Forest 44 Conservation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest 44 Conservation Area is a 1,098-acre wildlife area located in the state of Missouri.


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Summary

The area is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Missouri's natural beauty.

One of the main reasons to visit Forest 44 Conservation Area is to enjoy the hiking trails. The area has over 8 miles of trails, including the popular Rock Hollow Trail, which takes visitors through a scenic forested area. The area is also popular for hunting and fishing, with deer, turkey, and small game hunting available during designated seasons.

Specific points of interest to see include the historic railroad bridge, which was built in the early 1900s and still spans the Meramec River. There is also a large lake on the property that provides fishing opportunities for anglers.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once used for mining and logging. Today, the area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a variety of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Forest 44 Conservation Area depends on the desired activity. Spring and summer are great times to hike and fish, while fall is popular for hunting. Winter offers a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Forest 44 Conservation Area is a great destination for anyone looking to experience Missouri's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

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 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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