First of all.........Park near the parking coordinates but DO NOT BLOCK THE ROAD, if you are able to, pull off the road.
Second, follow the kindly grown up logging road towards GZ.
As you near GZ, please step carefully through the glade!
Third, when your GPSr gets you there, GOOD LUCK, IT IS THERE!
The timber rattlesnake or "timber rattler" is Missouri's largest venomous snake. Like all of Missouri's venomous snakes it is a pit viper, meaning there is a hole between their eye and nose. Also like all of Missouri's venomous snakes, they have vertical pupils, like a cat.
Indian Trail Conservation Area is one of many areas in our great state that had a C.C.C. camp. Trees were planted, roads were built, and a lake and hatchery were constructed. I was told by one of the old timers that worked in the camp that once a month the workers would have a 'rattlesnake round-up'.
When visiting GZ, be aware of it's name sake! After decent rains you can find the spring flowing quite nicely. Anytime during the warm months you could find the rattlesnake of Rattlesnake Springs!
GZ is also home to a very cool rare species of tree, the Ozark chinquapin. This tree once flourished in our ozarks. A blythe in the 1950's almost sealed it's fate. The trees begin to produce nuts at about 7 years of age, they do not bloom until after the last frost of spring, and the nuts are basically 25% higher in the good stuff! With the help of the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and many more caring people, this tree is not doomed yet. I very proudly helped with planting the trees at GZ. The yellow tubes that you will see protect these special trees, please do not disturb them!
Permission granted by one of the area managers, Thanks Chad!!!.