Mina Sauk Falls Trail Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point of elevation in Missouri, at 1772 feet above sea level. Here in this state park, youll also find the states tallest waterfall the Mina Sauk Falls. This huge water cascade drops 132 feet over three ledges, and the crashing water attracts many sightseers every year. Before even starting the hike, you can climb the lookout tower for a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the St. Francois Mountains.
The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is a 2.9-mile trail, offering stunning scenery along the way. The rocky trail begins at the summit of Taum Sauk, and from there, hikers will cross lush green glades between the peaks and valleys, to the top of Mina Sauk Falls. This rugged 2.9-mile trail isnt easy, the descent to the bottom of the falls involves climbing over some rocks, so we would recommend this trail to the able-bodied hiker. After taking in this phenomenal sight, hikers can continue the loop back up the mountain, or follow the Ozark Trail section down the valley trail towards Johnsons Shut-Ins.
Springfield African American Heritage Trail
Springfield, MO | Level of Difficulty: Very Easy
Although small, Springfields bustling Black community once owned and operated successful businesses and points of interest along Route 66, including Green Book lodging that accommodated families and celebrities alike. Today, only about 4.4% of the citys citizens are Black, according to the United States Census Bureau. Now, a local team of activists, academics and organizers are working together to keep the memory of Springfields Black history alive.
The African American Heritage Trail was born out of a Black history research project called The Journey Continues, conducted by doctors Lyle Foster and Tim Knapp at Missouri State University in 2015. The trail is a vein of history that runs through Springfields mid- and downtown neighborhoods and highlights historic sites in Springfields Black history. Currently, six markers sit along a 2-mile trail. A seventh site can be accessed by car. Foster says the goal is to give important memories to Springfields African American community and educate others, too.
The first stop on the trail is Park Central Square. This site is home to some of Springfields darkest history. Its where Horace Duncan, Fred Coker and Will Allen were lynched in 1906, in the early hours of Easter morning. You can read more about the history on the marker located in the southeast corner of the square.
Hogsback Trail Klondike Park
Located right next to a gorgeous area of the Missouri River in Defiance is Klondike Park. The entire 250-acre park is packed full of natural features, making it a great destination for hikers. Near Augusta, the Hogsback Trail is a short 1.6-mile trail, good for all skill levels but with a steep hill at the beginning. Here, the sights are endless, with plenty of cacti and other rare plants dotted around. Klondike Park also offers access to the famous Katy Trail.
Many visitors come to see the white cliffs at Quarry Lake in the heart of St. Charles County park. Wildlife viewing is another attraction, hikers have a chance of seeing all sorts of animals and fish too. This makes it a great trek to do with the kids the trail is short and sweet, with plenty of animal sightings to keep children amused.
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What People Are Saying About Laura Ingalls Wilder Rv Park
We called ahead as wed be arriving late and were pleasantly directed where our site was and how to check out in the morning. The directions were spot on, the site clean and well-kept, and we easily hooked up. The shower facilities are suitable and were looking forward to visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum today! Donnie, google reviews
Location
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: from $15/none/none # of RV Sites: 23 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-In/Pull-Through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: No Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Yes Wi-Fi: No Discounts: N/A
Bell Mountain Trail Mark Twain National Forest
Distance: 11.6 miles
Experienced hikers like a challenge and that is why they often choose Bell Mountain trail. This particular path is located along the Ozark Trail. T
he mountain elevates at 1,702 feet and is one of the taller mountains in Missouri. Additionally, hikers who take this trail often end up camping around the summit because of its fantastic view.
The trail also has many open spaces that are great for watching the gorgeous sunrise and sunset.
Distance: 12.6 miles
The Natural Tunnel Trail is one of the six trails running through the Bennett Spring State Park.
It is also one of the greatest hiking attractions in the entire state This trail offers two main features. The first one is the Bennett Spring Natural Tunnel that reaches up to 296 feet in length. The second feature is its historical sites such as caves, old roads, and a cemetery dating back to the 1880s.
The trail also has incredible foliage that adds to an already immersive hiking experience.
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Mina Sauk Falls Trail For A Great Waterfall In Missouri
The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is in the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and as the name suggests includes the Mina Sauk Falls.
The trail is just shy of three miles long but dont let that fool you. This trail takes you to the highest point in the state and there is some uphill climbing.
The trail starts at the top of Missouris highest mountain Taum Sauk at 1,772 feet high. The loop trail meets the waterfall at about the halfway point.
These Midwest falls are the tallest in the state at 132 feet, tumbling over ledges into the creek below. The falls arent always flowing and the best time to see them in full force is spring or fall.
The walk takes you past glades, and red volcanic rock outcrops and there are many opportunities for wildlife spotting.
If you fancy extending your hike you can hike from here to the Johnson Shut-Ins which is about 12 miles.
