![]() If you continue east along the Ozark Trail from Proffit Mountain you will eventually drop down to Taum Sauk Creek. This requires decent route finding skills, not only to find Wildcat Mountain, but to find your way back to the Ozark Trail or cross country along a broad saddle to Taum Sauk Mountain itself. The views from up here are quite impressive as part of the summit is covered with rocky glades and thin tree cover.Ī more strenous bushwack is possible east from the east slopes of Proffit Mountain to the summit of Wildcat Mountain (over 1,760' but considered part of Taum Sauk Mountain). A short side trip will bring you to the broad summit of Proffit Mountain at 1,720' near a large powerline (yuck!). As shown in the attached topo map, the trail then follows along the southern slopes of Proffit Mountain for several miles. The route then begins to switchback up to the top of the lesser southwest summit of Proffit Mountain at 1,656'. With a few short off-trail side trips, this route actually allows you to summit two additional 1,700 foot mountains between Johnson Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.įrom the trailhead the trail initially crosses the East Fork of the Black River and heads north before heading east along a smaller drainage. This route should not be attempted without first visiting the Ozark Trail Council web site and reviewing the Taum Sauk Section. A very good trail map as well of tons of other useful information is available from the Ozark Trail Council. They can also direct you to the Ozark Trail trailhead to access Taum Sauk Mountain. The best time to do this route is in the spring or fall with the end of October providing some of the best fall colors in the country.Ĭall ahead or check in at park headquarters to assure you park in an overnight spot as this route requires a long 12-13 mile hike or overnight backpack with a car shuttle. The park restricts capacity to prevent overcrowding as the Shut-Ins (rocky section of river with pools and cascades that make great swimming holes) are popular with swimmers. Head west on SH N for over ten miles to the well signed park entrance on the left.Īrrive early on hot summer weekends to avoid having to wait to enter the park. To reach the park travel north on SH 21 from Arcadia or south from Potosi. This route follows the Ozark Trail and starts at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park trailhead. The park will be on the left, and is on both sides of the bridge.I thought I would add this route as a challenging alternative to those who would rather not take the easy route to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain. Learn more about gear rental options for your trip Driving Directionsįrom Annapolis, MO, follow MO Highway K west for 5 miles. 452 ANNAPOLIS MO 63620 Phone Numberįor campground inquiries, please call: 57 (CLEARWATER LAKE PROJECT OFFICE) 57 (HIGHWAY K GATEHOUSE) Rental Options Recreationįishing and canoeing are very popular on the river, where campers also enjoy wading out into the clear waters during warmer months. The Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson Shut-ins State Park, and the historic Civil War site at Fort Davidson State Park make for an interesting, scenic day trip. Campsites extended over both sides of the river bank, in a lush, wooded area of mixed hardwoods. Highway K is a few miles upstream of Clearwater Lake on the Black River. ![]() Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease Click here for more information.Site occupancy is limited to two camping units.Outside peak season, campsites are first come, first served.Hwy K West Sites K1 - 20 will be open September 15 thru October 31. Notifications and AlertsĬamp Loop C Highway K Park East will be limited to tent/pop up only due to steep grade and narrow roadways. Additional amenities include a dump station, hot showers, a picnic shelter and playground. The campground offers 83 sites, including many with electric hookups and some sites with water hookups. Campers looking to enjoy a scenic stay on the clear waters of the Black River, will enjoy the calming riverside atmosphere at Highway K Park.
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