Parking at the main lot by the shut-ins trailhead, spend some time in the parking area.  The trees along CR 253 often hold a lot of birds, and the open field next to the parking lot is excellent sparrow habitat.  An area of shrubby growth on the east side of the parking lot is often the birdiest spot around. 

Prairie Warbler and Pine Warbler are likely on the shut-ins trail where it climbs onto the ridge overlooking the river.  Grassland species are found near the parking lots on CR 253 and CR 208. 

From St. Louis, easiest reached via US 67 south to Fredericktown.  From there, take MO 72 east 5 miles to MO J; J 4.5 miles east to MO W; W south 1 mile to CR 208; 208 east 1 mile to CR 253, and 253 north ¾ mile to parking area.

 From the south, take I-55 to exit 123 toward Biehle; follow MO B south 1.5 mile to MO O; take O west 8.5 miles to MO 51; MO 51 north 0.1 mile to MO J; MO J west 13.5 miles to MO W; then as above from that point. 

This area includes hardwood and shortleaf pine stands, with some open grassland and rocky glades, as well as the Castor River.  Woodland species are well represented, with some grassland and littoral species as well.  Twenty warbler species have been reported, including both migrants and breeding residents; 13 sparrow species have been found as well.  Spring and fall migrations give the highest species totals, but the area offers good diversity year-round.   

The conservation area is best known for the beautiful granite shut-ins where the Castor River passes through, which form numerous pools and slides that are popular with area residents.  The geological formation is well worth a visit for its own sake. On a summer weekend, though, it may be best to avoid the shut-ins trail, as it can become rather crowded and noisy.  Otherwise, the shut-ins trail is the easiest way to get to some diverse habitat.

Since about 2020, the MDC has acquired considerable additional land in Bollinger County that has been appended to Amidon Conservation Area.  Some of this may be reached on highway HH, about 2 miles east of MO W off MO J.   Two miles south of J there is a gravel road to the east lined with pines; this ends in a parking area that, at this writing, lacks signage.  It is possible to walk in to the northeast on the service road through some grassland and surprisingly birdy stands of pines here.  Other disjunct portions of Amidon Conservation Area are located nearby in Bollinger County, but MDC has not yet released maps of them. 

From the parking area, walk in on the shut-ins trail to the east.  This takes you into hardwood forest along a tributary of the Castor River, where warblers and other woodland species can be found.  You’ll want to take a look at the shut-ins about ¼ mile in, but the noise of the river here limits birding by ear.  The trail then turns south and climbs up above the river (and away from the sound of the water), leading through and past several rocky glades.  Some spots have open views to the east where you can scan for raptors.  The trail loops westward into the woods again, and then back to the parking area.