Buford Mountain Conservation Area, Protected mountain area in Iron County, Missouri.
Buford Mountain Conservation Area is a protected mountain region in Iron County with about 3,800 acres of varied natural habitats. The landscape includes eight small ponds distributed throughout and features steep slopes and forest cover.
The area was settled by William Buford in 1812 through a Spanish Land Grant and later acquired by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1979. This transfer to a protection agency marked the beginning of the land's current conservation status.
The mountain carries marks of its past as a charcoal production area, with old kilns still scattered across the land. These remnants show how work and industry once shaped this place.
The area offers a hiking trail network totaling over 10 kilometers that leads to the summit and requires advanced walking skills. Visitors should bring proper equipment and be prepared for challenging terrain.
The mountain consists of volcanic rhyolite granite, which reveals its dramatic geological history. This rare composition makes it noteworthy for those interested in rocks and earth science.
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