Take a serene ride through the wooded valleys of eastern Missouri as we explore Missouri Highway 185 Spur—a scenic 6-mile loop weaving through the heart of Meramec State Park near Sullivan. This tranquil route follows a quiet spur off MO-185 into the forested sanctuary of one of Missouri’s most popular state parks, offering glimpses of the Meramec River, towering bluffs, and a slice of peaceful Ozark recreation.
Our journey begins just south of Sullivan, turning off Missouri Route 185 into the park’s main entrance. We’re greeted immediately by the park’s welcoming gatehouse and visitor center, nestled at the edge of the woods. After a short climb, we reach the first junction and turn left, diving deeper into the trees. The road here descends into Campbell Hollow, a lush ravine carved by time and shaded by dense hardwoods. The Meramec River runs just out of sight to our right, its presence felt in the cool air and the meandering path of the road. We pass the day-use area, a wide and grassy opening where families picnic and trails invite hikers to explore the surrounding hills.
Climbing out of the hollow, the canopy thickens again until we come upon a sign for the Deer Hollow Trail. True to its name, a few white-tailed deer cautiously step onto the road, briefly halting our progress. We wait, quietly, until they bound off into the underbrush—an enchanting reminder of the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Continuing downhill, the road levels out as we enter the campground area. Picnic tables dot the forest floor, and the comforting scent of woodsmoke lingers in the air. We make a quick stop here to check our gear before driving the short distance to Fisher Cave, one of the park’s best-known attractions. Tucked into a bluffside and accessible by guided tour, the cave offers a glimpse into Missouri’s subterranean wonders, complete with stalactites, rimstone dams, and ancient formations. We pause here for a rest break and to soak in the stillness of this hidden corner of the Ozarks.
Our return trip retraces the same scenic route in reverse, but we add a quick detour just before the park’s entrance to visit the riverfront boat launch area. Here, the Meramec River flows gently past gravel banks and wooded bends—a favorite launching point for canoeists, kayakers, and anglers. The spot makes for a perfect photo stop, with the late afternoon light dancing on the water. After savoring the view, we head back toward the park entrance, where our loop ends as we turn left (north) onto MO-185 and rejoin the larger highway network.
This short but satisfying drive offers a peaceful counterpoint to the hustle of the interstate nearby, threading together forests, caves, rivers, and wildlife into one cohesive and calming experience. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or just passing through for the day, Missouri Highway 185 Spur is a quiet invitation to slow down, look around, and reconnect with the natural beauty that defines the Missouri Ozarks.
0 Comments