Missouri
Bird Watching - Mark Twain National Forest in MO
Our
St. Francois Mountain section of the Mark Twain National Forest
is known for its clear spring-fed rivers and streams, lakes,
rocky bluffs, pastoral views and shaded trails. The
Forest provides a wonderful opportunity for spotting many of
the over 400 bird species in Missouri due to the natural and
constantly evolving habitat. The forest gets
a variety of visitors through the year including spring and
fall, when color changes the forest. In the spring, serviceberry,
redbuds and dogwoods paint the winter landscape in pinks and
whites. In the fall starting mid September, the oak hickory
forest transforms from greens to yellows, peaches, reds, burgundies
and dark purples. The following areas within the Mark
Twain National Forest are some of the best for Missouri birding.
Bell Mountain Wilderness Area and
Trail - For experienced hikers who love bird watching
This rugged wilderness was named for the highest peak in the
area, Bell Mountain (elevation: 1702) and was designated by
the United States Congress in 1980 as a federally protected
and preserved area which “generally appears to have been
affected primarily by the forces of nature with the imprint
of man’s work substantially unnoticeable…”
Popular for experienced hikers and equestrians, there are 9027
acres with tall peaks, Shut-in Creek and a spring-fed stream
with several gorges along its course. Gnarled blackjack and
post oak, black hickory, and a few winged elms are found in
the harsh environment of the granite glades within the Wilderness.
Pileated woodpeckers, wood thrush and ovenbirds are
abundant. White tailed deer, wild turkeys and squirrels
can be found. There are 14 miles of designated trails established
for hikers and equestrian use within the wilderness.
For
more information, directions and links to lodging, accommodations
and campgrounds near Bell Mountain Wilderness Area click here.
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
- Bird Watching
Sutton Bluff is a wonderful place for Missouri bird watching,
hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, and swimming. watching.
The Black River curls around the 35 campsites that are available
and the Ozark Trail passes nearby. Water and toilet facilities
are also available at Sutton Bluff Campground. Sutton
Bluff is named for R. G. Sutton, who settled this valley in
Reynolds County along the west fork of the Black River in 1888.
Three generations of Suttons farmed the river bottoms below
the impressive bluff. The best times for bird watching at Sutton
Bluff are during the off season from fall through spring as
there are fewer visitors to the recreation area. For
more information, directions and links to lodging, accommodations
and campgrounds near Sutton Bluff Recreation Area click here.
Crane Lake Conservation Area and Trails
- Bird Watching
This clear blue 100 acre lake was formed by impounding
Crane Pond Creek with an earth fill dam at the upstream end
of a “shut-ins” or narrow gorge cut in the granite
bedrock. Watch for aquatic birds and raptors as you picnic along
the lakeshore, fish from the gentle banks, or canoe the waters
and hike the coves. This peaceful retreat is a joy for bird
watching. For
more information, directions and links to lodging, accommodations
and campgrounds near Crane Lake Conservation Area click here.
Marble Creek Recreation Area and Trail
- Bird Watching
Visit the peaceful oasis of Marble Creek Recreation
Area where you can relax and go bird watching among the deposits
of pink dolamite native to the St. Francois Mountain range.
Take a break and swim in an the old mill pool where the creek
that now rushes 20 miles through the rugged mountains, was once
harnessed to power an old grist mill. A reminder of the past,
the concrete remains of the grist mill dam and building foundation,
although crumbling, are still visible. Prior to 1935, the colored
dolamites were mined as "Taum Sauk Marble" used in
the building trades. Enjoy picnicking or go wade-fishing for
smallmouth bass and panfish. Go hiking, biking or horseback
riding! For
more information, directions and links to lodging, accommodations
and campgrounds near Marble Creek Recreation Area click here.
Council
Bluff Lake Recreation Area and Trail - Bird Watching
Combine
excellent bird watching opportunities with other wonderful outdoor
recreation at the largest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area and Trail serves anglers,
campers, picnickers, hikers, bicyclists and swimmers as well.
Fish year round in this 440 acre lake stocked with large mouth
bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Picnic
or swim at the 54,000 sq. foot sand beach. At Chapel Hill Beach
there is a concession stand, changing rooms, flush toilet, water
fountains and showers. There is also a small play area near
the beach. Additionally, there are canoes and paddle boats available
for rent when the beach is open. Council Bluff Trail is a 12-mile
loop along the lake shore providing hiking and mountain biking
opportunities.
See
more information, directions and lodging, accommodations and
campgrounds near Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area and Trail.
