Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area, Perry County.

Description. A small, but very pleasant forested area near Perryville. The site has a 2-3 car parking area where a trail leads visitors through the Natural Area. The trail carries visitors around several of the smaller sinkholes scattered along the top of the hillside before heading down the short hillside to the bluff. Here, at the base of the bluff, is the area's largest sinkhole. This sinkhole acts as a traditional conduit for water moving from the surface to underground reservoirs. During periods of heavy rainfall, water passes through until enough accumulated water fills the underground conduits and pressure forces the waters back up and out of the surface entrance acting like a resurgence.

Recognition. The area was dedicated as a Missouri Natural Area by the Missouri Natural Areas Committee on August 20, 1979. It is owned by the L-A-D Foundation and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Directions to the Site. South from Saint Louis on Interstate 55 to Highway 51, turn east (left) and take Highway 51 into Perryville to Highway 61, turn north (left) on Highway 61 and go about 1/2-mile to Route V and turn east (right), go 2.8 miles to where the pavement ends and the road forks. Take the right fork (Perry County Route 916), it is about a mile to the small parking area on the left or west side of the county gravel road.