Amidon Memorial Conservation Area

".2mile walk there is shaded, easy to walk and drag a cooler with kids. Scenery is gorgeous. Water is clear. Beware of snakes and banjos. Decent parking lot, has a porter potty. Wear water shoes."

"Love amidon! Very peaceful back here. Very clean and well maintained. Visitors are good about carrying their trash back out. It's off the beaten path a little but worth the adventure. Clear water and cold."

"The Castor River Shut-ins can be accessed withing this conservation area. Highly recommend taking the .25 to .5 mile trail to get there. I forgot to grab a pic of the lot, but unless the place is very crowded, the lot is plenty big. The path to the shut-ins is mostly flat and mulched until you get to the river. There it gets very rocky, so wear good shoes. The drive to this area is very pretty with a lot of pasture and and a wooded canopy over most stretches of the paver road."

"Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a beautiful area along the Castor river. It includes the castor river shut-ins area as well. It is about halfway between Fredericktown and Perryville. Be aware that to get there you will travel along some curvey roads and eventually a couple of gravel roads. In addition, there is a bit of a hike to the castor river from the conservation area gravel parking lot. It’s all worth it once you get to the river. The shut-ins can provide some thrills for the more experienced swimmers but there are also some calmer sections for those wanting to wade or more easier swimming."

"Such a beautiful place. Although found a few items of trash on the trail. A place to get away and reconnect with nature as the cool water brings you back in the moment. Great for climbing, swimming, hiking, and kid friendly. A lot of swallow areas but also some strong rapids after it rains. Please pick up after yourself when leaving to ensure this wonderful place remains beautiful."