White Oak Trail

White Oak Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail originating at the Float Camp Picnic Area’s parking lot. A very nice sigh marks the beginning of the trail – a casual walk through a forest environment. The predominant species along the trail are white and scarlet oak, as well as some very large shortleaf pine trees. Elm tree are also found here. The trail is located near the Bootheel area in southeast Missouri; you find sweetgum and buckeye trees here that normally grow in bottomland swamps. The trailbed is unsurfaced native material and relatively wide. The lower portion was a logging road at one time. In the middle of the path, oak and pine sprouts are coming up; the new oak leaves are dark red. On the carpet-like green moss, you find a burning-red mushroom or two. Box turtles, forest interior birds, and squirrels are residents in the woods on both sides.

This short nature trail and Woodchuck Trail are located in the Float Camp Recreation Area along one of America’s clearest and most beautiful rivers, (the Current River), provide excellent opportunities for enjoying the beauty of nature.  A rich variety of wildflowers are present: yellow and purple wood sorrel, false Solomon’s seal, and false dandelion; catbrier and dogwood and horsemint; blueberry and coralberry; wild ginger and wild plum – each in itself is a wonder. If you use a magnifier on the flower of a horsemint you will discover how intricate its texture is: tiny purple dots on a pale white petal. Trumpet vine and Virginia creeper climb on large trees. Fleabanes look like small versions ox-eyed daisy, while the midget purple flowers of a scurf pea are humble enough to escape the attention of a hurried visitor. It is unusual but possible to find a skullcap (what a startling name!) with sawtooth leaves and purple and white irregular flowers. Bring a camera, and be prepared to relax and observe the wonders around you.

The trail is open all year, but there is no garbage collection or toilet facilities available near the trailhead from October through April, and you may not be able to access the trailhead by vehicle during late winter through early spring. Avoid using the trails during excessively wet periods.