The gorgeous waterfalls of Missouri never fail to impress those visiting them. Varying in size and some being seasonal, it is best to witness them during the monsoons. Enjoying a picnic here with your loved ones would be the perfect way to spend time soaking in its beauty. The picturesque surrounding makes them even more appealing. Hiking the trails to reach some is an adventure indeed, while few others require a short walk. Natural or human-made, they all provide gorgeous views for you to capture some excellent shots. So, don’t forget to bring your cameras when planning to visit them.
Mina Sauk Falls in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is Missouri’s tallest waterfall, dropping from a height of 132 feet. Cascading from a series of ledges into the creek below, it provides a magnificent view. Make sure to visit it after a decent rainfall to see it flowing in full glory. You can also get down to its base for an up-close view. However, it might help if you’re extra careful as the path is rocky and slippery.
Nearest City: About 9 miles from Ironton
Hiking & Other Activities: The loop trail, of moderate difficulty, is about 3 miles long from the parking lot. It takes you along the oak and hickory woods alongside several rocky outcrops. You can also get stunning views of St. Francois Mountain on your way. Wear your hiking shoes as you’ll have to cross an extremely rocky and rugged path. Also, remember to carry sufficient water. Go to the waterfall base if you’re in good shape only as the way back up is more steep and strenuous.
This 6-foot waterfall pours into a 180-foot deep pool in City Garden Sculpture Park. This human-made fall is one of the primary attractions in the park, apart from the beautiful sculptures and statues. You could cherish its magnificence by sitting on the benches near it to get a close-up view of the same. You can even enjoy a stroll inside the park with your dogs or have a picnic. If you plan to bring your kids along, they would for sure have a whale of a time splashing waters at the fountains within the park premises.
Nearest City: 0.5 miles from St. Louis
Hiking & Other Activities: A small paved path leads to the falls, so hiking is not required.
Cotton Rocks Falls is a pretty waterfall flowing from a rocky ledge into Roark Creek. You can enjoy the views from several angles, including the top and its base. Also, the waterfall has a pump installed so that the water keeps flowing throughout the year.
Nearest City: About 3 miles from Branson
Hiking & Other Activities: You’ll have to hike along the Waterfall Trail that begins near the entrance of Westgate Branson Woods. It is a shady nature trail with small bluffs overlooking the river. Wear waterproof hiking shoes to avoid wetting your feet while crossing the creek about five times. On your way, you will also be able to see other smaller waterfalls. You can also bring your dogs along.
Marble Creek Recreation Area within Mark Twain National Forest features this gorgeous fall. It gets its name from the attractive marble-colored minerals that deposit on the creekbed. The gushing water along the creek that traverses 20 miles through Mt. Francis Mountains is a sight to behold. You can also see the nearby remains of an old mill dam.
Nearest City: About 17.5 miles from Fredericktown
Hiking & Other Activities: You will have to hike a section of the Ozark Trail starting from the Marble Creek Campground. It is about 9 miles long, rated moderate. You can also access it with your bike. The trail ends at Crane Lake, where you can enjoy recreational activities like fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking, biking, etc. You can enjoy picnicking near the Marble Creek at the picnic area or spend overnight in the campground. there
This park features a human-made waterfall that tumbles from a height of over 10 feet. Its rock wall, made out of several rocks piled up to the top, adds to its charms. It is a popular spot that often remains crowded. The parking area can fill fast, so come early.
Nearest City: About 5.5 miles from Independence
Hiking & Other Activities: An easy and paved trail of about half a mile will bring you to this waterfall. There’s also a playground where kids can have fun and a picnic area. You’ll also find a human-made lake where you can observe several waterfowl.
This large waterfall found near the entrance to Dogwood Canyon is a picturesque one. The sight and sound of the water gushing down the rocks are indeed one to behold. You can view several other jaw-dropping natural wonders inside the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, including caves, canyons, creeks, and towering bluffs.
Nearest City: Approximately 26 miles from Branson
Hiking & Other Activities: A 6 miles out-and-back trail will lead you to the waterfall. Hikers of all levels can easily access it. You can even rent a bike or bring your own to enjoy riding here. However, you will have to pay $23 to access the waterfall, with an extra charge for your dog. You can also enjoy picnicking and nature-gazing here.
Within the Mark Twain National Forest’s Paddy Creek Wilderness area, lies this small waterfall. Surrounded by other scenic features, it looks appealing as it drops into the pool. You can also see a hollow, cave-like structure behind the waterfall.
Nearest City: About 13.5 miles from Roby
Hiking & Other Activities: The 16 miles loop trail is of moderate difficulty. Some parts might be overgrown, and you will have to cross the stream several times. There are also many picturesque bluffs along the way. You can also camp here for the night at the campgrounds.
