Posted in Missouri Natural Wonders, Nature January 30, 2023 by

You’d Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Missouri Is Hiding In This Tiny Park

With so many natural wonders in Missouri, we never lack places to explore. From the 1.5-billion-year-old granite rock formations at Elephant Rocks State Park to Grand Gulf State Park, the Grand Canyon of Missouri, our beautiful state makes exploring fascinating and fun. There’s another natural wonder you can experience too, just by visiting this tiny Missouri state park.

One of the smallest of all Missouri state parks, Morris State Park spans just 161 spans and is perhaps best known for a geological wonder known as Crowley's Ridge.
Google/George Kopp
The Missouri Department of Conservation describes Crowley's Ridge as "a geological oddity that...rises 200 feet above the Mississippi River’s flood plain and consists of a strip of low hills ranging from a half-mile to five or more miles wide."
Google/Blake VanSlyke
Educational placards offer a glimpse into the history of Crowley's Ridge and insight into the unique features of the park.
The geological wonder, however, isn't just confined to Morris State Park. It spans approximately 200 miles from Southern Missouri to Eastern Arkansas.
Morris State Park
Much of Morris State Park is in Crowley's Ridge, which means it boasts some unique characteristics, including plants that are so rare they're not found in any other part of Missouri.
Morris State Park
Keep an eye out when you explore, and you'll see some of the 300 species of plants and more than 80 types of birds, including wood ducks, red-tailed hawks, and barred owls.
All Trails/Travis Barnes
The best way to get to know Morris State Park - and admire the natural beauty of Crowley's Ridge - is on the nearly three-mile Beech Tree Trail.
Google/Paul Furrer
The moderately-challenging trail takes you from the top of Crowley's Ridge to the bottom then back up again.
Google/Erica Roberts
The trail scores a moderate rating due, in part, to its elevation changes. It can also get quite muddy, especially after it rains.
Along the way, you'll get to see why Crowley's Ridge earns distinction as a natural and geological wonder.
All Trails/Henry Griffiths
Find more information on Crowley's Ridge on the Morris State Park website.
Google/Rene Reeves

What do you think are the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re up for a multi-day adventure, set off on this road trip to the seven wonders of Missouri.

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