Points of Interest:
- View an unusual natural community, an acid seep.
- Marvel at an unusual stand of sweetgum trees in the Ozark uplands.
Natural Features:
This area is a shallow sinkhole pond that also supports an acid seep community. The seepage wetland is typically saturated in the winter and spring and supports a ground flora of sedges, mosses and ferns. A small sinkhole pond also occurs that is seasonally flooded up to 1.5 feet deep. Dominating the woods around the seep and pond are sweetgum trees. The historic Bellevue Trail crosses the natural area. This was once a major north-south travel corridor through this part of Missouri in the 19th century.
This natural area is part of the Mark Twain National Forest. From the intersection of Highway 160 and Highway J, travel north for about 8.5 miles. Turn right (east) on to Forest Road 3224. Travel 0.5 mile on 3224. Park here and follow the old lane that heads north into the natural area. A map and compass are recommended to explore this area. Hunting is permitted.
MO
United States