately difficult with some rolling hills, scrambles, and creek crossings. The elevation gain is around 340 feet.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting to and enjoying the Pickle Springs Natural Area trail in Missouri.

Information and History About the Pickle Springs Natural Area

The Pickle Springs Natural Area holds a lot of geological and ecological significance and history that is worth seeing in person.

The area was named after a former landowner named William Pickle, who acquired the land in 1848. It is around 250 acres and is designated a National Natural Landmark. The site is now managed and protected by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Today, visitors can visit and hike the designated trail in the Pickle Springs Natural Area. Different seasons and weather conditions will offer different kinds of views and scenes. This can be a popular trail to visit during the warmer and wetter seasons.

Learn more about Pickle Springs Natural Area on the official website of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

How to Reach the Pickle Springs Natural Area

Getting to Pickle Springs Natural Area can be tricky for people who are unfamiliar with the area.

Use the Google Maps Link and put in your starting coordinates or location to reach the parking lot of this trailhead.

All roads leading to this trailhead are paved for the most part. The trailhead is gravel. There is a lot of parking availability at the trailhead.

During wintry precipitation and flash flooding, this area may be impossible to reach. Check the weather and road conditions before venturing out to Pickle Springs Natural Area. Please put safety first before deciding on what to do during inclement weather conditions.

What You’ll See at the Pickle Springs Natural Area

Someone told me they didn’t like Pickle Springs Natural Area because it was too small. I wondered if that person was just not really into the outdoors as much as they thought they were. Pickle Springs is 2 miles of absolutely awesome trail with a lot to see.

When we visited, we hiked in clockwise and suggest you do the same.

Along this trail, we saw amazing slot canyon-like passageways, all different sizes of some of the coolest bluffage we’ve seen, amazing natural windows that you can walk through, waterfall capabilities, and beautiful scenic overlooks. It was dry and hot when we went, so none of the waterfalls were flowing. This place to me was like the Garden of the Gods of Missouri.

We honestly heard it was a good trail but never expected it to be as cool as it turned out to be.

Special Guidelines and Safety Information

Pickle Springs Natural Area is a Missouri Department of Conservation site, meaning that you don’t want to move any natural item here. They will fine you and pursue criminal charges for something as simple as lifting up a rock to see what’s underneath it. Please spread the word and don’t practice this sort of wildlife observation at this location.

The area rules for Pickle Springs Natural Area can be found on their website.

This area can be dangerous. There are conditions in which you may slip, trip, and fall from some height. Please use absolute caution when visiting, keep an eye on pets and children, and always put safety before anything else.

Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Nearby

Hawn State Park is close to Pickle Springs Natural Area, and it provides different types of campground sites, whether you need electricity or just want a primitive site. The nearby City of Farmington offers hotels if you prefer to stay in one of them. There is no camping at Pickle Springs as it is intended for day-use only.

Farmington has plenty of dining, fuel, and shopping options to meet your needs.

There are many other great hikes nearby to this trail. I recommend checking out the White Oaks Trail at Hawn State Park, as well as its other trails. Hickory Canyons is also another great hike in the area.

Please remember when visiting these areas, try to shop, dine, and lodge at local mom-and-pop businesses to get the best experience and to support local economies that matter the most in these areas.

Final Advice About the Pickle Springs Natural Area

I highly recommend you visit the Pickle Springs Natural Area trail. In my opinion, it is my all-time favorite trail so far in the state of Missouri. That’s how much I liked it when I visited. I need to go back when it’s wet.

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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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