Had an adventure here. Did the three mile trail to the falls, it had rained the two days prior and the falls were amazing. The trail was a bit more than what we are used to, but nothing able bodied people can't handle. The signs do clearly indicate it is a "strenuous" climb.
We hiked out to the Devil Tollgate and around the upper loop. Very well marked trail, and you'll cover some cool ground.
Visited again today. One of the most beautiful places in MO. A beautiful overlook where you can see several mountains in one view. There is also a lookout tower, where you can see the Taum Sauk Reservoir and beautiful 360* view. If you are into hiking, you can take the trail to the falls or a short hike through beautiful glades full of huge boulders. Today the boulders were covered with ice and they were a sight to behold! In the Summer, the shades of green would rival any painters palette! Really worth checking out if you love the outdoors and nature!
I enjoyed the hike to Missouri's largest waterfall. After huge rains it was gushing. It was listed as a 3 mile circular route. The person I was with wanted to quit shortly after the handicap path ended. It was not a hard hike and it was well marked. I was requested to stop several times on the way back but numerous locations exist for those wanting to rest.This is just one of many outstanding State Parks in Missouri with wonderful natural attractions. The cost was $00.00.
My friend and I took a day trip to visit Taum Sauk Mountain... we'd never been and can't believe it's taken us this long to see! What a beauty we missed out on all these years. The camping spots look clean. The bathrooms were mosquito infested so bring spray. We talked to some people who'd been camping and bear were supposedly spotted in the area. Be careful if you're tent camping! Sounds like quite an adventure though :-)
Wear good shoes and go for a great hike! I laughed when we started and the sign said 2 miles will take about 3 hours! I found out why so slow real soon. Lots of hills, rocks, boulders, tree roots etc. SO MUCH FUN! The view is incredible. We were hoping to see the waterfall, but it was a little too dry--not enough rain for it. But we did find pools of water and beautiful sites. A great way to get some super exercise!
Besides the cool factor of camping at the highest point of Missouri, it makes a great spot to explore Arcadia valley from. Plus, in the summer, you get a great breeze on top of the mountain which feels great. The trail to get to the highest point in Missouri is paved, and after getting there, it might seem anticlimactic, until you realize that NO ONE ELSE in Missouri is higher than you on the ground at that point :) Mina Sauk falls is pretty, but the trail getting there can be hard for kids. For an easier route to it, take a left where the trails starts and meet up with the Ozark Trail and go right. Its a lot easier stroll to the falls and back. Go after its has rained a day or two before, or else it wont be much more than a trickle, if its flowing at all.
My friend and I brought our 7 year old daughters here and we did the 3 mile loop to Mina Sauk Falls. The hike was pretty easy with some moderate climbing in a few spots. It was so beautiful. There was a huge overlook and the Falls although were dry (best after a rain) the geologic formation was awesome! We stopped for a snack once we got there and hung out quite a while before we continued the trail back up. I highly recommend this beautiful hike. May sure you bring water!!!
My husband and I attempted to hike the trail down to the falls. The views were gorgeous and with the wildflowers in bloom that made it even better! The trail is a little rocky in spots but with good shoes it wasn't an issue. We did get a little confused on which way to go as the path was not marked so well for a couple of newcomers. Also, take plenty of water with you because you will work up a sweat! All in all well worth the hike to enjoy the beauty of Missouri!
friend & i went for a January hike. very cool to see water trickling under layers of ice on the rocks like bugs crawling, and even cooler to see the frozen falls. a nice, easy hike to quiet the soul...