A Hiker's Path: Road trip! Missouri's Graham Cave State Park is a step back in time
A walk through Graham Cave State Park is like a walk through ancient history. Artifacts recovered in the cave revealed that ancient people lived there between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. Exploring the park's 386 scenic acres is to walk in the footsteps of the hunter-gathers who lived in these caves during the ancient Dalton and Archaic period, according to the Missouri State Parks website description.
Visitors can go to the mouth of Graham Cave and walk along the interpretive trail to see the exhibits that detail the life that the early inhabitants lived.
I had passed the sign for this park many times in the past on my way to another destination out west.
Conveniently located off of I-70 west, this park has a very nice campground and some beautiful hiking trails.
I started a two-week road trip this week and decided to stop to visit this cave.
With an arched entrance, the cave is 120 feet wide and 16 feet tall.
Archeologists have found artifacts in the cave dating back to the time when the Paleo Indians were first adapting to the changes created by the retreat of the glaciers.
As a result of these important archaeological findings, in 1961 Graham Cave became the first archaeological site in the United States to become designated a National Historic Landmark. It was also placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
I camped at this unique park and hiked the small trail that leads to the cave. It was an easy, but incredible, walk on the path and a short one. I felt connected to the history behind this place. The mouth of the sandstone cave was substantial. It was impressive.
I really enjoyed my stay in this park. It is said that Missouri has 7,700 documented caves, second only to Tennessee. I can’t even imagine.
But I did get to visit one of them!
I love exploring the state parks in other states when I get the chance. There is such a diversity in the landscapes throughout our country.
I am hoping to have many stories to tell when I am finished with my road trip.
To find this place: From St. Louis, take 217 State Highway TT, Danville, Missouri.
A quote about caves for your week: ”Plunging into the heart of mother nature, where whispers echo off ancient walls, in this underground cathedral, every step tells a story.” — Unknown
Until the next trail,Susan
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: A Hiker's Path: Camping and a cave at Graham Cave State Park
