Having no plans and promised warmer weather yesterday, my wife and I decided to take a hike at a Missouri Conservation Area that we had not yet visited. Since we have lived in Columbia for 28 years, that self-imposed criteria took us one hour east of town to Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, southeast of Jonesburg.
Draped across the Little Lost Creek gorge on the north wall of the Missouri River Valley, its trails run atop ridges and along the streams. Alone at the refuge, we chose a ridge top trail in its southeast quadrant which offered pleasing views along its course (photo). Joined only by an occasional woodpecker and a flock of juncos, we enjoyed a two-mile roundtrip hike.
Conservation Areas, lacking the amenities of State Parks, offer relative solitude and tranquility. Unless hunting season is underway, they are recommended destinations for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.
