The Meramec River meanders from its headwaters in Dent County near Salem to where it empties into the Mississippi River in the southern St. Louis metropolitan area between Bee Tree Park and Kimmswick.
Meramec State Park is located approximately midway along the Meramec River.
This incredibly popular park’s land was acquired by the state of Missouri in 1927 with the CCC actively working on the development of the park in the early 1930s.
To this date, work by the CCC is still visible to park visitors.
Located in three counties and covering 6,896 acres, Meramec State Park is not just large in size, it is large in opportunities for enjoyment.
Float trips, cabins, a hotel, and the visitor’s center are just the start of the adventure.
There’s miles of hiking trails to explore, a naturalist-led Fisher Cave tour to take, and many a picnic to be had.
The campground is often bustling during the summer months! It’s so large that it could almost be a park all by itself. It has over 200 campsites, 3 group sites, and many amenities.
Within the campground is a level, paved road that leads to a parking lot for a Meramec River access that is often bustling with activity during the summer months.
However, there is a part of the park that is a bit more quiet and off the beaten path that many visitors may miss.
Cane Bottom Day Use Area is set off on its own away from a lot of the hustle and bustle of the main park activities.
As one travels on Hwy. 185 from Sullivan towards Meramec State Park’s main entrance, it can be easy to miss the 185 Spur that heads north towards the small Franklin County village of Miramiguoa Park.
However, if you take the 185 Spur through the less-traveled upper part of Meramec State Park, before you reach Miramiguoa Park on the left is a narrow gravel road that leads visitors down to Cane Bottom.
I am able to get up and down this road just fine in my Toyota RAV4. However, if you are pulling a camper, do NOT attempt this road. There simply is not enough room for you.
The Cane Bottom Day Use Area is open from sunrise to sunset May 1 through September 30. There is a gravel parking area where visitors can walk a dirt path to the Meramec River.
I recently took a walk along the gravel bar in Cane Bottom and was amazed at how much peace I experienced.
I have been told it can get a little busy at times, but in comparison to other Meramec River access points within the park, this spot is oftentimes less busy.
If you plan to visit this part of the park, please note that there are no restroom facilities or trash service at Cane Bottom.
It is incredibly important that you pack out what you pack in. If you happen upon any litter left by other visitors, please take it out with you.
I hope we can work together to keep this not-so-secret gem clean for all those who choose to venture to a less-traveled area within the park boundaries for a little Meramec River therapy.
For more information about Meramec State Park, you should visit mostateparks.com/park/meramec-state-park and, as always, you can follow the park on Facebook at facebook.com/MeramecStateParkOfficial/ to keep up with the happenings at the park.Â
(Michelle Turner lives in Parkway, Mo., and can be reached at mkdesignsphoto@gmail.com.)
