Lee Bluff & Black Mountain Area
This is one of the most special areas in Missouri. Located around Highway E between Fredericktown and Arcadia Valley, this area is full of shut-ins, waterfalls, mountains, and bluffs. I have made these locations broad as there is no infrastructure, parking lots or signage to reach these spots. Other research must be done to visit.
Lee Bluff:
Lee Bluff is a 300ft tall igneous bluff alongside the St. Francis River. It can be reached by hiking a logging road. It overlooks Black Mountain and the St. Francis River Valley.
Fish Trap/Lee Bluff Shut-In:
These rock formations are located alongside the St. Francis River. They stir up class II-III whitewater rapids and can only be reached by floating the St. Francis River during the low water season. There are numerous bluffs that are 100-300ft tall alongside the river through this area.
Black Mountain and Black Mountain Falls:
Black Mountain is the tallest mountain in Missouri, which should not be confused with Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest above sea level. The base of Black Mountain alongside the St. Francis River is at 500ft above sea level while the top of the mountain is at 1,500ft above sea level. Black Mountain Falls cascades 350-400ft down the mountain during the rainy season and has multiple large 30-50ft falls built into the cascade.
Little Rock Creek Shut-In:
Little Rock Creek Shut-In is located on the southern portion of Black Mountain and includes scenic cascades and bluffs. It is located alongside Highway E.
Cedar Falls:
Located down some old logging roads, Cedar Falls is not easily reached. After a rainy period, a 50ft. waterfall falls down the face of an ancient rhyolite bluff.
Marlow Mountain Falls:
Also known as Marlow Mountain Shut-In, Marlow Mountain Falls are large cascades that fall through a slot on the side of Marlow Mountain and cascade over jagged and smooth edges. They're not easily reached and aren't located on any map. They can be reached via old logging roads and bushwhacking.
Fish Trap
Lee Bluff from Lee Bluff Shut-In
Slot Falls on Marlow Mountain
Bridal Veil Falls on Marlow Mountain
Marsh Creek Shut-In
Sunset on Lee Bluff
Black Mountain Falls
Little Rock Creek Shut-In
Cedar Falls
East Marlow Mountain Falls
West Marlow Mountain Falls
Wolf Hollow Falls
Arnett Mountain Falls