Shepard Point Trail Guide

Have you hiked the Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri yet?

Despite being one of the shortest in the state park, the Shepard Point Trail is a rugged gem waiting to be explored. It’s not just a trail for exercise and fitness, but also a journey filled with breathtaking sights.

This trail is best visited during the leaf-off seasons when you can see everything better. There are a few nice scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River.

This area was named after the Trail of Tears, a historic and deadly walk of Native Americans from colonized America to Reservations. The trail serves as a poignant reminder of this tragic event in American history. Some years back, Native American remains were believed to be found in this particular area, according to news sources.

Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri is a great hike, and I definitely recommend it.

 

Shepard Point Trail Overview

Shepard Point Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail located in Trail of Tears State Park near Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The park might classify this trail as rugged. However, it’s more moderately difficult than rugged. There are some steep rolling hills, creek crossings, and rocky terrain. However, I wouldn’t quite define it as being rugged. The trail would be very difficult to hike if muddy or icy. It’s important to be prepared for these challenges, especially during inclement weather.

The hike, including the frequent rest stops and stops to look at things, took us about an hour and a half.

The Shepard Point Trail is hilly. Our hike’s total elevation was just under 700 feet, which is pretty steep for three miles. We’re experienced and in-shape hikers, but we still had to stop for a breather a few times.

 

Getting to Shepard Point Trail

Getting to Shepard Point Trail is very easy. Here is a Google Maps Link for the best directions from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. All the roads to and within the park are paved.

Parking and hiking are free. There is a parking area at the trailhead with plenty of space. Please ensure you lock your vehicle, as signs posted indicate a thief is in the area.

It is unknown if the area is prioritized for wintry weather removal. My guess is that it isn’t like most public land roads aren’t. Please use caution if visiting during wintery weather or rainy conditions.

 

Shepard Point Trail Description

Hiking the Shepard Point Trail is pretty straightforward. You start at the trailhead and basically go up with a few downhill walks, just to go up again towards the very top of the trail. There are some creek crossings, but they’re small and dry. The views from the top showcase the Mississippi River and are best seen during leaf-off.

The trail’s terrain is mainly dirt, with a few rocky and uneven spots. At one point, we had to climb down some rocks slowly and carefully. If the trail had been muddy or icy, it would have been very hazardous in some areas.

The scenic overlooks at the top are the main features of the Shepard Point Trail. However, during non-leaf-off months, they’ll be mainly blocked by trees and native vegetation. I recommend visiting in the winter as long as it’s safe from hazardous conditions.

This is definitely a great spot to look for flora and fauna, especially during spring wildflower blooming seasons. When we visited, we saw quite a few great-looking fungi, and the area is also home to a variety of bird species and small mammals.

As I mentioned, the Shepard Point Trail has some challenges, including a few rock scrambles (very small), creek crossings (mainly dry), and rolling hills (some very steep). The areas on top are high, and a fall from them would be fatal, so please use extreme caution.

 

Maps and Navigation

The Missouri State Parks website has a map of the Shepard Point Trail. You can also download this hike from the All Trails and Hiking Project apps. The Visitor Center sells printed brochures of this and other trails in the park for free.

The trailhead starting coordinates are at 37.44509, -89.4667, and the scenic overlook coordinates are at 37.44532, -89.45167.

The trail is fairly easy to follow. While some blazes (orange) may be present, you shouldn’t need them to navigate this trail. A few trail portions are closed, but they are signed with closures.

 

What to Bring

This is a 3-mile hike, and it’s hilly, so you should bring plenty of water. I recommend a snack as well to help replenish the energy you lose going up. You can wear any comfortable hiking or athletic apparel you want, but I would avoid cotton, denim, or leather clothing.

Make sure you wear comfortable, broken-in hiking or outdoor-rated footwear. You might also want to bring trekking poles for this hike to help you maintain your balance if needed.

As always, it’s a good idea to have basic safety gear such as a first aid kit, a whistle, and a flashlight.

 

Safety Information

Remember, safety comes first. Avoid the trail after heavy rain or during wintry conditions. Be cautious of wildlife, especially during warmer months. Always inform someone about your hiking plans and try to hike with a friend for added safety.

Avoid this trail if a lot of rain has fallen or during wintry precipitation, as it will be hazardous to hike.

Be cautious when using this trail during warmer months, as venomous snakes will likely be present. If you see wildlife on the trail, make sure the wildlife has an escape route and try to walk about it if it’s safe to do so.

It’s always a good idea to visit the Visitor Center first and ask for information. You can also tell them what trails you plan to hike so that they know someone may be out there. Make sure you tell someone where you’re going before you go and try to hike with a friend.

Follow the State Park regulations. The Shepard Point Trail is day-use only. Keep pets on a leash. Leave No Trace and always leave the trail better than you found it by discarding any litter you might come across.

 

Additional Resources

For more information and to connect with fellow hikers, check out the official website and page for the Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri. Join the online hiking community and share your experiences!

 

Nearby Attractions

For more hiking adventures, check out the East Peewah Loop hiking and equestrian trail, which is also located in the park. There is also an amazing ADA-compliant scenic overlook of the Mississippi River in the park that is worth visiting.

The Visitor Center is worth visiting. The staff was really kind and helpful. Brochures and maps are available for free. You can also buy merchandise for the park and participate in center activities. The live snakes are really interesting to see.

Camping is available within Trail of Tears State Park at two different locations.

Nearby activities are available including Hunter Valley Winery and various lodging, shopping, and dining in Cape Girardeau.

 

User Reviews of Shepard Point Trail

Overall, user reviews of the Shepard Point Trail reflect positive experiences. Users note the steepness of the hills and recommend that others take a walking stick with them.

We enjoyed this trail very much, though the hills were a bit of a gut-buster. We want to return during leaf-off to see what the overlooks look like then. The entire park was well-kept and fun to experience.

Please comment below after you visit and tell me what you think about it. I’d love to get your feedback about this trail and your experience.

 

Final Thoughts About Shepard Point Trail

Overall, the Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was a great hike, and I definitely recommend it. We saw a trail runner on this trail. He ran it at least three to four times the whole time we hiked it. If he can do that, then you can definitely hike it if you’re in healthy shape.

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Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

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Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

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