While this hike isnt particularly challenging there are some uphill segments at the end so keep that in mind. If you want to go waterfall chasing this is the best hike in Missouri for you.
Rock Bridge State Park For Geological Features
If you are looking for an area with many hiking trails then try Rock Bridge State Park. It has some of the best hikes in Missouri.
Here you will find a little bit of everything. Caves, prairies, bluffs, and some great views await. The two most popular trails are The Devils Icebox and the Deer Run Trail.
The Devils Icebox Trail is only half a mile but leads you through some of the greatest geological features in the state. Rock Bridge, Devils Icebox, and Connor Cove are all places of interest.
The Deer Run Trail is just over 3 and a ½ miles long and as it suggests is a great trail to see deer. Missouri hiking doesnt get much better than it does here.
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What Is The Most Beautiful Trail In Missouri
Before going hiking on any of the trails in the state, a question must be wandering in your mind, i.e., does it snow in Missouri or not? Well, the answer to this is a yes and so during the winter season the hiking trails can become slippery, so you should go on hiking trips with full care and proper equipment during the winter season. Listed below are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Missouri, whose magnificent views can be enjoyed in both summer and winter seasons:-
- Lost Valley Trail in Chesterfield
- Lewis & Clark Trail in St.Charles
- The Ozark Trail in St. Louis
- Natural Tunnel Trail in Bennet Spring State Park
- Rock Bridge State Park in Columbia
The 9 Best Camping Spots In Missouri
Few states can boast the natural beauty that makes Missouri the perfect camping destination for both natives and vacationers. Whether your goal is to find a home base to explore neighboring attractions, or to enjoy the awe-inspiring vitality of Missouris natural areas, these sites will usher you into some of the most enjoyable, and most stunning, camping areas Missouri has to offer.
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Meramec Caverns Lajolla Natural Campgrounds
Meramec Caverns Natural Campground is one of the most beautiful campsites in Missouri place located off of interstate 44 . The Campgrounds are right along the Meramec River and are surrounded by vivid trees and flora.
Walking distance from the Campgrounds is the Cave, which offers exciting tours. Not only that, but the park also houses a restaurant, a camp store, a candy store, riverboat rides, and gold panning.
The campgrounds offer restrooms, a shower house, picnic areas, and a playground for the kids.
If you want to go camping, but dont want to sleep in a tent in the great outdoors, Meramec Caverns have you covered! Right above the campgrounds is the 32-unit Meramac Caverns Motel with a cozy log cabin atheistic to keep you in a warm and adventurous mood.
This camping site is the perfect place for the whole family to explore. Meramec State Park is located 60 miles south of St. Louis and is taking reservations for next year.
If you want to make cherished memories with the family, or are seeking a taste of adventure, Meramec Caverns is the camping trip of your dreams.
Campsites: 40 with electrical, sewage, and water hookups
Meramac Cavern Motel reviews on Tripadvisor.
Closest town: Sullivan
- St. Louis to Meramec Caverns Natural Campgrounds is about 1 hour .
- Kansas City, MO to Meramec Caverns Natural Campgrounds is about 4 hours .
- Branson to Meramec Caverns Natural Campgrounds is about 2 hours and 45 minutes .
Stay In The Ozarks At The Alley Spring Campground
The Alley Spring Campground is located in Ozark National Scenic Riverway in Missouri.
Its one of the best areas for Eminence MO camping, which is very close to the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.
Alley Spring Campground is open year-round and has a total of 162 Missouri campsites.
28 of those campsites have electrical hookups.
The campground also has a bathhouse with toilets and seasonal hot water showers.
If you want to explore southern Missouri, then I suggest trying Eminence MO camping at Alley Spring Campground!
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Try Camping In Mo At Montauk State Park
Montauk State Park is located in Salem Missouri and is a great place for MO State Park camping.
There are 4 loop campgrounds with over 50 campsites.
All of the campgrounds are open year-round, and running water and showers are open in the campgrounds from February to October.
There are a variety of electric and basic campsites, so you can bring your RV or tent while staying at this MO campground.
Montauk State Park itself is beautiful with plenty of scenic views and excellent hiking trails.
Mark Twain State Park
Ill conclude this list with this beautiful park located in the mountains of Monroe County, Missouri.
The offers something for everyone:
- Hiking on the mountain trails
- Fishing in the river
- Fun, interactive activities for children
Facilities are abundant on the site, including hookups for RVs, showers, running water, and cabins. What most campers will love about the Mark Twain State Park is the beautiful scenery and the view from the mountainous trails. It is well worth the visit.
Location: 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, MO 65283
Contact: 573-565-3440
Best for: Boating, fishing, and hiking. There are good facilities for both tent and RV campers.
Things to Consider
Cabins are available on the campground, but they are pretty basic and rustic. Its not the best place for hardcore camping.
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Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park is located right off I-70 between St. Louis and Columbia. This 386-acre park has a unique history thats tied to the ancient hunter-gatherers who once inhabited the area.
