Swimming Deer Trail

Hike Name: Swimming Deer Trail Location: southeast MO Length: 2.7 (loop) Submitted by: Jessica Date Submitted: 3/10/09 Rating:	more Missouri trail reviews Missouri national parks Missouri state parks
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Description
Moderate in difficulty but worth the few steep climbs. Your choice of two starting points, one directly next to Big River is what we took. Several small off branches to take you along to the river's edge and a dry (at this time of year...early March) stream bed that takes you through a small cutout to the river and back to the main trail.

Easy hiking for the first mile or so with little to no climb in elevation. Take advantage of the small 'game' trails to the rock outcroppings and see a small cave. Later the trail turns to the rock and you climb natural cut steps to the top of the bluff. The views from the edge are stunning, not too high but beautiful.

All in all this was a wonderfully easy hike with a 5 and 3yr old. They enjoyed it just as much as we, the parents, did.

We hiked this in roughly two hours with two extended water/snack breaks.

Directions to Hike
From St. Louis
To get to St. Francois State Park, take I-55 south to the Festus/Crystal City exit. Exit onto U.S. Hwy. 67 south and travel approximately 22 miles. The entrance to the park is on U.S. Hwy. 67 on the left side. It is marked by a set of large brown highway signs.

From Cape Girardeau/Poplar Bluff
To get to St. Francois State Park, take U.S. Hwy. 67 north to Bonne Terre. The entrance to the park is on U.S. Hwy. 67, approximately four and one-half miles north of Bonne Terre, on the right side. It is marked by a set of large brown highway signs.

**Trailhead is located at the east end of the campground. Stop in at the Park office for a map of the park containing directions, trail maps and more.**

Contact Information
St. Francois State Park
8920 U.S. Hwy. 67 North
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
573-358-2173

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