There could be nothing more spectacular than a winter hike at Hickory Canyon. The question is: Why aren’t you there?
From 55 at Ste. Genevieve, go west on Highway 32 to State Road C. Head north on C to Sprott Road where you’ll turn left. This is a gravel road, but easily passable with even the lowest sitting cars. Some three miles down the road, you’ll come to a wide spot in the road where you can park.
When you first arrive at Hickory Canyon, take just a short walk to the trailhead. There, you’ll be greeted with large wooden signs that map out the trail.
The hike begins with trails diverging on each side of the road. The southern trail, which takes you into Box Canyon, is short and somewhat steep. Don’t miss this one! At only .7 of a mile, this walk won’t wear you out but instead should rejuvenate your soul.
Icicles can form during bright, sunny days in freezing weather. When ice or snow melted by sunlight refreezes and slowly drips, forming an icicle. Over some time, continued water runoff will cause the icicle to grow. Icicles can form wherever water seeps out of or drips off vertical surfaces such as cliffs - enter Hickory Canyon.
Special thank you to our hiker “Kristen Kimmel.”
Written by B Hisserick | Pics by T Smugala