Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve park
Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve
Some good reasons to visit the McClure Shale Glade Nature Preserve include the opportunity to observe rare and unique plant species, such as the endemic McClure's spleenwort and limestone flame azalea. The area is also home to several rare animal species, such as the eastern box turtle and the Mississippi ringneck snake.
Visitors to the preserve can explore the area on foot and observe the natural beauty of the glades and woodlands. There are several hiking trails that wind through the preserve, including the Ruby Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the limestone glades were formed over millions of years through geological processes. The glades are home to a unique ecosystem that includes a variety of plant and animal species that are adapted to the harsh limestone environment.
The best time of year to visit the McClure Shale Glade Nature Preserve is in the spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom and the area is teeming with life. However, the preserve is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and opportunities for exploration.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Of Tears State Forest | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Pine Hills | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Pine Hills Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Trail Of Tears State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Horse Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Little Grassy Campground & Marina | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Other parks
- Anna Park And Fairgrounds
- Trail Of Tears State Forest
- Nature Preserve Ozark Hills
- Wilderness Bald Knob
- Trails Of Tears State Park
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve
What can I do at Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Mcclure Shale Glade Nature Preserve.