Natural Area Barn Hollow
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Barn Hollow Natural Area is a 1,116-acre nature preserve located in Missouri and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
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Summary
It is a great place to visit for those who enjoy hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The area is known for its rugged beauty, with steep hillsides and deep valleys.
One of the main points of interest at Barn Hollow is the natural rock bridge, which is a popular spot for visitors to take photos. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and wild turkeys. Visitors can also see a wide variety of plants and trees, including oak and hickory trees.
Interesting facts about Barn Hollow include that it is one of the largest natural areas in Missouri and was established in 1980. The area is also home to the Barn Hollow Natural History Association, which is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
The best time of year to visit Barn Hollow is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the leaves are changing colors. However, the area is open year-round and can be enjoyed during any season. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate hiking gear, as the trails can be steep and rugged.
In conclusion, Barn Hollow Natural Area is a beautiful and unique destination in Missouri that is worth visiting for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful escape in the great outdoors.
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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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