St. Louis, MO: Little Grand Canyon

Little Grand Canyon

Distance: 2.78 mi	Points: 169	Calories: none
Total Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

LGC001

Location: 37.680573, -89.394791
There are restrooms and several grill-equipped picnic sites near the trailhead. This mapped route follows the trail north from the right side of the parking area, closest to the entrance.

LGC002

Location: 37.685745, -89.396309
An observation platform near mile 0.4 offers a bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon. Ravines plunge downward along both sides of the steep trail as it begins a more treacherous descent.

LGC003

Location: 37.685451, -89.397104
The trail takes on a water-slide-like appearance as it continues toward the bottom of the canyon. Though the sandstone surface is slick along the edge of a small stream-place each foot carefully-look for hand-carved steps guiding and easing your descent.

LGC004

Location: 37.686809, -89.396975
A stream runs along the flat canyon floor and sheer, eroded cliffs rise 120-feet along each side. Ferns and shrubs cling to the cliff faces above lush bottomland-only a few yards wide near the box canyon's eastern terminus.

LGC005

Location: 37.687756, -89.398590
Stands of maple, sweet gum, birch, and box elder-and some towering beech and sycamore-grow in these bottomland woods. During spring, look for wildflowers such as bluebells, Dutchman's-breeches, and white trillium.

LGC006

Location: 37.688328, -89.399353
Stepping stones lead across the stream near mile 0.75. If the trail is flooded--likely in springtime--follow the cliffs on your left hand side until another wall of cliffs is visible on your right. Head toward the right-hand cliffs, crossing the trail and turning west. If possible, avoid this bushwhack detour that'll bring you in close contact with thick poison ivy and snakes that hibernate in the cliff's contours.

LGC007

Location: 37.685417, -89.405086
Before reaching the Big Muddy River, the trail turns sharply uphill into this solid rock ravine. Use the hand-carved steps in the sandstone surface to ease your way uphill. Take it slow, watch your footing and enjoy your solid rock surroundings and the waterfalls from canyon shelves.

LGC008

Location: 37.684528, -89.405251
Follow the route to the right where the canyon splits.

LGC009

Location: 37.683514, -89.405502
Turn right again as you emerge from the canyon. The trail continues along the edge of steep wooded bluff before turning south again for a flat stretch above the Big Muddy River.

LGC010

Location: 37.686503, -89.406202
Take in the spectacular views of the Big Muddy River valley from atop the Chalk Bluffs. Look west for a glimpse of Fountain Bluff, an enormous wooded mound that bulges from the floodplain 4.5 miles away.

LGC011

Location: 37.681061, -89.406128
After a 0.3-mile respite from the climb, you'll turn up this ridge. The hillsides drop precipitously on both sides of the trail. If maple and oak leaves have fallen, you'll continue to catch glimpses of far off hills.

Water Slide

Location: 37.685421, -89.397141
The trail into the Grand Canyon looks like a water slide in some places. ©<a href="http://www.tedvillaire.com">Ted Villaire</a>

Cliffs

Location: 37.686825, -89.396950
Towering sandstone cliffs flank the Shawnee's Grand Canyon. Watch for cliff swallows swooping among the trees and returning to nests tucked into the cliffs. &copy; <a href="http://www.tedvillaire.com">Ted Villaire</a>

Grand Canyon

Location: 37.685337, -89.405083
Waterfalls and steep canyon walls lead the way uphill and out of the Grand Canyon. &copy; <a href="http://www.tedvillaire.com">Ted Villaire</a>

Big Views

Location: 37.686539, -89.406197
Looking west from atop the Chalk Bluffs. &copy; <a href="http://www.tedvillaire.com">Ted Villaire</a>