Hilda J Young Conservation Area East

Good place to hike not far from St. Louis. The sandstone creek and the shortleaf pine trees are two things in common with Hawn, much closer to the city. Miles of trails, usually uncrowded. In addition to the official trails, another goes straight to the creek to a long trail parallel to the creek.

The area recently grew, adding more acres. Haven't been on the new section yet but have heard volunteers worked hard removing trash and old structures.

Seems like MDC has let the area be more natural in recent years, with less logging and burning. Nearby Don Robinson State Park is managed with a scorched earth policy with frequent large burns and much logging. Tree density at Young seems higher. When Hilda J Young willed the land, she had strict requirements for land use that got broken. She and Don Robinson might be rolling in their graves.

Unfortunately LaBarque Creek has gotten really shallow, filled in from upstream as erosion from the logging and fires washes sand into the creek. In addition, some private landowners clear the woods and their giant outbuildings create significant runoff. Some people tout the number of fish species in the creek. Most were near the Meramec back when the creek had deeper pools and more rocks and logs. Fish populations and diversity are low now. The creek had significant amounts of filamentous algae when I hiked in May 2023, probably from equestrians and failed septic tanks.

The main parking lot lets you access the trails. The other lot near Glassberg is mostly bushwacking. Unfortunately illegal dumping is a big problem at both lots. The main lot usually has countless alcoholic beverage containers and fast food and drink containers.

Best to avoid during deer seasons and turkey seasons.

My husband and I love this easy stroll about conservation area that includes a shallow creek we like to explore from time to time.

Excellent hiking area. Moderate hills and can be muddy after rain. This is part of the LaBarque Creek watershed and the beautiful Creek runs through the site. Gravel parking lot. One of my favorite places to hike. Dogs are allowed.

The trails are very well taken care of. There are two ponds that I've seen in my travels there and of course the creek. The few passerbys I've seen on the trail we re polite and courteous folks. They allow seasonal bow hunting here for those into it, but otherwise they have great trails and a beautiful trip through nature here.