Cedar Grove State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cedar Grove State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri.
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Summary
The forest covers over 7,000 acres of land and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. One of the main reasons to visit Cedar Grove State Forest is its beautiful natural scenery, which includes rolling hills, sprawling meadows, and dense forests. Visitors can explore the forest's many trails, which range from easy to challenging, and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
There are several points of interest within Cedar Grove State Forest that are worth checking out, including the Cedar Grove Nature Trail, which winds through a mature oak-hickory forest and offers a glimpse into the area's diverse plant and animal life. The forest is also home to several historic sites, such as the old Cedar Grove Schoolhouse and the Cedar Grove Cemetery, which dates back to the late 1800s.
Interesting facts about Cedar Grove State Forest include its history as a site for logging and mining in the early 1900s. The forest was acquired by the Missouri Department of Conservation in the 1930s and has since been managed for conservation and recreation. The forest is also home to several rare and endangered plant species, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and squirrels.
The best time of year to visit Cedar Grove State Forest depends on the activities you plan to do. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and camping, as the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer is a great time for fishing and swimming in the forest's many streams and ponds, while winter offers opportunities for hunting and cross-country skiing. Overall, Cedar Grove State Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking to explore Missouri's natural beauty.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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 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.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
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.
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Conservation Area Cedar Grove
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