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All the United States Missouri Irondale Devil's Honeycomb

Devil's Honeycomb

Some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the United States.

Irondale, Missouri

Added By
Delanie Johnson
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Devil’s Honeycomb   showmestateofmind / Atlas Obscura User
Devil’s Honeycomb   showmestateofmind / Atlas Obscura User
  rachelbaker1982 / Atlas Obscura User
  rachelbaker1982 / Atlas Obscura User
  elffromspace / Atlas Obscura User
  elffromspace / Atlas Obscura User
Ridge of honeycombs   elffromspace / Atlas Obscura User
Devil’s Honeycomb   showmestateofmind / Atlas Obscura User
  rachelbaker1982 / Atlas Obscura User
Devil’s Honeycomb   showmestateofmind / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The St. Francois Mountains of the Ozarks are full of geological wonders. Most know of the smooth shut-ins of the Black River or the house-size red boulders of Elephant Rocks State Park. But the Hughes Mountain Natural Area brings a site overlooked by tourists—the Devil's Honeycomb.  

The trail to the honeycombs can be a bit daunting, but the rewards are well worth it. In addition to sweeping views of Washington county, 1.5 billion-year-old Precambrian rock outcrops multiple at the mountain peak. These are some of the oldest exposed rocks in the United States. Volcanoes once liquified rocks in the area helping form the multi-sided rock columns. The rhyolite formations, known locally as the Devil's Honeycomb, are one of Missouri's geologic wonders. They are deep red in color and covered in sea-green lichens.  

In the spring and summer, wildflowers fill in the cracks of the honeycomb. Rain pools in between the rhyolite, creating little bird baths. Lizards soak up the sun upon the rocks. Even prickly pear cactus grows in the heat of the honeycomb.

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Added By

showmestateofmind

Edited By

elffromspace, rachelbaker1982

  • elffromspace
  • rachelbaker1982

Published

February 27, 2023

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Devil's Honeycomb
Irondale, Missouri
United States
37.810694, -90.715415

Nearby Places

Elephant Rocks State Park

Iron Township, Missouri

miles away

Missouri Mines State Historic Site

Park Hills, Missouri

miles away

The Space Museum

Bonne Terre, Missouri

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Missouri

Missouri

United States

Places 178
Stories 6

Nearby Places

Elephant Rocks State Park

Iron Township, Missouri

miles away

Missouri Mines State Historic Site

Park Hills, Missouri

miles away

The Space Museum

Bonne Terre, Missouri

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Missouri

Missouri

United States

Places 178
Stories 6

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