Wintertime, whether we love it or loathe it, is absolutely beautiful in Missouri, especially after a fresh snowfall when the snow glitters in the sunlight. We can all probably agree on that, right? It's also the perfect time to set off on a unique Missouri adventure - exploring a state park or marveling at the pristine beauty of a waterfall. Missouri's Mina Sauk Falls, for example, is simply spellbinding in the winter, making it worthy of a snowy day adventure.
While photos can certainly capture our imagination, we can never really get a feel for a place until we see it and experience it ourselves. That's certainly true of Mina Sauk Falls during the winter.
Missouri's tallest waterfall beckons visitors all year round, but it takes on a magical aura when it's sprinkled with snow. If you've not visited in the winter, try to get there this year.
However, before you set off, be prepared for the challenges you'll face on this moderately challenging trail. The challenges become a little bigger during the winter.
You'll face rocky terrain as you journey along the trail. Add ice and snow to that, and it can be a bit hazardous. Wear sturdy shoes and take your time.
Bring your camera, so you can snap photos of the towering waterfall. It could be flowing or frozen, depending on when you visit and the current weather conditions.
Chances are, you've heard of the Appalachian Trail or the Continental Divide Trail. Spanning nearly 430 miles, the Ozark Trail is Missouri’s answer to these iconic hikes. The best part? You could hike the entire Ozark Trail in just three to six weeks, a much shorter commitment compared to the six months typically required for the Appalachian Trail.
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The Ozark Mountains: A Hidden Nature Gem in Missouri
When people think of Missouri, they might not immediately picture mountains. But the Ozark Mountains, our own petite range, runs through the heart of the state. While the peaks here don’t reach the 6,000-foot heights of the Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Trail does take you to Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest natural point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, in Potosi.
You might be surprised to learn that the Missouri Ozarks are some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes on the planet. Along the Ozark Trail, you’ll encounter waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, swimming holes, rocky outcroppings, bluffs, caves, shut-ins, prairies, wetlands, and dense forests, all supporting the native flora and fauna that live in these varied habitats. The area is remote and wild, so don’t be surprised if you spend days on the trail without seeing another soul. The variety of plant and animal life alone makes it worth the trip, but the sense of solitude truly sets the Ozark Trail apart and allows you to get deeply connected with nature.
A Realistic Long-Distance Adventure in Missouri
After watching documentaries about hikers conquering the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, I thought such epic adventures were out of reach for me. Only about one in four people complete these demanding hikes, but the Ozark Trail offers a more accessible challenge: Missouri’s very own long-distance, bucket-list-worthy trail. With eight [mostly] contiguous sections averaging around 30 miles, you can easily break the trail into manageable pieces to hike over seasons or complete it all in one go.
The 250-mile thru-hike Ozark Trail runs from Onondaga Cave State Park (southeast of St. Louis), south to the Eleven Point River sectionnear the Arkansas border. Depending on how you choose to approach the trail, the precise length varies. The Ozark Trail Association provides the most reliable and up-to-date maps using GPS data; this is my go-to resource. For thru-hikers, the entire trail can take anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on your pace. Fast hikers covering around 20 miles a day can finish in about three weeks, while those averaging 10 to 15 miles per day may take four to six weeks.
The remaining sections are still considered part of the Ozark Trail but are not in the contiguous section:
1.
Marble Creek - 9 miles
2.
North Fork - 26 miles
3.
Taum Sauk (with the tallest natural point in Missouri) - 36 miles
4.
Upper Current - 29 miles
5.
Victory - 19 miles
6.
Wappapello - 34 miles
Adding these trails to the above thru-hike section brings the grand total of the Ozark Trial to around 430 miles, covering over 1.5 million acres. Hikers often tackle sections in smaller trips, hiking 20 to 30-mile stretches over different seasons or years.
Unique Topography of the Ozarks
The Ozark Mountains, stretching from St. Louis to the southernmost part of the state near Arkansas, are part of a larger mountain range that also covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, and southeastern Kansas. The Ozark and adjacent Ouachita Mountains are unique because they are the only significant areas of rugged topography between the Rockies and Appalachians. Terrain like this is rare in the Midwest, making the Ozark Trail a true hidden gem.
One of the great things about the Ozark Trail is that it doesn’t require permits, making it accessible year-round. However, Missouri’s four-season climate means you’ll need different gear depending on when you hike. Summers are humid, hot, and wet, so be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Invest in quality waterproof hiking boots and bring layers for cooler weather and rain protection. You can camp anywhere along the trail, but remember to set up at least 100 feet away from water sources, public use areas, and popular spots. Use The Ozark Trail Association's trip planner to scour your route by distance, route type, pace, and length.
Should You Tackle the Ozard Trail?
The Ozark Trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime hike in Missouri that more people should know about. Whether you’re planning a full thru-hike or breaking the trail into sections, this scenic and remote path is perfect for both adventurers seeking solitude and nature lovers looking for beauty without the crowds. Are you ready to take on this iconic trail in Missouri? Are you more likely to do it in sections or plan a whole spring or summer adventure?
Can you imagine a state with over 11,000 miles of running water? Luckily, Mother Nature has made some of those streams into natural water parks in Missouri. Rocky Falls shut-ins, located in the Mark Twain National Forest, are a dream come true.
Situated in Winona, in southeast Missouri, Rocky Falls is the perfect place to cool off in refreshing spring-fed waters. This natural water park lies along Rocky Creek, a tributary of the nearby popular floating river, the Current River. Rocky Falls shut-ins are a must-stop when visiting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a national park protecting the Jack’s Fork and Current River, plus historic sites, caves, freshwater streams, and trails. These spring-fed waterways are cool and clear, perfect for a refreshing tip.
Missouri was once covered by ancient seas resulting in lots of porous rock that has eroded over time. This geological history is why Missouri is also known as the “cave state.” However, shut-in areas dotted throughout the state are unique. The rhyolite rock there was created by lava flows a billion and a half years ago. The harder rock withstands constant water flow, creating the waterfalls that “shut in” the water flow to a narrower channel.
Past the harder rock that creates the tiered climbable 40-foot falls [shut-ins], the stream opens up again into a pristine natural swimming pool. Water shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended due to the rocky terrain, especially if you plan to ascend the falls. Be careful!
At the Rocky Falls site, there are picnic tables, grills, a gravel beach, swimming, a walkable stream, fishing, and my personal favorite, a restroom! Sometimes they’re hard to come by when in more rural natural areas. The trailhead for the Klepzig Mill Trail is also at the site if you fancy a hike.
Other nearby sites offer creek walking, canoeing, floating, boating, and fishing on the Jack’s Fork and Current Rivers and their tributaries. This whole Ozark National Scenic Riverways area is like a giant natural playground that spans just over 80,000 acres. The most easily accessible towns nearby Rocky Falls are Eminence and Van Buren. I grew up near the muddy Mississippi and its tributaries, we never got to see clear waters like these!
The best address I found for the falls is County Rd NN-526 Winona, MO 65588, USA. The National Parks Service also provides some information about visiting the Rocky Falls.Missouri has some beautiful natural waterfalls–do you plan to add this one to your list?
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If you are going to be out in the backcountry of southeast Missouri exploring nature, I 10/10 recommend using an app like AllTrails Plus. The app alerts you when you make a wrong turn and helps you navigate routes. One of my favorite features is its detailed information about nearby trails, often more helpful than state park websites. Happy hiking!
