Hiking always surprises us with something, doesn’t it? Maybe a stunning view from a scenic bluff. Perhaps a unique and breathtaking rock formation. You can’t go wrong with a leisurely hike to a jaw-dropping waterfall either. Next time you’re up for a day on the road and on the trails, follow this day trip that will lead you on four hikes in Missouri, each of which leads to a waterfall.
The following map details your loop journey and will take just about four hours of driving then add time in for the hikes and stops for a bite to eat. Voila! You’ve got the perfect day outdoors.
Google Maps
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins – Middle Brook
All Trails/Brooke Eekridge Johnson’s Shut-Ins might not technically be classified as a waterfall, but they’re worthy of a visit nonetheless. You’ll get a pretty good workout on the 2.5-mile Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail that boasts a scenic boardwalk and some rocky terrain, making hiking boots a must. Before you reach the shut-ins, you will pass a small, unnamed waterfall. During the summer, the shut-ins are popular for those who want to cool off. However, you’ll find they’re absolutely gorgeous no matter what time of the year you visit. Stop by the official website of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park for more information.
- Hickory Canyons Natural Area – Ste. Genevieve
All Trails/Amanda Bosler Our next stop takes us to Hickory Canyons Natural Area, which features two somewhat challenging trails. Both lead to a waterfall. The Western Trail spans one-mile while the Eastern Trail tallies just a half of a mile. Wear waterproof hiking boots, especially if you’re following the Western Trail. It leads to the Hickory Canyons Waterfall and some smaller waterfalls. Visit the official website of Hickory Canyons Natural Area.
- Glassberg Family Conservation Area – Eureka
All Trails/Megan Collins Off we go to the Glassberg Family Conservation Area, where we’ll hike the trail with the same name. Hikers rate the 2.6-mile trail between easy and moderate depending on your hiking skills. The loop trail features beautiful shaded areas, grassy hills, and an overlook that offers sensational views of the Meramec River. Along the way, you’ll also come to a small but beautiful waterfall, which is particularly pretty after a rainfall. Head over to the official website of Glassberg Family Conservation Area.
- Mina Sauk Falls – Middle Brook
All Trails/Shawn Jenner We’re doubling back now to Middle Brook, where we started. This time, our journey takes us to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Go on the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail. About halfway along the trail, you’ll reach the 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls, a majestic waterfall that’s sure to take your breath away. Like the previous three waterfall trails, the Mina Sauk Falls Trail falls between the easy and the moderate range, depending on your hiking skills. Check out the official website of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Have you ever asked yourself, are there waterfalls near me? Now you have an answer! What are your favorite hikes in Missouri? Do you know of any little-known hikes that lead to hidden waterfalls? Let us know in the comments! Up for more than a day of checking out waterfalls? Follow the ultimate waterfall road trip in Missouri.
Google Maps
All Trails/Brooke Eekridge
Johnson’s Shut-Ins might not technically be classified as a waterfall, but they’re worthy of a visit nonetheless. You’ll get a pretty good workout on the 2.5-mile Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail that boasts a scenic boardwalk and some rocky terrain, making hiking boots a must. Before you reach the shut-ins, you will pass a small, unnamed waterfall. During the summer, the shut-ins are popular for those who want to cool off. However, you’ll find they’re absolutely gorgeous no matter what time of the year you visit. Stop by the official website of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park for more information.
All Trails/Amanda Bosler
Our next stop takes us to Hickory Canyons Natural Area, which features two somewhat challenging trails. Both lead to a waterfall. The Western Trail spans one-mile while the Eastern Trail tallies just a half of a mile. Wear waterproof hiking boots, especially if you’re following the Western Trail. It leads to the Hickory Canyons Waterfall and some smaller waterfalls. Visit the official website of Hickory Canyons Natural Area.
All Trails/Megan Collins
Off we go to the Glassberg Family Conservation Area, where we’ll hike the trail with the same name. Hikers rate the 2.6-mile trail between easy and moderate depending on your hiking skills. The loop trail features beautiful shaded areas, grassy hills, and an overlook that offers sensational views of the Meramec River. Along the way, you’ll also come to a small but beautiful waterfall, which is particularly pretty after a rainfall. Head over to the official website of Glassberg Family Conservation Area.
