Babler State Park - October 2008 Hike

October 19, 2008
12:45 pm
Weather: Clear, 63F

We hiked the 1 3/4 Woodbine Trail and the 2 mile Dogwood Trail. Both are loops that can be accessed from the Guy Park trailhead at the northeast corner of the Nature Trail Parking Lot.

The Woodbine Trail is moderate to easy; there are no steep inclines but some parts of the trail are composed of loose rock and/or exposed roots. In other words, pick up your feet to avoid tripping.

The weather was perfect for T-Shirts/shorts and both trails were scenic as we head into peak fall colors. The Red Maples and Oaks have yet to turn, but I'm guessing they'll turn in earnest this week. The trails were already carpeted with leaves and more continued to fall at even the hint of a breeze.

The Dogwood Trail is only moderately challenging. There is only one incline of any consequence, but like the Woodbine, several areas were strewn with loose rocks and exposed roots that can lead to falls or a twisted ankle if you're careless. I found the Dogwood trail to be prettier, offering more varied scenery of the two. There are also many large/old growth trees in this park, quite unusual for eastern Missouri.

My only disappointment was the lack of scenic outlooks/vistas, particularly for a park that has plenty of hills. My next trip to Babler is going to include one or two off-trail hikes to these hilltops.

All in all, Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is a wonderfully maintained park and definitely a great place to enjoy a few scenic hours in the outdoors.