In addition to checking out the artifacts recovered from the site, the eastern section of the park is home to a variety of glade species like prickly pear cactus and purple prairie clover.
There are 53 campsites that visitors can choose from during a visit to Graham Cave.
Go Trout Fishing On The Big Niangua River
Put on the waders and cast your line out for trout! Bennett Springs State Park stocks their spring branch daily during fishing season. Anglers have the option to fish from three different zones and each zone allows for specific lures and flies. The daily limit is up to four trout and state fishing permits are required for anyone over 15 and under 65 years of age. Get out and experience Missouri trout fishing on the Big Niangua River!
Area Attractions: Trout Fishing, Natural Tunnel Trail, Big Niangua RiverType of Fish: Brown Trout, Rainbow TroutDaily Limit: Daily limit is four, only one of which may be a brown trout equal to or greater than 15″. No length limit on rainbow trout. Possession limit is eight trout.
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Trail Among The Trees Rockwood Reservation Area
Distance: 1.80 miles
One of the trails best features is its easy accessibility. You can get to the Rockwood Reservation Area in just under 45 minutes coming from downtown St. Louis.
If you want an impromptu hike or a running route, this is an easy choice because of its proximity.And if you time it perfectly, you can take this trail when the wildflowers bloom to add an extra bit of sight-seeing to an already beautiful trail. Most of the trail is paved and gravel, so its a good path for enjoying nature or a morning hike.
As a matter of fact, beginner hikers can visit this area for their trekking adventures.
Devils Backbone Wilderness Campground
Devils Backbone lies in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and has over 6,000 acres of creeks, rivers, natural springs, and forests to explore. You will never get bored at Devils Backbone, as there are miles of trails, making this the ideal spot to go hiking or even overnight backpacking.
Besides hiking and sightseeing, this spot comprises over 13 miles of horse riding trails and runs along the North Fork of the White River.
This National Forest is accessible by driving to the Collins Ridge Trailhead and hiking up to Devils Backbone. The Forest is open year-round and you can camp anywhere without a reservation as long as its at least 100 feet away from a trail or road.
Devils Backbone is one of the most primitive campgrounds in Missouri, as they do not offer electrical or sewage hookups. But, it is one of the best places to plan a camping trip if you truly want to get back to nature and enjoy the best the Ozark Highlands.
Campsites: Anywhere as long as its at least 100 feet from any trail.
Closest towns: Pottersville, Dora, and West Plains
- St. Louis to Devils Backbone is about 3 hours 40 minutes .
- Kansas City, MO to Devils Backbone is about 4 hr 30 minutes .
- Branson to Devils Backbone is about 2 hours .
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The Historic Route 66 Koa Is One Of The Best Campgrounds Near St Louis Mo
One of the best campgrounds near St. Louis MO is the Historic Route 66 KOA.
Its a popular RV park in Missouri for those looking to explore Route 66 and St. Louis during their next trip to Missouri.
This Missouri RV park is just 1 mile away from Six Flags and just 30 minutes from other attractions in St. Louis!
While youre staying there, youll also have access to plenty of amenities.
There is a pool that is open seasonally, free WiFi, a dog park, a basketball court, and more.
If you want to try glamping, they also have some hotel-style deluxe cabins that you can rent!
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Lampe, Missouri | 60 miles south of Springfield | Level of Difficulty: Very Easy
It really doesnt get any easier than this. The 6.5-mile paved trail runs the length of a long canyon and is mostly flat, making it perfect for kiddos who want to a bike ride but arent ready to tackle hills. In fact, you can even rent bicycles at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park for the family. Or, if cycling isnt your thing, just enjoy the walk. Along the way youll see multiple waterfalls, clear fish-filled streams, ancient burial caves and more. If youre lucky, youll even spy a weasel or mink scampering around. Have lunch at the restaurant, and visit the tree house while youre there.
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Glamping Near Dillard Mill State Historic Site
A red mill set on the blue waters of Huzzah Creek is as pretty a picture as there is in Missouri, and thats the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. The site interprets one of the states best-preserved gristmills, completed in 1908. Most of the machinery in the mill is still intact and original to the building and tours are provided daily. If you like the outdoors, the sites location on Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks provides plenty of opportunities to fish, hike, and picnic. Camp right up the road at Pine Valley, where we offer unique indoor and outdoor camping experiences.
Area Attractions: Dillard Mill, Huzzah Creek, Mark Twain National Forest
Camping:Cozy Cottage, Airstream
Lewis And Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park is hands down one of our familys favorites places to camp in Missouri.
This park borders the lake discovered by the famous explorers who set out from St. Louis to check out the Louisiana Purchase. Clark described the lake and the variety of waterfowl that call it home.
The park has a boat launch. Fishing is a common activity for visitors to the park. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds available for campers.
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