St. Francois State Park

St. Francois State Park is a beautiful slice of nature that is jam packed with fascinating history and puptacular natural features. A wonderful combination of Pike Run Hills and Coonville Creek Wild Area, this park has been home to Civil War outlaws, moonshine stills, and lead mines. Today, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors with your doggo.

Your pooch will be happy to know there are four dog friendly hiking trails in the park. While they are all worth checking out, the 2.75 mile Mooner’s Hollow Trail is probably the most scenic. It runs through the Coonville Creek valley and provides your pup with some hilltop vistas, stream crossings, and a chance to see where bootleggers once brewed their moonshine.

Pike Run Trail is divided into the Northern and Southern Loops. If you want to combine the two, plan on a 10.25 mile hike. It’s a bit long, but it will let your pal see a huge portion of the park. Be aware that equestrians are allowed on this trail.  Swimming Deer Trail is another option. Your pooch probably won’t see any deer swimming in Big River, but they will get furrific views as they hike along the wooded bluff. While in the park, be sure to carry some clean up bags and always stoop and scoop.

The park has over 100 RV and tent campsites to choose from, so go ahead and bring your sleeping bags and stay a night or two. While the campground is open year round, water is not available in the off season. Fishing is another pupular activity in the park. With three plus miles of prime Big River access and Coonville Creek at their disposal, anglers are in fishy heaven! St. Francois State Park also features a playground, picnic tables, swimming holes, and interpretive programs.

No bones about it, this park will make your pup’s tail wag!