All Trails/Shawn Jenner
We’re doubling back now to Middle Brook, where we started. This time, our journey takes us to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Go on the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail. About halfway along the trail, you’ll reach the 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls, a majestic waterfall that’s sure to take your breath away. Like the previous three waterfall trails, the Mina Sauk Falls Trail falls between the easy and the moderate range, depending on your hiking skills. Check out the official website of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
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Address: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USAAddress: Hickory Canyons Natural Area, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USAAddress: State Hwy FF, Pacific, MO 63069, USAAddress: Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me March 11, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What are the best waterfall hikes in Missouri? Missouri’s not necessarily known for waterfalls, but those that we do have are absolutely gorgeous. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Missouri, Mina Sauk Falls, along a trail of the same name. The 132-foot waterfall sits at about the halfway mark of the trail, which spans three miles, so you don’t have to hike the entire moderately-rated trail if you’re not up for it. Another of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri, the short path to Grand Falls in Joplin is picture-perfect all-year around. If you visit during the summer, bring your swimming gear. The pool into which the waterfall drops is popular for wading and for cooling off on those hot summer days in Missouri. Can I swim at Rocky Falls in Missouri? Just a short drive from Eminence, Rocky Falls beckons visitors all year around. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, after all, picture-perfect in all four seasons. However, once the weather heats up, the pool into which it drops becomes a hugely popular swimming hole. Bring your swimming gear, beach towel or beach chair, and plenty of patience. The waterfall can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of the summer. The picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms make it easy to make a day of it any time of the year. What are the easiest hikes for Missouri? Slip on your hiking shoes, because you’ll find no better way to explore Missouri than on one of its many hiking trails. If you’re looking for short and sweet, you’re in luck. Missouri’s got ton of ‘em. The one-mile Cave Spring Trail, for example, winds through William Klein Park in Kansas City and leads to a cave. Definitely bring the kiddos along, because the trail is short, easy, and…it has a cave. The Old Kate Trail meanders less than a mile through Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The highlight of the easy trail is, hands down, the cascading waterfall.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 11, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best waterfall hikes in Missouri? Missouri’s not necessarily known for waterfalls, but those that we do have are absolutely gorgeous. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Missouri, Mina Sauk Falls, along a trail of the same name. The 132-foot waterfall sits at about the halfway mark of the trail, which spans three miles, so you don’t have to hike the entire moderately-rated trail if you’re not up for it. Another of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri, the short path to Grand Falls in Joplin is picture-perfect all-year around. If you visit during the summer, bring your swimming gear. The pool into which the waterfall drops is popular for wading and for cooling off on those hot summer days in Missouri. Can I swim at Rocky Falls in Missouri? Just a short drive from Eminence, Rocky Falls beckons visitors all year around. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, after all, picture-perfect in all four seasons. However, once the weather heats up, the pool into which it drops becomes a hugely popular swimming hole. Bring your swimming gear, beach towel or beach chair, and plenty of patience. The waterfall can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of the summer. The picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms make it easy to make a day of it any time of the year. What are the easiest hikes for Missouri? Slip on your hiking shoes, because you’ll find no better way to explore Missouri than on one of its many hiking trails. If you’re looking for short and sweet, you’re in luck. Missouri’s got ton of ‘em. The one-mile Cave Spring Trail, for example, winds through William Klein Park in Kansas City and leads to a cave. Definitely bring the kiddos along, because the trail is short, easy, and…it has a cave. The Old Kate Trail meanders less than a mile through Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The highlight of the easy trail is, hands down, the cascading waterfall.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Missouri’s not necessarily known for waterfalls, but those that we do have are absolutely gorgeous. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Missouri, Mina Sauk Falls, along a trail of the same name. The 132-foot waterfall sits at about the halfway mark of the trail, which spans three miles, so you don’t have to hike the entire moderately-rated trail if you’re not up for it. Another of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri, the short path to Grand Falls in Joplin is picture-perfect all-year around. If you visit during the summer, bring your swimming gear. The pool into which the waterfall drops is popular for wading and for cooling off on those hot summer days in Missouri.
Can I swim at Rocky Falls in Missouri?
Just a short drive from Eminence, Rocky Falls beckons visitors all year around. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, after all, picture-perfect in all four seasons. However, once the weather heats up, the pool into which it drops becomes a hugely popular swimming hole. Bring your swimming gear, beach towel or beach chair, and plenty of patience. The waterfall can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of the summer. The picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms make it easy to make a day of it any time of the year.
What are the easiest hikes for Missouri?
Slip on your hiking shoes, because you’ll find no better way to explore Missouri than on one of its many hiking trails. If you’re looking for short and sweet, you’re in luck. Missouri’s got ton of ‘em. The one-mile Cave Spring Trail, for example, winds through William Klein Park in Kansas City and leads to a cave. Definitely bring the kiddos along, because the trail is short, easy, and…it has a cave. The Old Kate Trail meanders less than a mile through Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The highlight of the easy trail is, hands down, the cascading waterfall.
