Paw Paw Trail

Although the trail is only a half-mile long, hikers are rewarded with a wonderful example of a developed oak-hickory forest. The big trees provide ample shade in the warm months. The deep gullies are mini-habitats for trees and other plants. Christmas ferns abound on the hillsides. This trail is a must-do in the spring - wildflowers provide a great colorful experience. The fertile soils here are home to May apples, trilliums, trout lilies, jack-in-the-pulpits and many more. The native Missouri shrub is usually the first to flower in the spring. Its reddish-brown 3 petal flowers usually bloom in early April. These flowers grow into Ozark Bananas, which ripen toward the end of summer. This custard-flavored fruit is a big hit with raccoons, skunks, grey fox, opossums, and various birds. Humans can also indulge if they can beat the animals to the punch! Paw Paw Trail connects Fishermen's Trail to the Chubb Overlook area.