Missouri Wildflowers: Spring Hiking Tour
I don’t know about you, but I am SO relieved that spring is finally here. Everything is greening up, the flowers are blooming, and when it finally decides to stop raining for a few days, we can enjoy some glorious sunshine!
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been out on a handful of hikes in central Missouri - and have been blown away by the plethora of gorgeous wildflowers.
Even my tea bag was excited: It delivered this timely quote after I’d returned from a day of wildflower hunting.
“Earth laughs in flowers” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
That Ralph. So simple, yet so profound.
First up is the Turkey Creek Interpretive Nature Trail in the Three Creeks Conservation Area near Columbia, Missouri.
This was a very quiet hike - not too many people - and an abundance of birds and wildflowers.
It always shocks me how happy I feel when I see these little bursts of color in the spring. I couldn’t stop the goofy grin if I tried.
Stopping near the creek bed to play my flute with the babbling water was another highlight. At one point, a hawk soared in the sky above me, and I’d like to think the flute sound made her journey a little sweeter.
The next week, I ventured over to Rock Bridge State Park (near Columbia, Missouri) and hiked one of my all-time favorites - The Shooting Star Trail.
As I started my hike that morning, I came upon two older women who appeared how I must look every time I go hiking:
Bent over and inspecting the flowers.
In overhearing their conversation, it was apparent that one of the ladies was a plant expert.
Risking a bit of awkwardness, I joined the conversation hoping to learn a little bit myself… and I certainly did.
She educated me on the shooting star flower- that is the namesake of this particular trail!
Aren’t they unique?
I can definitely see why they are named after a shooting star.
I saw so many more flowers along this short 3 mile trail - more than enough to have me smiling from ear to ear.
My last hike was with a group of friends who met up to hike the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail in Ha Ha Tonka State Park (near the Lake of the Ozarks).
My dear friend Shelly is gearing up for an epic backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon (!), and we were all more than happy to come cheer her along as she logs her training miles.
We happily chit-chatted all along the 8 miles of the Turkey Pen Hollow loop -stopping every so often to inspect the flowers. The whole area was teeming with them!
Missouri Evening Primrose, Indian Paintbrush, Bee Balm, and Golden Alexanders - just to name a few.
We also happened upon this lovely gem..
This Chicken of the Woods fungus was just as vibrant as the gorgeous wildflowers.
I don’t know about you, but fungus fascinates me. It regenerates organic matter in such style, don’t you think?
I was excited to meet some new nature-loving gals - and I’m in awe how adventures in the outdoors bring all types of people together. Especially when we’re cheering on our strong, amazing friend.
Maybe I can talk her into an interview and some pictures when she returns?
Stay tuned. :)
As the lush vibrance of spring melts into a balmy summer, I hope you are able to carve out some time to enjoy the outdoors.
Miraculous things await you, my friend - whether you have 15 minutes or 4 hours.
And when you return to the chaos of your household, your job, and the dumpster fire doom scroll - you’ll be so much more at peace and ready to handle it.
You might even decide to ditch that doom scroll and plan your next nature retreat instead.
Be well, and I’ll see you again soon.
Thank you so much for reading.
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I can’t wait to see you there.