Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge provides photography opportunities, hiking and viewing of wildlife. 

Driving Directions

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge is located between St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri. To get to the refuge, take Missouri State Highway 79 to the town of Annada, Missouri. From Annada, travel one mile east on Pike County Road 206. The refuge is also the headquarters for Great River National Wildlife Refuge and Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge.

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are only available inside the refuge headquarters and visitor contact station in Annada, Missouri.

Points of Interest

Explore the great outdoors and the diversity of wildlife at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy hiking trails and an auto route. Exhibits at the refuge visitor contact station tell the story of the Mississippi Flyway and river habitats.

What To Do

If you have 15 minutes

  • Visit the headquarters and visitor contact station

If you have one hour

  • Take a drive through the refuge to view nature and wildlife

If you have half a day or more

  • Hike the refuge, bird-watch, or photograph wildlife

Know Before You Go

Restrooms are only available inside the headquarters and visitor contact station during regular business hours. Dress appropriately for the season and bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen and other necessities.

Visitor Tips

Many areas of the refuge are accessible by hiking only. Weather conditions can affect road conditions throughout the refuge. You are welcome to call ahead in order to learn about current conditions and/or wildlife viewing opportunities.

Activities

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge provides many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Available activities vary depending on the season and weather. For more information on specific activities, please check the public use regulations brochure or call the refuge before you visit.

Backpacking
Birding
Dog walking
Hiking
Hunting
Photography
Picnicking
Running
Trapping
Wild edible foraging
Wildlife watching

Trails

A nature trail is located at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors may park in the designated parking area beside the trail. This trail is not paved or ADA compliant. It is open year round, unless posted due to weather or to protect eagles nesting nearby.

The nature trail at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
Image Details

Other Facilities in the Complex

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Great River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The complex spans two states (Illinois and Missouri) and includes a series of island and land divisions along the Mississippi River. The complex includes Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Great River National Wildlife Refuge and Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge. All three refuges are managed from the headquarters building located at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge in Annada, Missouri.

Swans at Delair Division of Great River National Wildlife Refuge
Great River National Wildlife Refuge
Great River National Wildlife Refuge aims to restore and mimic the mosaic of habitats that were historically found along the Mississippi River. Slow moving backwaters, floodplain forests, wetlands, sedge meadows and grasslands combine to provide food, shelter and resting areas for a variety of...
National Wildlife Refuge
Annada,MO
Overlook at Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge was established as an individual refuge on May 31, 2000. The refuge consists of seven island divisions that lie within the uncontrolled portion of the Middle Mississippi River, below the confluence with the Missouri River, where river levels are not...
National Wildlife Refuge
St. Genevieve,MO

Rules and Policies

  • Refuge lands are open for general use from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset
  • Hiking is allowed on refuge roads and trails, unless otherwise posted
  • ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on the refuge
  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Berry and mushroom gathering is allowed for personal consumption only, not for resale or other commercial use
  • Collecting shed deer antlers is not allowed
  • Camping or fires are not permitted
  • The taking of any mussel, clam, crayfish, leach, frog and turtle species is prohibited
  • Fishing is allowed by boat in Bryants Creek ONLY
  • Gas boat motors are prohibited on the refuge with the exception of Bryants Creek
  • No hunting is allowed on Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge unless during authorized state-managed hunts
  • Firearms are allowed only during authorized hunting activities. They must be unloaded and either dismantled or cased when transporting on refuge roads or waters, unless in compliance with state concealed carry regulations.
  • Target shooting or any non-hunting discharge of firearms is prohibited
  • Trapping of muskrat, beaver and raccoon is permitted on refuge land, but special regulations apply and a refuge special use permit is required
  • Possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited

Locations

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
(573) 847-2333
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge37599 Pike 206Annada,MO63330
Hours
Headquarters Office and Visitor Contact Station Hours
Monday - Friday, except federal holidays
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Note:
The office may be closed due to flooding or winter weather conditions.
Lands, Roads and Trails Hours
Daily
Daylight use only, except for lawful hunting activities which may occur from 1/2 before legal sunrise - 1/2 hour after legal sunset