Johnson Shut-Ins
(Part Three: Welcome to Missouri State Parks & The Shut-Ins Trail)
park entrance
in Missouri no one asks you
for an admission fee
At 2.3 miles, the Shut-ins trail is the most popular one in
the park. Part of the trail is handicapped accessible. Once hikers leave the
boardwalk, they can access the remainder of the trail via the steps or turn
around and go back to the parking lot.
For those wanting to access the Black River, there are plenty of ankle-turning opportunities among the boulders. Signs warn that the park is not responsible for swimmers or those injuring themselves on the rocks.
The shut-ins are narrow canyons where the water flow is
constricted by weather-resistant rocks. They usually contain a plethora of
waterfalls, pools, flumes, rapids, and other features that can make any type of
navigation challenging.
waterfall journey
I follow the path
of a skittish robin
in the reflecting pool
a frayed shoestring
before the rapids
pines, oaks, and hickories
my hair changing
with the seasons
