Meramec Conservation Area

Meramec Conservation Area is a protected forest in Franklin County featuring wooded hills, limestone caves, and riparian habitat along the Meramec River. The site contains a variety of trails ranging from easy walks through the woods to longer routes suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Missouri acquired most of the land between 1925 and 1930, establishing it as a public conservation space during the Depression. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed trails and facilities throughout the 1930s to make the forest accessible to visitors.

The site houses artifacts and structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built much of what visitors see today during the Depression era. These remnants tell the story of how young workers shaped the land into a public resource.

The area has trails for different activities, from short woodland walks to longer routes for hikers, bikers, and riders. Visitors should check conditions before arriving since some sections may be closed for maintenance or due to seasonal weather.

The site contains six caves that remain closed to visitors to protect bats from a fungal disease spread through cave exploration. This conservation measure protects an underground ecosystem while allowing the forest above to stay open for public use.