St. Francois is located about 45 minutes south of St. Louis. It has several trails, a campground, and a river running through it. Cooling off in the river is a popular activity during the warmer months. We’ve also seen people floating on the river in kayaks.
Hiking
St. Francois State Park has three hiking trails: Swimming Dear, Mooner’s Hollow, and Pike Run. They range in distance from approximately 3 miles to 10 miles. We’ve hiked the Swimming Dear and Mooner’s Hollow trails but have yet to venture onto Pike Run.
Swimming Dear Trail
Quick Facts
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Trailhead: The trailhead is located in the campground behind the bathhouse. There is also a trailhead near site 30 in the campground.
- Link to State Park website
The Swimming Dear Trail is a lollipop design, which means there is a path that leads to a loop. You can start near the bathhouse/playground in the campground or take a shortcut trail from near site 30 in the campground. The trail follows the river and climbs up on rocky bluffs. It also passes through a thick wooded area. In this area, there is an old building and a fenced-off sinkhole. There are also a couple creek crossings. My favorite part of the trail is the portion by the river because of the views and the rock formations, but walking through the woods can also be peaceful. Note that this trail can be very muddy for several days after rain.
Mooner’s Hollow
Quick Facts
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Trailhead: The trailhead is near the front of the park. Make a left into the parking lot after driving down the big hill near the entrance.
- Link to State Park website
Of the two trails we’ve been on in St. Francois State Park, this would have to be my favorite. The trail forms a loop, starting and ending from different locations off the same parking lot. It has several creek crossings and follows along the creek for a good portion of the trail. With its greenery and proximity to the creek, it reminds me of hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
Camping
St. Francois State Park also has a campground. There are a couple short trails off the campground that connect to the river or to Swimming Dear trail. In the warmer months, you’ll see people frequently walking by with their swimwear and an inner tube heading down to cool off in the river.
