Grand Trace State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Grand Trace State Forest is a 1,800-acre forest located in the southeastern part of Missouri.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The forest features miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of Grand Trace State Forest is its wildflower display. Visitors can see an array of wildflowers throughout the forest, including butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, and purple coneflower.
Another highlight of the forest is the Grand Trace Nature Trail, a 3.5-mile trail that winds through the woods and along the banks of the Black River. The trail offers scenic views of the river and opportunities to spot wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bald eagles.
Grand Trace State Forest also boasts a historic fire tower, which is open to visitors during certain times of the year. The tower offers stunning views of the forest and surrounding areas.
The best time to visit Grand Trace State Forest is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. Visitors should be aware that the forest is closed during hunting season, typically from November to mid-December.
Overall, Grand Trace State Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of southeastern Missouri.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References