St Francois State Park park
St Francois State Park
St. Francois State Park is situated in the St. Francois Mountains, which are the oldest mountains in North America, dating back over a billion years. Its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
One of the main reasons to visit St. Francois State Park is its extensive trail system. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park's rugged terrain, lush forests, and scenic overlooks. The Mooner's Hollow Trail is particularly popular for its stunning views of Coonville Creek and the surrounding area.
Within the park, visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The Big River, which flows through the park, provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The park offers canoe rentals for those who want to explore the river. Additionally, there are picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming beach for families to enjoy.
St. Francois State Park is rich in cultural and historical significance. The Moses Austin Memorial Park, located within the state park, pays tribute to Moses Austin, who played a vital role in the development of the American Lead Industry. The park also features a replica of the cabin where Moses Austin lived while establishing his mining operations.
Regarding the best time to visit, each season offers its own unique charm. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and blooming dogwoods, while summer offers opportunities for water activities and enjoying the park's lush greenery. Fall is particularly stunning, as the foliage transforms into a palette of vibrant colors. Winter provides a peaceful atmosphere for hiking and wildlife observation, although some areas of the park may be closed during this season.
In conclusion, St. Francois State Park in Missouri is a captivating destination that offers something for everyone. From its diverse trails and recreational activities to its historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty, it promises an unforgettable experience. It's advisable to verify specific details and any updates related to the park's attractions, facilities, and timing by consulting official sources or contacting the park directly.
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 St Francois State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Francois State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| St. Joe State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Washington State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Hawn State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
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 St Francois State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About St Francois State Park
What can I do at St Francois State Park?
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 St Francois State Park?
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 St Francois State Park.