Summit Loop Trailhead (Silver Mine Rec Area)
A trailhead offering hiking opportunities from Silver Mines Recreation Area for the Riverside Trail.
General Information
Campground Camping
This campsite is popular during spring kayaking season. Silver Mines Recreation Area consists of 4 campground loops and 2 day use areas.
When visiting, please remember
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers during the winter; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- This day use area has a gate. You can park at the gate and walk to the trailhead from the gate.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
From Fredericktown:
- From the intersection of MO Hwy 72 and US Hwy 67, head West on Hwy 72 approx. 4.3 miles to State Hwy D, near the small community of Oak Grove.
- Turn Left onto Hwy D, and travel approx. 2.9 miles to the entrance on your right.
From Arcadia/Ironton:
- Head East on MO Hwy 72 approx. 13.6 miles to State Hwy D, near the small community of Oak Grove.
- Turn Right on Hwy D, and travel approx. 2.9 miles to the entrance on your right.
Parking
- Turkey Creek: 10 vehicles;
- Riverside: 20 vehicles;
- Take-out: 10 vehicles;
- Day Use Parking (Summit and Prospect Loops): 15 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
All restrooms are ADA compliant.
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Silver Mines Trail
The Silver Mines Trail follows the St. Francis River. It is a wooded trail with beautiful bluffs of Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. There are no boardwalks. This is a hilly, well-maintained trail.
The 1-mile trail is located on the right side of the St. Francis River and can be accessed from the Take Out parking area and goes to Turkey Creek Picnic Area. From Turkey Creek Picnic Area, a 1.2 mile trail leads to Mill Stream Gardens Conservation Area, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/millstream-gardens-conservation-area)
Riverside Trail
The 1-mile Riverside Trail leads to the old Einstein Silver Mine from the Riverside Pavilion parking area. This trail follows the east side of the St. Francis River. It is a wooded trail with beautiful bluffs of Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. There are no boardwalks. This is a hilly, well-maintained trail.
The Einstein Mine is gated and there is no public access.