Johnson's Shut-Ins Trails
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Hiking & Equestrian Trails

Black River Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: 1 - 2 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • As the main trail through the day-use area of the park, the Black River Trail explains some of the other features found at Johnson's Shut-Ins, including the boulder field and fen area. Both areas offer pavilions, with information about why each area is important.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings: Red Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Goggins Mountain Equestrian Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Equestrian
  • Length: 10 miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
  • Time: 4 - 10 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Looping thru the 5,000 acre Goggins Mountain Wild Area, this 10 mile trail is free of roads, power lines, or any other development, making it a great escape for solitude and exploration in the oak-hickory forest. Open to hikers as well as horses, the trailhead is just inside the entrance to the camping area.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Campground Entrance
  • Trail Markings: Yellow Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Horseshoe Glade Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 1½ miles
  • Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
  • Time: 1 - 1½ hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Taking visitors into the East Fork Wild Area of the park, the Horseshoe Glade trail passes through oak/hickory/pine forests typical of the Ozarks. The woodlands eventually give way to a clearing with a great view of the surrounding St. Francois Mountains. Another smaller glade along the way also has good views of the East Fork of the Black River.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings: Orange Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Scour Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 1½ miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: 1 - 1½ hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • The Scour Trail is a new trail to the park, providing views and access to the scour channel itself. The trail features and overlook and interpretive pavilion, explaining the geology revealed by the scour. The trail is located just east of the main park entrance on Route N.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Route N, just East of park entrance
  • Trail Markings: Red Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Shut-Ins Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 2¼ miles
  • Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
  • Time: 1 - 2 hours
  • Requirements: *No pets, food, or disposable containers allowed on the shut-ins trail; trail closes at 7:00 p.m.*
    Description
  • This trail takes you to the park’s namesake, the shut-ins. This rocky gorge along the East Fork of the Black River has attracted visitors for many generations. The first part of the trail is wheelchair-accessible (.30-mile), and leads to an observation platform over the flowing waters of the shut-ins. From here, the trail becomes more difficult, continuing up a stairway. Entering the East Fork Wild Area, the Shut-Ins Trail follows natural tread through an oak-hickory forest and small glade clearings, eventually returning to the main parking lot. This somewhat strenuous loop trail involves some short rocky climbs and a long series of stairs. You may also encounter some water crossings in wet weather. This trail is for day-use hiking only. No pets are allowed on the Shut-Ins Trail.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Park Office
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed: NO
  • Recommended Season: Summer