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Trail of Tears State Park: Where autumn comes to life

Summer has finally released her desperate clutch, and cooler temperatures are unfolding across Southeast Missouri. It can be tempting to launch into early hibernation, but we recommend exploring the outdoors a little longer.

The Trail of Tears State Park is over 3,000 acres, combining conservation efforts and historical events. As a memorial to the Cherokee Native Americans who were devastated during the 1838-39 forced migration, the park seeks to inform visitors about this dark time in America’s past as well as educate them about the park’s natural history and environments.

“The vast network of local hiking trails is pretty awesome. They rank among the best in the country.”
– Zach Young, Cape native and Paralympian

 

Denise Dowling, natural resource manager at the park, says spring and fall are both fantastic hiking seasons, with fall offering fewer muddy paths. The park has five unique hiking trails for visitors to conquer.

The trail around the lake is a tame 2.2 miles, or hike the 1.5-mile Shepard Point Trail and earn a panorama of the landscape. There are a handful of places to catch a sweeping view of the Mississippi in Cape, but the overlook at the end of Shepard Point immerses visitors in fall colors as it glistens with hues. You may see snow geese join ring-billed gull as they soar over the landscape.

Families with really young ones can tackle the half-mile trail behind the Visitor Center or discover nature at one of the several play areas.

This time of year, many leaves have vacated the treetops, transforming the forest floor and making it easier to spot wildlife. No longer hidden, a variety of fowl roost on high branches near old bird nests. But keep an eye on the ground too for lizards and other reptiles. They’ll be basking in sunny spots until the colder days of winter arrive. You may also have a chance to spot white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels – even along the easy Nature trail. It’s only half a mile.

Denise offered some additional tips for fall hikers:

  • Ticks are still out, so take precautions and check yourself after hiking.
  • Be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Check MOStateParks.com for any current advisories.“Trail of Tears State Park is so diverse. The cultural history is one aspect, and you have the rich natural history. It’s one of two parks on the Mississippi, providing great views of tugboats, passing trains and birds.”
    – Denise Dowling, Natural resource manager at Trail of Tears State Park

 

It’s tempting to cozy up near the fireplace with a good book (and put the book down after a few pages to binge your favorite show), but there’ll be plenty of time for bundling up in blankets when winter arrives. For now, make time to explore the woods. You may hear the call of wild turkeys, foraging for acorns.

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