Silver Mine Trail to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area

Silver Spring Mines offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is abundant with historic and geological wonders. This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River and is the only river in Missouri classified as “White Water". The river is used for kayaking during the spring high waters. People enjoy hiking and fishing along the river throughout the year. When we hiked there were a number of fisherman throughout the river.

Silver Mines is located at a historic mining operation near Fredericktown Missouri and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. Silver Mines Recreation Area is named for the abandoned “Einstein Mine”, which was mined for Silver, Tungsten and Lead. The Einstein Silver Mining Company began mining in 1877, and mining ceased completely in 1946.

Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, located up-river from Silver Mines, is the put-in for those looking to experience the white water on the St. Francis river. This is a large recreation area, and particularly busy during the spring. However, visitors who come during the fall months will be treated to spectacular fall color along the St. Francis River.

Our hike started at Silver Spring Mines and we turned and went back after reaching Millstream Gardens Conservation Area. Denise and I hike this one together in about 2. 5 hours round trip with a number of stops for pictures and videos which we posted below. It was an easy hike and each time the trail tilted to the river we had to stop and looks. Very picturesque views. We did see a black snake on the way to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, but he was just hanging out and not interested in us or in moving.

The day we went was pleasant with temperatures in the low 80 degree range. Overall we only saw a handful of other hikers along the trail and generally had the trail to ourselves. This hike would be even better with a stop to swim in the river. There were various access points to do so and believe we will go back next summer to soak up the sun and get in a swim on our next hike.

If you are looking for a relatively easy hike with great views and a possible swim during the summer, this is the perfect hike.

Silver Springs

Silver Springs on the way to Millstream Gardens

Denise Climbing through the trail

St François River

Nice black snake sunning himself on the trail