![]() ![]() It’s right across the street from Shoal Creek and some of Wildcat Park‘s scenic… All Aboard Ice Cream - Joplin MO Life - Highway 86, just south of Joplin.When there’s been enough rain, water will cascade down these rocks, creating a waterfall effect. Just past the spring, you’ll come across a faint path on the right which will take you to a rocky area. There are a few steps that lead down to the spring where the water is crystal clear. To access the spring, simply drive to where the road dead-ends, and the spring will be just a few feet away. In writing this post, I realized that this is one trail at Wildcat Park that I’ve never explored. If you’re not up for jumping over the crack to reach the other side, there’s a solid section that will take you there, as well. View from a picnic table on Bluff Trail.Ĭontinuing along the trail, you’ll come to one of the most iconic spots in Joplin: Mother Nature’s Gap (many locals replace Gap with Crack when referring to this spot). You can also park on the road above and walk down to the tables, which is a less strenuous way to go. The view from here is breathtaking! There are some picnic tables just off the trail where you can eat or rest. When the water is low, we like to play in Shoal Creek, and to scan the creek bed for arrowheads. We usually access this trail from Castle Drive, which allows us to walk through the woods to access the creek before – or after – the steep climb to the bluff. We’ve also been lucky enough to spot a fox along here. There are several bluff overhangs to explore you can even peek into a cave entrance on this path. You can access this trail by turning left from the woodland loop, and it will take you along the banks of Shoal Creek, all the way to Redings Mill Bridge. If you exit through the rear of the visitor center, you’ll find the hiking trail that takes you through the chert glades.Īdmiring the bluff from St. This nature center is a gem in this area, offering lots of information about the plants and animals that you might encounter on the trails in Wildcat Park. If Wildcat Park is your destination, I recommend stopping at the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center before you hike. In fact, a new map of the trails in Wildcat Park is currently in development, so until that is complete, I’ll be referring to this map, which is from the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Society days. ![]() Because this change is a work in progress. So, now when I say I’m “going to Wildcat,” there’s no confusion: it means I’m going to Wildcat Park. It’s now called Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, operating under the direction of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Today, the center is no longer associated with the Audubon Society, and it no longer has the word “Wildcat” in its name. Up until 2018, when I said I was “going to Wildcat,” it either meant that I was going to walk the trails in the area known as Wildcat Park, or that I was going to visit the nature center called Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. The great thing is, all of these options are available to me in one convenient location right here in Joplin: Wildcat Park. Because I crave variety, I like to switch up the types of hikes that I do, so before I put on my hiking shoes, I think about what type of nature adventure I’d like to have that day.ĭo I want to take a walk through a shaded forest?ĭo I want the challenge of navigating rocks that have been made slippery by cascading water?ĭo I want to follow the banks of Shoal Creek, or do I want to wade and splash in its clear water?ĭo I want to take a peaceful stroll through unique chert glades?ĭo I want to climb a bluff and enjoy a breathtaking view? Spoke to a lady whose 5yr old kid was in the middle of the river with the current going…made me nervous but she was above water and having fun.Nearly every weekend, I get the urge to get outside and hike. There is a street before getting to the falls that can take you to the other side where there are 6 parking spots, you can get out and walk the trail along the water, there were ppl hanging out there in the water as well. Definitely coming back from Saint Louis and bringing more of the family, this trip was just for me and my daughter who is 10 and she loved it! The water is cool-cold but it feels amazing once you’re in. As for parking, it’s a natural attraction so you park at the side of the road it’s no big deal. I read reviews that talked about parking and no signs so I was concerned, but let me assure you that you need no signs you’ll know you’re there when you get there. It’s a great place for passing through, we were there for a little over an hour but I’m sure you could make a day of it. This spot is the perfect place to stop for a dip. ![]()
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