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Reporter |
Summary: This Trail was done for the Unique lichens and lichen grasshoppers that are in this park.Researcher's with the New York Botanical Garden,Linda Vandaveer,1-212-979-3197 Audubon Society, have taken a liking to the lichens on the chert glades of the park. A lichen is a plant made up of an alga and a fungus growing in a symbolic association.The alga grows within the fungus,and relies on the fungus for protection from drought and the elements.The alga produces food for the fungus. Trailhead: From I-44 take Exit 6 South,also 86 south, Buisness 44, & 43 north.Go .45mi. South to entrance to Wildcat park.The trailhead is West of entrance to park. (Lat:37.02883 Lon:-94.5155) Trail Guides for Wildcat Glades Walk: 117 Wildcat Glade by Conservation Commission (Missouri Department of Conservation) Official Partnership Established to Lead Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center by John Bianchi (John Bianchi) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Missouri Dept. of Conservation. 1-417-847-5949,Linda Vandeveer 212-979-3197 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Charles Britton, who has posted 28 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review This trail goes across a one-lane bridge, has a couple areas that look quite distance, almost directly down on the river, and according to the personnel at the conservation area, it is about 5 miles. I have walked it in about two hours, including a couple of stops for pictures. I hiked this trail yesterday from McIndoe Park to the Reddings Mill Bridge and was very impressed. There's some beautiful scenery and the view from the bridge overlooking the rapids is terrific! I also drove across the one lane bridge and followed the road to the right to go to Grand Falls, another gorgeous sight! They just built a fabulous new nature center here in 2007. DOGS AND BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED, thankfully just nature hiking. The Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center is due for completion summer of 2007, with complete trails soon to follow. In addition to the trail head at Reddings Mill Bridge there is Creek Trail Loop which is a little over half a mile and completely paved. It's perfect for younger children. Also, of note: dogs and bikes are not allowed on the trails, they are for hiking and walking only. That is because the trail is still a work in progress. I believe the map even states that, but I could be wrong. Eventually the trail will be completed, (sometime during the 2006 year) and will match the map exactly. Don't give up on this trail. It really is nice! My family spent a lot of time on the trail during the summer & really had a great time. We are looking forward to spring so we can visit it again. As far as the older hikers comment, we chatted with a few older couples on the trail who seemed to be enjoying themselves. There is an entry point to this trail at the old Reddings Mill bridge. DO NOT cross the bridge and expect it to connect to the rest of the trail like the trail map would suggest. IT DOES NOT!!!! For an older hiker this trail could turn dangerous!!! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Missouri Hiking, Missouri Trails, Missouri Hikes, Jasper County Hiking, Jasper County Trails, Jasper County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||