This spectacular waterfall in the Ozarks is the state’s true gem and a favorite among many. It also has many fascinating geological formations to offer. The reddish-brown rocks over which it gushes is rhyolite porphyry, formed many years ago by volcanic activities. The waterfall is accessible all year round, though it looks gorgeous after a rainfall. The crystal clear pool in which it pours lures visitors to have a refreshing dip in it.
Nearest City: About 14 miles from Eminence
Hiking & Other Activities: It is a short walk to the waterfall, but the trail is unpaved. You can also go to its top. However, it is pretty steep, and you’ll have to maneuver all the way. You can also enjoy a picnic here.
Also known as Flegel Falls, Forest Park Falls cascades in the park of the same name. Despite its trivial size, it does not fail to catch the attention of visitors. You can also enjoy its lovely views from above by sitting on a nearby rock. The surrounding landscapes are no less enchanting.
Nearest City: About 6 miles from St. Louis
Hiking & Other Activities: It is an easy walk from the park’s visitor center to the waterfall. You can also explore many more scenic beauties as you walk along the park’s trail. There are also several activities to enjoy here, including kayaking in the lake alongside hiking and biking.
This scenic waterfall in Hickory Canyons Natural Area tumbles dramatically down a steep box canyon from a height of 40 feet. It offers incredible views year-round. You can witness it in full flow during the monsoon, which is a treat to the eye. Even when it is trickling during the dry seasons, it is pretty impressive with the surrounding lush greenery. You can also visit it in winter when the waterfall freezes. The icicles clinging from the rock wall offer an incredible view.
Nearest City: About 19 miles from Sainte Genevieve
Hiking & Other Activities: You can hike any one of the two trails from the parking area at Sprott Road. The first one is about ΒΌ miles to the falls. The second one is a 1-mile loop trail that includes a stream along the way and a set of stairs. Both of them are moderately difficult, with inclines and declines along the bluffs.
Meramac Spring Park is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Missouri, the chief attraction being a gorgeous waterfall. The cascading waters gushing into the pool filled with moss-covered rocks along with the surrounding greenery make it an enchanting sight. Moreover, the bridge over the falls adds to its beauty and provides a different viewing angle. You’ll also find the concrete remains of an old dam and grist mill at the pool’s edge. To enter the park, you will have to pay only $5 per vehicle.
Nearest City: About 7 miles from St. James
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail within the park is about 2 miles long. Along the way, you’ll get to see the waterfall, majestic bluffs, a crystal-clear stream, and many more scenic views. Remember to bring some quarters to feed the trout fish in the stream.
Grand Falls naturally cascade along Shoal Creek over a solid chert ledge. Flowing from a height of 12 feet from the 163 feet wide ledge, it is the state’s largest continuously flowing waterfall. You can enjoy splashing water or dipping your feet inside the pool formed below it, or relax sitting on one of the surrounding rocks. Once you take in the views, you can head to the nearby Inspiration Point to get some more spectacular views. You can also stop by McClelland Park, which is just a few minutes drive away.
Nearest City: About 7.5 miles from Joplin
Hiking & Other Activities: It is a short walk from the parking area.
This pretty little waterfall of not more than 5 feet height is a part of the Hodgson Water Mill in Ozark County. Connected with a spring, it naturally cascades over a smooth rock surface. The waterfall having the mill positioned as its backdrop makes an excellent photogenic site.
Nearest City: About 17 miles from Gainesville
Hiking & Other Activities: It is a short trail along Bryant Creek from the parking lot. There are picnic tables set near the mill and falls.
Tucked away within the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Dewey Cove Falls flows along a tributary of Roark Creek. Since it is seasonal, it comes to life only after a decent rain. You may get to enjoy the surrounding scenic views of lush greenery and beautiful wildflowers blooming on the meadows if visiting during the springtime.
Nearest City: About 6 miles from Branson
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail to the falls is about 2 miles round trip, being moderately difficult. Apart from this, you can enjoy many more sights within the conservation area.
This spectacular waterfall near Lower Rock Creek tumbles down a rocky ledge. The waters cascade down the gorge to meet the St. Francis River finally. Monsoon is the best time to see it in full flow. The valleys and beautiful natural surroundings provide a breathtaking vista.
Nearest City: About 17.5 miles from Arcadia
Hiking & Other Activities: You can hike the Black Mountain Falls Trail, which is about 2.5 miles loop, rated as moderate. It is an unmarked trail starting from the left side of the falls, going along the stream. You will have to scramble up the rocky and steep paths, part of which is in a private property.
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfalls for Hiking: Mina Sauk Falls, Big Piney Falls, Dogwood Canyon Falls
Best Waterfalls for Swimming: Rocky Waterfall, Grand Falls, Rocky Waterfall
Best Waterfalls for Camping: Marble Creek Falls, Big Piney Falls
Best Hidden Waterfalls: Dewey Cove Falls, Rocky Falls,
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