Devil's Honeycomb Trail

Devil's Honeycomb trail is a hiking trail that is half forest with glades, savanna, and old fields. A unique geologic formation known as Devil's honeycomb is comprised of polygonal columns of rhyolite and can be found at the area's highest point. The rocks were once liquefied by ancient volcanoes associated with the St. Francois Mountains. Some of the molten rock contracted and cracked as it cooled to create multi-sided columns. A rhyolite formation, known locally as the Devils Honeycomb, is one of Missouri's geologic wonders, and is the highest point on Hughes Mountain. The areas glades are natural openings on western or southern slopes and are dominated by native grasses and a variety of wildflowers. Glades occur where the soils are extremely thin and usually include areas of exposed bedrock. The thin soils, combined with the south and west exposure create a uniquely harsh habitat. 2/3 of the area is wooded. The forest is dominated by post and white oaks with areas of stunted specimens of blackjack oak and black hickory. Glade plants include little bluestem, broomsedge, poverty grass, the small but colorful flame flower, prickly pear cactus, yellow star grass, spiderwort, and wild hyacinth. Animals often found on these glades include fence lizards, collared lizards, lichen grasshoppers, and prairie warblers. Exposed rocks within glades are often covered with a variety of lichens.