Big Creek Trail – Sam A Baker Sp

Distance: 3.0 miles Elevation Gain: 300 ft Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Surface: Dirt/Rock Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round Typical Time: 2-3 hours Fee: $5-8/vehicle Dogs: Yes, on leash Permit: No

The Big Creek Trail follows the park's main waterway through a mature forest corridor that represents some of the finest remaining bottomland hardwood habitat in southeast Missouri. Ancient sycamores with chalky white bark reach enormous diameters along the creek bank. The forest floor hosts abundant spring wildflowers including trillium, bloodroot, and Virginia bluebells that bloom in late March before the tree canopy closes. Wood ducks nest in natural tree cavities throughout the corridor.