Zahorsky Woods

Sites along the trails.

I was lucky enough to find the woods in my lifetime, but not till just a few years ago. I lead that high pressure lifestyle. Got to get the job done, Can’t wait till tomorrow!! However, I was lucky enough to walk into the woods one day. It was a beautiful, sunny, cool autumn day when the colors were just coming out. It was the first time in my life that I actually looked at a tree, at the bark, and the color in the leaves. It was the first time in my life I even noticed the moss on a dead tree lying on the ground, and wondered why? The air in the woods is so different, fresh and clean, one could say even sparkling if they really use their imagination, but to really think about it… it all begins there with the trees. The air is as clean and fresh as it can be right in the woods.

I have lived here almost all my life and walked in the woods lots of times. Although, maybe it is my age that is different now, maybe it is because of my kids; maybe it is because I like to just walk to be free of the everyday static…phones.

You can really re-energize yourself by just simply walking in the woods, take a moment and enjoy the sites along the trails. Next time you come to Wildwood, take a hike in the Zahorsky Woods and see it all for yourself.

Zahorsky Woods

Located on the Meramec River just north of Steelville, Zahorsky Woods is an ideal place for a nature hike in the spring, summer, or fall. This fifty-six acre woodland is enhanced by a mixture of ridges, ravines, bluffs and bottom lands with a diversity of natural communities. During even a short visit to this site, one can sample a broad range of interesting topographic features that characterize the Upper Ozark Region.

Zahorsky Woods Nature Preserve was given to the Conservancy in 1974 by Elizabeth and Joseph Cushing in memory of Mrs. Cushing’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. John Zahorsky. A Pioneer physician, Dr. Zahorsky practiced pediatrics in the St. Louis area from around the turn of the century until his retirement many years later. A sign honoring the Zahorskys marks the southern corner of the preserve.

Credit Discover Natural Missouri A guide to Exploring The Nature Conservancy Preserves

Wildwood Springs Lodge, Your’e here to relax.