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Exploring Sam A. Baker Park, Missouri

Frederick is near some of the most gorgeous natural scenery Missouri has to offer. One place to get a good view of it is Sam A. Baker State Park. Set in the shadow of the St. Francois Mountains, this park allows for numerous outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and floating. Come explore the natural landscape and cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek at Sam A. Baker State Park.

Where is Sam A. Baker State Park?

Sam A. Baker State Park is about 24 miles southwest from Fredrock. You can access it via U.S. Highway 67. Take it south until state route 34, which you will follow west until state route 143. Take that road north until you reach the park.

Sam A. Baker State Park Map

There's a lot to see and do in Sam A. Baker State Park. Refer to the map for specific trails and locations.

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Missouri Hiking Trail: Sam A. Baker State Park

Sam A. Baker is home to five different trails, each of which features a unique way to experience the park. The Fire Tower and Mudlick Equestrian Hike trails are open to hiking and horseback riding with the Fire Tower Trail allowing mountain biking. The Mudlick Hike Only and Shut Ins trails are solely reserved for hiking. The Paved Bicycle Trail is open to hiking and hardened surface biking. The shut-ins and the two Mudlick trails are rated rugged while the Fire Tower trail is moderate and the Paved Bicycle Trail is easy. Each trail varies in distance but the longest are the Mudlick Hike Only (5.8 miles) and Mudlick Equestrian Hike (10.8 miles) trails being the longest. The rest range from 1-2 miles.

Sam A. Baker Floating

A great way to experience the St. Francis River in Sam A. Baker State Park is via boat. You can rent either a canoe, a one-person kayak or a six-person raft from the park store for your floating adventure. If you're looking to explore Big Creek, kayaks are the only option available. Each option provides you a chance to enjoy the scenic and secluded nature of these two rivers as well as the pristine beauty of the state park.

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Big Creek and St. Francis River Fishing

Floating isn't the only option to enjoy both the St. Francis River and Big Creek. You can also take a fishing pole out and try your hand at catching some fish from these bodies of water. The primary fish you can catch include bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish. The rivers are open for day usage from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Be sure to meet all necessary regulations, including a fishing permit, before casting off. You can buy a daily Missouri fishing permit for $8 online or at any department store or other vendor that sells hunting and fishing equipment.

Sam A. Baker State Park Restaurant

While there are plenty of opportunities for a picnic, Sam A. Baker State Park also has a restaurant on its premises called Mudlick Mountain Grill. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and many other snacks. Dining in is an option but you can also order ahead and pick up your food. You can reach the restaurant at 573-856-4223. Hours depend on the season so check ahead on the restaurant's Facebook page.

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Sam A. Baker State Park Store

A good adventure needs supplies and Sam A. Baker State Park's store, Mudlick Mountain Store, is here to help. The store offers groceries, souvenirs, firewood, swimming gear, fishing supplies, snacks and many more. Mudlick Mountain Store sits adjacent to Mudlick Mountain Grill, providing a one-stop shop for your needs in the park. The store also offers canoe, raft and kayak rentals if you decide to go out on the rivers. The store hours depend on the season so check the park's website ahead of time to learn more.

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