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Missouri
54

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Southeast Region
Powder Mill State Forest
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POWDER MILL STATE FOREST
POWDER MILL STATE FOREST
Powder Mill State Forest offers a serene and enchanting escape into nature. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and meandering streams, this forest is a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its distinct feature is the Powder Mill Creek, a stunning waterway that forms cascades and waterfalls, creating a soothing atmosphere. With miles of well-maintained hiking trails, visitors can explore the diverse plant and wildlife, immersing themselves in the tranquil ambiance. Additionally, the forest provides ample opportunities for camping, fishing, and picnicking, making it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful and unforgettable experience in the heart of Missouri.
History of the Area
The area was initially settled by European immigrants in the early 19th century and quickly became known for its natural resources, especially the abundance of lead and iron deposits. Powder Mill State Forest owes its name to the gun and ammunition manufacturing industry that once thrived there due to the availability of lead and powder.

In 1834, the Black River Lead Mining Company was established to mine lead in the area and build a shot tower, which was completed in 1848. The shot tower was used to produce bullets by dropping molten lead from the top of the tower, which would cool and form spherical bullets during the free fall.

With the outbreak of the American Civil War in the 1860s, the lead and ammunition production in Powder Mill State Forest increased significantly. The area became an important source of ammunition for the Union Army.

After the war, commercial mining activities declined due to exhausted ore deposits and increased competition. However, various small-scale mining operations continued until the 1930s.

In the mid-1900s, the State of Missouri acquired the land and established Powder Mill State Forest as a recreational and conservation area. Today, the forest spans about 4,800 acres and is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Powder Mill State Forest offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking trails, fishing, bird watching, hunting, and camping. The forest is also home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and various bird species.
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Trails
1. Powder Mill Trail: This is a moderately challenging 3-mile trail that starts at the Echo Bluff State Park and winds through dense forest areas, crossing several small streams before ending in the heart of Powder Mill State Forest.

2. Current River Section - Ozark Trail: A part of this long-distance hiking route passes through the state forest offering hikers an opportunity to experience diverse landscapes including river valleys, hardwood forests and rocky bluffs over its course within park boundaries.

3. Blue Spring Branch Hiking Route: An easy-to-moderate level hike stretching for about 4 miles along scenic views of blue spring branch creek with opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

4. Alley Overlook Pathway: Short but steep half-a-mile loop leading up to panoramic vistas overlooking Jacks Fork River Valley from atop limestone cliffs; features interpretive signs detailing local flora/fauna history on-route.

5. Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry Trails Network: Offering more than 60 miles worth trails varying in difficulty levels across remote wilderness zones featuring old-growth oak-hickory woodlands, glades & savannas as well as numerous springs/creeks/streams feeding into current/jacks fork rivers.

6. Two Rivers Bike Loop: Though primarily meant for bikers, it also offers great trekking options especially during off-peak biking seasons ; covers approximately ten mile stretch between powder mill campground area upto two-rivers confluence point via various topographical terrains.

7. Klepzig Mill Historic Site Walkway: Less-than-half-a-mile round trip starting near klepzig mill historic site (accessible by gravel road) taking visitors around remnants of early twentieth century water-powered gristmill operations amidst natural beauty spots like shut-ins formations / cascading waters etc.

8. Cave Springs Spur Track: Roughly one-and-half mile spur track branching out from main ozark trail towards cave springs campsite ; passes through mixed hardwood-pine forests along steep hillside slopes offering occasional glimpses of current river below.

9. Rocky Falls Shut-ins Trail: Short quarter-mile trail leading to one of Missouri's most beautiful shut-in formations where rocky creek cascades over 40-foot drop creating a natural water slide and swimming hole.

10. Devil's Well Saucer Basin Loop: A two mile loop that takes hikers around the unique geological formation known as "Devil's well", an enormous sinkhole with visible underground lake, before winding down into saucer basin area featuring diverse plant communities.

11. Akers Ferry Canoe Launch Site Pathway: Less than half-a-mile long pathway connecting akers ferry canoe launch site (on current river) upto nearby picnic/camping areas via scenic riverside route; ideal for short leisurely walks amidst serene surroundings.

12. Peck Ranch Conservation Area Trails: Although technically outside state forest boundaries, these trails are easily accessible from powder mill region providing additional hiking options across varied landscapes like glade top prairies / cedar woodlands etc within this large conservation reserve managed by missouri department of conservation.

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Area Campgrounds
Discovery Ministries
HC 3 Box 32
Eminence, MO
Eminence Canoes, Cottages
Highway 19 North
Eminence, MO

Directions
1. Start by getting on I:55 S from Market St and N Broadway.
2. Continue driving on I:55 S for approximately 100 miles until you reach Exit 143 toward MO-Z/US-60/Eminence/Mountain View.
3. Take this exit and merge onto US:60 W towards Mountain View/West Plains.
4. Stay on US:60 W for about 40 miles until you see signs indicating Powder Mill State Forest.
5. Turn left onto County Road AY/Spring Valley Rd (signs will also indicate Alley Spring).
6. Continue to follow County Road AY for around 8 miles, then turn right onto Highway H/Hwy H Spur/Powdermill Dr: there should be a sign directing you to Powder Mill Campground at this point.

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Missouri
54

Missouri State Parks

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