Castor River Shut-ins perfect for adventure

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer, and many area residents find themselves packing up for a getaway to a hotel, lake or campground.

So why not plan a getaway that's not too far from home? Especially now that gas prices continue to rise. This is a one-tank trip to a natural area that will take your breath away.

Castor River Shut-Ins is a 209-acre area of the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area near Fredericktown. It's an easy trip to take on a spring or summer afternoon. And if you're looking for a place to cool off this summer, this could be the spot for you.

The 50-mile drive west along Highway 72 takes you through rolling hills and farmland to put you in the perfect mood for a relaxing outdoor adventure.

The shut-ins are accessible from a walking trail that takes you about one-third mile into the woods. You'll hear the running water long before you see the shut-ins. Your walk along the hiking trail takes you near the riverbed and through a canopy of native trees. Wild roses and flowers -- and some poison ivy -- line the dirt path.

Once you reach the shut-ins, you can see the rushing water from the Castor River that flows over the pink granite rocks, creating a breathtaking sight. The water runs clear and cold.

The hiking trail continues along the bluff so you can get a better view of the water below. Be sure to wear good walking shoes since parts of the trail are a little rough.

The Castor River Shut-Ins are Missouri's only known pink granite shut-ins. The granite is found throughout the natural area, which allows camping in designated spots.

If you'd like to see more of the granite outcroppings and rushing waters, head west of Fredericktown to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area. This is the site of the only whitewater rapids in the state and the area is home to a championship race each spring.

The waters of the St. Francis River also carve out shut-ins in this area. There is a 2.5-mile walking trail that follows the river and connects Millstream Gardens with the Silver Mines Recreation Area.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Castor River Shut-Ins is in Madison County near Fredericktown. There are two easy routes to follow to get to the area: From Highway 72 near Fredericktown take County Road 208 to the right. Follow it to the fork in the road. At the fork, turn right and follow the gravel road until you get to the conservation area. Or you can travel Interstate 55 north to Perryville. After exiting the highway, turn left onto Highway 51. Take Highway 51 until it joins J. Turn right onto J and follow that road until it reaches County Road 208. There are signs to direct you.

ON THE NET

Missouri Department of Conservation Natural Areas site: www.conservation.state.mo.us/areas/natareas