Experience Nature’s Beauty on the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail

As an outdoor enthusiast I’m always on the lookout for new hiking trails to explore. Recently I discovered an incredible trail in Missouri – the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. In this article, I’ll provide all the details you need to plan your own adventure on this beautiful trail!

An Overview of the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail

The Turkey Pen Hollow Trail is a rugged 65 mile loop trail that passes through high quality dolomite glades and woodland habitats The diverse terrain includes steep climbs, a large sinkhole, rocky outcrops, and seeps – making this a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail is open year round to hikers and backpackers.

One of the highlights is the portion that travels through the Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area, containing rare oak savanna ecological communities. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources manages the area through prescribed fire to preserve the habitat.

Planning Your Hike on the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail

Before lacing up your hiking boots, be sure to prepare accordingly for your trek on the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail. Here are some key tips:

• Check the trail conditions. This rugged trail has a natural surface with rocks, roots, and changing elevations. Check the weather forecast and trail reports to know what to expect.

• Wear proper footwear. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must to provide traction and ankle support. Trail runners are not recommended.

• Pack essentials. Bring plenty of water, snacks/lunch, first aid kit, map, flashlight, and layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather.

• Know your pace. The estimated hiking time for the 6.5 mile loop is 6 hours and 32 minutes. Factor in your own pace and rest breaks.

• Bring a backpack. If camping overnight, you’ll need a backpack to carry your full camping gear. Backpackers must register at the park office.

• Prepare for primitive camping. The 3 designated backpack sites are primitive with no water source. Be prepared to filter/purify water from the trail. Fires are prohibited.

• Watch for wildlife. Keep eyes peeled for deer, turkeys, frogs, and salamanders. Give animals space and watch your step.

• Respect trail rules. Stay on designated trails, practice Leave No Trace principles, and follow all posted guidelines to preserve the landscape.

What to Expect Along the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail

Now that you know how to prepare, let’s explore what natural wonders you can experience on this spectacular trail.

As you begin, you’ll pass the junction with the Acorn, Oak Woodland Interpretive and Devil’s Kitchen Trails before entering the woodland. Early in the hike you can take a short spur trail leading to a restricted special use campsite.

Further along, you’ll traverse a large south-facing glade with a wet seep area that attracts wildlife. One definite highlight is the rocky outcrop marking the shifting Red Arrow Fault Line that runs through this region. This fascinating geological feature demonstrates visible movement between the rock layers.

After a wooded ridge-top section, you can optionally trim 1.25 miles off the hike by taking the White Connector 1 Trail. This route passes a pond that fills in spring, sheltering calling frogs and salamanders.

Continuing on the main loop, Turkey Pen Hollow contains sandstone cliffs, caves, wooded hollows and sinkholes perfect for spotting deer and turkey tracks. The massive natural bridge of the iconic Colosseum formations are visible at points along the ridge.

Near the end, a spur trail leads downhill to the blue-marked Post Office Hollow Trail returning to the trailhead. This adventurous hike provides a close-up look at Ha Ha Tonka’s unique geological landforms and ecosystems.

Planning an Overnight Backpacking Trip

For an immersive wilderness experience, I highly recommend backpacking the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail. Spending a night – or several – allows more time to soak up the natural beauty at a slower pace.

Reservations are required for the 3 designated backpack sites. Make reservations at the park office or visitor center at least one week in advance. The maximum group size per site is 7 people. Fires are not permitted, so bring a camp stove for cooking.

Finding water requires collecting from seeps or ponds along the trail, so come prepared to filter or treat water. Digging trenches or washing directly in water sources is prohibited to prevent contamination. Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact.

Arrive early enough on your first day to allow sufficient time to hike in and set up camp well before sunset. Choosing lighter weight backpacking gear will make the trek more enjoyable. Sitting around the campsite at night listening to the frog chorus under a starry sky is a magical experience!

Why I Highly Recommend Hiking the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail