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Posted in Missouri Nature May 30, 2017 by Liz Oliver

The Hiking Trail Hiding In Missouri That Will Transport You To Another World

From caves to mountains, there are many natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts to explore in Missouri. If you are looking for great views and ancient geological rock formations, you need to visit Hughes Mountain near Ironton. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, “The rhyolite of Hughes Mountain formed from ancient lava flows around 1.4 billion years ago.” You can see these ancient rock formations today at the end of the Devil’s Honeycomb Trail, a relatively easy 1.6-mile hike to the top of the mountain.

Devil's Honeycomb Trail has a very unique and diverse landscape.

Start your hike among the trees in a dense forest. Watch your step as the trail can become easy to lose.

The lush surroundings bloom with spring flowers before giving way to the glades.

The natural glades have a rocky terrain and harsh growing conditions. You can still spot some vegetation which often hides a local species of reptile.

The collard lizard lives in the glades of the Hughes and Taum Sauk Mountain regions. If you keep your eyes peeled during the summer months you may just spot one!

The ancient rock formations feel like something from another world. It is easy to see how the area came to be called the Devil's Honeycomb.

You can find the formation at the highest point of Hughes Mountain. The views are one of the most rewarding parts of this hike.

Every season is beautiful at Hughes Mountain so be sure to visit this trail more than once.

If you’re looking for more beautiful hikes, check out these 10 amazing hikes under 3 miles.

Have you hiked Devil’s Honeycomb Trail? What other trails in Missouri lead you to natural wonders? Let us know in the comments below.

Liz Oliver

Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!