Ball Mill Loop Trail

Continuing with our series,"Adventures With Uncle bob-Guide to Self-adventure",we feature its full name, Ball mill Resurgence Pit Natural Area.  This article origninally appeared on an old website and is transfered here.  This place is owned by the LAD Foundation and managed by the Missouri Dept of Conservation.  Directions: From Chester,ill., cross the bridge and proceed on MO 51 to Perryville.  In town, turn right on US 61 and then a right on Co V.  You will drive about 7 miles, curve left on the road,and follow signs to the parking area. GPS N37. 808563 and W-89.886189.
Proceed down the farm lane and arrive at the loop junction. I suggest ascending the left loop segment.  We walk by several scenic sinkholes.  Unique shrubs and flowers include Spicebush,American Bladdernut, Thimbleweed, False Solomon seal, hooked Crowfoot, and Doll's eyes.  The trail descends to the bottom and turns right. We come to an unusual cliff known as the Resurgence Pit. This spot drains surface water away to caves and underground streams,but after a rainstorm the flow reverses and becomes a stream.  Notice the polished rocks. The trail gradually ascends back to the loop junction, turn left, and back to the car. Go to semissourian.com/blogs/pavementends/entry/35844 for several good pictures of this 2 mile loop.
You may have to re-type this in your browser. While here, why not also hike Perry County Community Lake Loop trail.  For this, go back to MO 51, turn right, go to road "T",turn right and go a few miles to the trailhead.  Any questions, contact Bob Tyson at 684-5643 or robkay43@webtv.net.