Hickory Canyons keeps Ice Age plants in Ste. Genevieve County

Hickory Canyons Natural Area gives western Ste. Genevieve County a cool, shaded counterpoint to the county’s river and French colonial stories. MDC places it northeast of Farmington and describes box canyons, sandstone cliffs, and short hiking trails.

The richer story is on the cliff faces. MDC’s natural-area page says Hickory Canyons supports many native plants and mosses, including glacial relicts. Those are species that were more common in Missouri during colder Ice Age conditions and now survive in cool, moist microclimates.

That makes the place more than a pretty canyon walk. It is a small climate pocket where the rock, shade, water, and plants preserve an older natural memory.

For visitors, the useful part is simple: check MDC for trail access and rules, then treat the place gently. The same cool cliffs that make Hickory Canyons interesting are also why the natural area is sensitive.