Upper Big Creek Conservation Area Adventures

The Upper Big Creek Conservation Area is a 3,239-acre public natural area located in Shannon County, Missouri, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It preserves a section of the southeastern Ozarks characterized by rolling hills, steep ridges, and clear, spring-fed streams. The area includes upland oak-hickory forests, glades, and patches of bottomland hardwoods, supporting diverse plant and animal species typical of the Ozark region. The landscape is rugged with limited development, providing an excellent experience for backcountry hunters, hikers, and wildlife watchers. Historically, the area was used for logging and small-scale farming before being acquired for conservation to protect its wildlife habitat and water quality. Key recreational activities include hiking on marked trails such as the Upper Big Creek Trail, hunting for deer and turkey during regulated seasons, and fishing in the creek and its tributaries. The conservation area offers a quiet forest setting with abundant opportunities to observe white-tailed deer, wild turkey, various songbirds, and other native fauna. Visitors are drawn to the area's natural tranquility, clear seasonal streams, and the chance for off-the-beaten-path outdoor exploration. Limited facilities and undeveloped camping ensure a primitive outdoor experience. The area appeals particularly to those seeking solitude and natural settings characteristic of the Missouri Ozarks.