Long Branch State Park

Long Branch State Park
Missouri State Park
Visitors Center near the entrance to the state park
Country	United States
State	Missouri
County	Macon
Elevation	791 ft (241 m) [1]
Coordinates	39°46′18″N 92°31′46″W / 39.77167°N 92.52944°W / 39.77167; -92.52944Coordinates: 39°46′18″N 92°31′46″W / 39.77167°N 92.52944°W / 39.77167; -92.52944
Area	1,828.47 acres (740 ha) [2]
Established	1983
Management	Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Location in Missouri
Website: Long Branch State Park

Long Branch State Park is a state park in the US state of Missouri consisting of 1,828.47 acres (739.96 ha) located in Macon County, adjacent to the Long Branch Reservoir. It is located two miles west of Macon, Missouri on U.S. Highway 36.

History

Aerial view of Long Branch Lake and dam. The smaller lake in the background is Macon City Lake.

Flooding along the Little Chariton River was an ongoing problem for the residents of Macon County and elsewhere in northeast Missouri since the area was first settled in the 1830s. Extensive channelization of the main Chariton river by private entities, local governments, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while alleviating flooding issues in some areas, exacerbated them for others.^[3] In the mi-1970s a project to solve the problem by damming the east fork of the Little Chariton was begun. Completed in 1978, a 71-foot-high earthen dam impounds water for flood control, public recreation, and wildlife conservation.^[4] Long Branch Lake is the reservoir created by the dam, with about 24 miles of shoreline and a flood-control capacity of 98,000 acre-feet. In addition to the adjacent state-run state park, the dam has a visitor's center at its southern end, and the Atlanta State Wildlife Area at its northern end near Atlanta, Missouri.

State park

Long Branch State Park was created by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 1983 after reaching a long term lease agreement with the Corps of Engineers for use of the land.^[5] It features a wide variety of outdoor activities:

• Boating: There are no horsepower restrictions on motors used on Long Branch Lake. Boaters must abide by all standard Missouri boating regulations however. Three paved launching ramps are located at various points along the lake shore. A marina is available as well.
• Camping: Camping is allowed year-round although some services such as dump station, showers, potable water, and campsite reservations are limited to on-season camping (April through October). Eighty-three improved campsites are available for use, as well as other walk-in/hike-in unimproved sites at other locations in the park. In May 2012 free Wi-Fi access was added to the campground and select other areas of Long Branch State Park.^[6]
• Fishing: Bass fishing is particularly popular at the lake, but walleye, crappie, and catfish are also found. A fishing dock is provided near the swimming beach. Bass and Walleye have length limits of fifteen and eighteen inches respectively. All other state fishing regulations apply.^[7]
• Hiking: Long Branch State Park has three trails for use, in lengths of .6 mile, 1.5 miles, and 7.5 miles.^[8]
• Picnicking: A variety of picnic sites are scattered throughout the park. Two open air picnic shelters are available for rental to accommodate larger gatherings. Playgrounds are provided at the south shelter and in the campground.^[9]
• Swimming & Water Skiing: A sand beach complete with volleyball court is located near the park campground. A changehouse is provided. No lifeguard is on duty. Water skiing is allowed in most areas of the lake.
• Wildlife viewing: The large public acreage surrounding the lake provide many opportunities for viewing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and migratory waterfowl.^[10]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Long Branch State Park.

• Long Branch State Park Missouri Department of Natural Resources