St. Francois Mountains Lead Belt Heritage Trail
Ancient peaks and lead mines in Missouri's mineral belt
The Lead Belt Heritage Trail winds through the oldest exposed rock in Missouri, where billion-year-old igneous peaks rise from the Ozark plateau like islands in a sea of limestone. This well-maintained gravel route connects historic mining sites from Bonne Terre to Park Hills, passing the massive glory holes of the Bonne Terre Mine and the red granite peaks of Elephant Rocks State Park. The trail follows original mining company roads built in the 1800s, when this region produced 80% of America’s lead.
Perfect for stock SUVs and a great introduction to Missouri overlanding. The gravel surface stays solid year-round, though spring rains can create some muddy spots in low areas. Plan a full day to explore the mine tours and geological sites properly. Camping options include Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and several private campgrounds near the historic mining towns. This is Missouri geology at its finest—ancient mountains that make the Appalachians look like teenagers.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1772 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Park Hills, Missouri |
| Land manager | Missouri State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner do this trail?
Yes, easily. This is a gravel scenic drive suitable for any stock SUV or even a regular car with decent clearance.
Is the trail open in winter?
Yes, it's accessible year-round since it's mostly maintained gravel roads. Winter actually offers good visibility through bare trees to see the historic mining structures.
Do I need any permits or pay fees for this trail?
No permits required for the trail itself, though some of the state parks along the route may charge small day-use fees if you stop to explore.
What's the most challenging part of this easy trail?
There really isn't a challenging section - it's all maintained gravel roads. The steepest grades are gentle climbs up to the higher elevations around Taum Sauk Mountain.
Are there good camping spots along the trail?
Yes, several Missouri state parks along the route offer developed camping, and there are some dispersed camping opportunities on Mark Twain National Forest lands near the trail.