You may be surprised to know that 1.5 – 2 million-year-old igneous rocks can be found within the St. Francois Mountains near Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. These amazing rocks were formed by violent volcanic eruptions and, to this day, geologists from all around the world come to study them. If you take a trip to Elephant Rocks State Park, you’ll get a first-hand glimpse of this geological wonder.
Elephant Rocks State Park is located in Belleview and it is a popular destination for locals and out-of-town guests visiting Arcadia Valley.
Brad Kebodeaux/flickr
The state-owned geologic reserve features an outcropping of Precambrian granite unique to the St. Francois Mountains.
Nikonian Novice/flickr
The Braille Trail is designed specifically for people with visual or physical disabilities and is the first of its kind in Missouri.
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr
While hiking the 1-mile Braille Trail, you’ll pass through a quarry pond until you reach the top of the granite outcrop.
Michael Massa/flickr
Originally, the granite formed thousands of feet below the surface, but were then uplifted and exposed due to erosion.
Nikonian Novice/flickr The granite at the surface then formed into long blocks, but over time, weathering and chemical reactions of water, rock and air chipped away at the block-like structures to create a rounder shape. As they stand next to each other, they resemble a line of circus elephants, which is how this natural attraction earned its name.
The basins or natural “bird baths” you see by the Elephant Rocks are caused by a chemical reaction between the granite and the water.
Brad Kebodeaux/flickr Due to the chemical reaction and weathering of the granite, the depressions in the granite continually widen.
If you’re up for a challenge, try rock climbing or bouldering.
Steve A./TripAdvisor Technical climbing is allowed in designated areas of the park from October through April. There’s no additional cost, but if you plan on climbing, you must sign a waiver or have a legal guardian sign it if you’re 18 and under. Click here for more information.
Pack a picnic for a relaxing lunch at the park.
Michael Mass/flickr The park has a number of picnic tables set up for you to enjoy a nice meal. Just remember, leave no trace and clean up after yourself when you’re through.
It may be a bit of a hike to get to this park, but it is definitely worth the trip.
Michael Mass/flickr
Elephants Rocks is probably the most unique state park in Missouri, and for good reason. The billion-year old history of this place is fascinating and both the rocks and water quarry are fun features to explore in the park.
Brad Kebodeaux/flickr
Nikonian Novice/flickr
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr
Michael Massa/flickr
The granite at the surface then formed into long blocks, but over time, weathering and chemical reactions of water, rock and air chipped away at the block-like structures to create a rounder shape. As they stand next to each other, they resemble a line of circus elephants, which is how this natural attraction earned its name.
Due to the chemical reaction and weathering of the granite, the depressions in the granite continually widen.
Steve A./TripAdvisor
Technical climbing is allowed in designated areas of the park from October through April. There’s no additional cost, but if you plan on climbing, you must sign a waiver or have a legal guardian sign it if you’re 18 and under. Click here for more information.
Michael Mass/flickr
The park has a number of picnic tables set up for you to enjoy a nice meal. Just remember, leave no trace and clean up after yourself when you’re through.
Address: 7406 MO-21 Belleview, MO 63623
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
