Knob Noster State Park

                   


One of the most enjoyable activities at Knob Noster is the Nature Center.  A short trail leads to it through the woods from the campground.  Educational exhibits about the region and its inhabitants as well as hands-on activities for the kids await.  
(It was also a nice place to cool off for awhile.)


                   


The kids really liked the area downstairs where they explored stuffed animals, fish, bones, and games.


                      


Knob Noster State Park boasts 3,567 acres of recreational and natural areas full of wild fauna and flora.  "The park lies in a transition zone where prairies and forests meet."  The natural landscape is actually called a savanna, but much of the grassland has been taken over by forests in recent decades.  Several trails offer an opportunity to view wildlife and escape the modern world.  The park is popular among scouting and non-profit groups and also features and equestrian camp.


                 


We stayed at campsite 57, which is about as far back as you can get.  It was nice and quiet, aside from the family of raccoons visiting several times.  It is only a short 1/2 mile walk to the playground and basketball court.  Another 1/4 mile past that is Lake Buteo, where you can fish for bluegill, catfish, bass,and crappie.


               


We hiked around Lake Buteo and through the oak and hickory trees.  It was very scenic with lovely yellow wildflowers, butterflies, and creek crossings.  It looked like we were the first people on the trail that day because we ran into plenty of spiderwebs which were spun across the path.  A word of advice: check your trail map!  The beginning of the Lake Buteo Trail is not actually marked and we ended up a much longer trail which starts in the same place.


                


As always, the boys had fun playing at the park.  They were already worn out from the hike and decided to rest in the tunnel for awhile before heading back to the campsite.


                   


Clearfork Lake and The Opossum Hollow area with a 1.5 mile trail are located on the other side of the park. You must drive to get there.  The hike was somewhat strenuous and we were glad we went early in day.  The fun was cut short when we stopped for a rest and discovered we were covered in tiny ticks!  We moved pretty quick the remainder of the way!


              


We experienced many encounters with wildlife camping at Knob Noster State Park.  All over in the trees, we noticed these huge nests that looked like webs.  Each were full of hundreds of tent caterpillars.


              


 While at the park, our oldest son, Seven, spotted an Eastern Garter Snake eating a toad.  The toad appeared to be either a Fowler's Toad or Woodhouse's Toad.  We watched for several minutes and took a video as well.  It was difficult to see because the snake kept dragging the toad under the thick leaves.  It's leg barely fit in the snake's mouth, let alone the whole toad.





                                                               




            


              



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danielle@fullcirclechild.com