In Douglas, the focus extends beyond hiking trails to include riverbanks, springs and wetlands. Bryant Creek State Park covers more than 2,900 acres and offers nearly two miles of direct river access along Bryant Creek. At the northern end, two hiking trails offer views of Missouri’s only native pine species. Four major side valleys and at least four springs add to the park’s landscape. You can shape your stay around different nature themes instead of focusing on just one route.
River Landscapes and Conservation Areas
Shannon Ranch Conservation Area is in Douglas County and covers 1,565 acres. It has abundant oaks, hickories, shortleaf pines and cedars. Visitors can explore forest and prairie areas that are home to unusual plants or striking geological formations. At 511 acres, Douglas Branch Conservation Area is smaller and includes wet-mesic bottomland forests and wet prairie. Audubon Missouri has designated the area an Important Bird Area; its seasonal wetlands offer opportunities to observe marsh and wading bird species.
Birdwatching offers different experiences: at Bryant Creek, you can observe riverside birds such as kingfishers and great blue herons, while the wetlands at Douglas Branch offer opportunities to observe marsh and wading birds. Bryant Creek, which flows through Bryant Creek Natural Area, is designated an Outstanding State Resource Water by the Missouri Clean Water Commission. Hunting and fishing are permitted in Bryant Creek Natural Area. Check the regulations in effect before your visit.
Vera Cruz Access includes the year-round streams Hunter Creek and Bryant Creek. The area also has a campground, a picnic area and restroom facilities. Posted restrictions may apply to these facilities.
Hiking Trails and Navigation
Glade Top Trail is a 23-mile route through Missouri’s Ozark hill country. Its road passes through Ava Glades Natural Area. A map and compass are recommended for exploring the area. A southeastern access point is at State Route 95 and County Road 149 near Longrun; the western access point is at State Route 125 and County Road 147. Because information about road access may change, check it before driving.
Bryant Creek State Park currently has an accessible overlook, a vault toilet and a completed parking lot. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.
Ava: Seasonal Events and Culture
In Ava, the MFTHBA World Show and Celebration is held every year during Labor Day week; dates may vary from one edition to another. The program includes competitions in the Performance, Model, Versatility, Ranch Sorting and Ranch Horse classes. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates for that year.
The Ava Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from April through October on the town square in Ava. Before making a special trip, check the latest schedule. Also in Ava, the Ava Art Gallery & Museum offers free public art workshops on the first Saturday of each month; the workshop schedule may change. The Ava Growers Project holds cooking demonstrations and sustainable living workshops, and this program may also change.
Another cultural thread leads to the Douglas County Museum: Frank Wilson built the museum in 1882. Alongside seasonal markets and events, the county’s history and culture offer another distinct area to consider when planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Ava, Andrew County, Warren County, Lafayette, Oregon County, Greene, St Louis, Webster County
For the main travel overview: Missouri.
