Lower Rock Creek in Madison County is a tributary to the St. Francis River. Along this stream and
on surrounding knobs of the St. Francois Mountains extending west into Iron County, is the finest
unprotected wilderness resource of the whole Ozark region. With almost 14,000 acres, Lower Rock Creek
has long been recognized as one of Missouri’s wildest and most spectacularly scenic areas. The
rose-tinted igneous rock, canyon walls, and clear bedrock stream watershed are in superb natural
condition. It has massive, continuous exposures of rhyolite bedrock along the shut-ins of the steep
valley, with sheer cliffs overlooking the creek and rocky terraces on the slopes above. Much of the
valley is so steep that there is little or no floodplain at all. The area’s rugged topography reaches
from above 1,500 feet on Patterson and Black Mountains down to 600 feet at the lower reaches of the
creek.
Vegetation includes many communities associated with the St. Francois Mountains. There are a number
of endemic Ozark species, including Ozark witchhazel. Bald eagles have been spotted and in the spring
there are spectacular displays of the native rose azalea. Native black bear, collared lizards on the
rocky barrens, and a healthy population of hill country cottonmouth water moccasins along the remote
streams all contribute to the wild integrity of this landscape.
A study conducted by the University of Missouri described this area as the most significant remaining
example of a St. Francois Mountain watershed landscape.
Lower Rock Creek connects through narrow corridors of public land to both the popular Silver Mines
Recreation Area and the proposed Van East Mountain Wilderness, creating the opportunity for a true
landscape-scale wilderness experience. Lower Rock Creek is host to an increasing number of visitors
who value its unspoiled scenery and natural integrity. This recreation use depends upon the wilderness
character of this very special area.
Within the boundaries of the Lower Rock Creek Wilderness are some notable inholdings of private land.
Three parcels owned by the LAD Foundation along Lower Rock Creek are managed for their wilderness
value and are open to the public. Other inholdings cannot be considered open to the public and should
be respected.
Proposed Wilderness Acreage
13,435 acres in Mark Twain National Forest
Map of Lower Rock Creek
Proposed Wilderness
Map provided for reference information only. MWC is not responsible for it's accuracy.
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