Pickle Springs Natural Area is a 256.5-acre park location within Ste. Genevieve County in the U.S. state of Missouri. The site, a National Natural Landmark, is protected by the Missouri Department of Conservation.[2] The natural area, a place of steep-sided rocky slopes, is characterized by small box canyons, sometimes called “shut-ins” because direct sunlight is shut out of them. Small, seasonal waterfalls trickle down the sides of the box canyons, providing nourishment for relict species that are otherwise rare in southern Missouri. Ferns and amphibians live here that are much more characteristic of the North American North Woods hundreds of miles away.[2] Pickle Springs is located close to, although separate from, Hawn State Park. The nearest settlement is Farmington, Missouri. Access to the Natural Area requires hiking a 2-mile-long trail [3]

Pickle Springs Natural Area
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)[1]
Map showing the location of Pickle Springs Natural Area
Map showing the location of Pickle Springs Natural Area
Location in Missouri
Map showing the location of Pickle Springs Natural Area
Map showing the location of Pickle Springs Natural Area
Location in United States
LocationSte. Genevieve County
Nearest cityFarmington, Missouri
Coordinates37°48′04″N 90°18′04″W / 37.801147°N 90.301208°W / 37.801147; -90.301208
Area256.5 acres (103.8 ha)
Established1986
Governing bodyMissouri Department of Natural Resources
WebsitePickle Springs
DesignatedJune 13, 1986
Rock formations Pickle Springs Natural Area
Rock formations Pickle Springs Natural Area

References

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  1. ^ Protected Area Profile for Pickle Springs Natural Area from the World Database on Protected Areas. Retrieved May 16 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Pickle Springs Natural Area". mdc.mo.gov. Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  3. ^ "Pickle Springs Natural Area". visitmo.com. Missouri Division of Tourism. 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.