Mastodon - State Historic Site

Mastodon State Historic Site

Sunday morning May 15, 2022 Denise and I took the short trip to Imperial Missouri for a hike on some trails at the Mastodon State Historic Site (Mastodon). Mastodon is a publicly owned 431-acre archaeological and paleontological site with recreational features. The site is maintained by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, preserving the Kimmswick Bone Bed.

There was a Visitor Center and a Museum, however, we went for the hiking and did not visit any of the indoor activities. We hiked both the Limestone Trail and the Spring Branch Trail. The Limestone Trail was 2 miles long and the Spring Branch Trail was around a half mile. The Limestone Trail was moderately difficult and the Spring Branch Trail was super easy. In total for both trails it took us about 70 minutes, even though the posted signs told us the Limestone Trail alone was about a 2-hour hike.

Since we arrived at the site in the morning around 9am, the temperature was still cool and made for a pleasant hike. The trails were not crowded, but there was a steady flow of hikers in both directions and even a couple of trail runners. Every half mile or so there was bench to sit and rest, which was good feature as the trail was quit steep in places with 10% uphill grades. That got my heart pumping for sure.

Both trails had some pretty flowers, including honeysuckle which smelled great. The Limestone Trail was of course laid out over and within the limestone bluffs and it was cool to see that feature all along the hike, but even more so at the lower elevations. As we hiked up into the hills the scenery was mostly trees and fallen leaves covering the hillside and rocky areas.

No real wildlife that I saw on either trail, but we did hear birds singing most of the way. Likely, just too many people bouncing along with talking and noises that kept all wildlife out of sight.

For a Sunday morning short hike this one was really good. Enough steep hills to “feel” like a hike and get our heart rate up, but nothing too taxing. We went home and cut the grass right after. The temperature was in the upper 60’s and most of the trail was shady, especially the steep parts so overall very comfortable.

While I prefer a longer hike, we will definitely go back to this trail again as it was a lot of fun for a short hike. Pictures are posted