It doesn’t get much better than hitting the open road for a long, leisurely drive unless, of course, you’re exploring the best waterfall hikes in Missouri! The best part is that you don’t have to wonder where the most beautiful waterfalls in Missouri are because the following waterfall loop will take you there. This trip to see some amazing Missouri waterfalls is best completed over a few days since you’ll travel the length of the state. It leads straight to the best waterfalls in Missouri as well as other sunning state sites, including Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Missouri Botanical Garden.
Don’t have time to travel the entire route? No problem. You can customize this scenic waterfall road trip in Missouri to your needs.
Google Maps
- Parkville Nature Sanctuary – Parkville
Beanieboss/TripAdvisor Our scenic waterfall loop starts at Parkville Nature Sanctuary, where you’ll have to slip on your walking shoes. To reach the cascading waterfall, follow the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, which, at just under 1 mile, is not just one of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri but one of the easiest too, making it perfect for hikers of all ages and all skill levels. Stroll along the boardwalk flanked by trees, until you arrive at the waterfall. (The waterfall is typically much stronger after a rainfall.) Midwest Journeys takes us on an adventure to the Parkville Nature Sanctuary for the short hike on the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail in this video:
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
- Missouri Botanical Garden – St. Louis
PanPanda/TripAdvisor Earmark plenty of time for your visit to Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. You can find a beautiful, flowing waterfall in the Japanese Garden. The garden is an ideal spot to spend a few hours or an entire day, as you admire the colorful flowers, footbridges, and winding paths. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Mina Sauk Falls – Arcadia Township
Charles Garvin/AllTrails A 3-mile hike awaits that will lead you straight to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Cascading down 132 feet, Mina Sauk Falls provides the perfect backdrop for photos. The Mina Sauk Falls Trail features some rocky terrain, so be prepared for something of a challenge. After you’ve seen the waterfall, consider making your way to the highest point in Missouri – also at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Let’s hike to the tallest waterfall in Missouri on the Mina Sauk Falls Trail in this video from Unearth The Voyage:
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
- Rocky Falls – Winona Township
Selena Barclay/AllTrails Rocky Falls is simply gorgeous all year round, but in the summer it serves as a natural waterpark for those looking to cool off. Stroll just one-tenth of a mile along the Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail to the waterfall that drops 30 feet. One of the best swimming holes in Missouri, you can expect it to be busy on the hot summer days. Even though it may be busy, you can still cool off in the clear water. Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
- Dogwood Canyon – Lampe
Dogwood Canyon/Facebook Our next stop takes us to Dogwood Canyon, where you’ll have to pay for admission into the nature park. However, you’ll get to see two waterfalls that will simply take your breath away. The waterfalls are gorgeous any time of the year, but they’re particularly breathtaking when surrounded by fall foliage, which is why Dogwood Canyon is one of the best day trips in Missouri. 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
- Grand Falls – Joplin
jmpncsu/TripAdvisor Grand Falls is another must-visit waterfall in Missouri. You can wade and cool off in the pool into which the waterfall tumbles. The picturesque waterfall drops 12 feet, although it measures 163 feet across. You can reach it within just a few minutes by foot, or admire it from your car in the parking lot, if you’re short on time. Enjoy the peaceful sight and sound of Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri in this video from Shore Me Some More:
Grand Falls, 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
- Tryst Falls Park – Excelsior Springs
Previa1994/TripAdvisor The waterfall loop ends in Tryst Falls Park with the picture-perfect Tryst Falls. Tucked near Kansas City, Tryst Falls is one of the area’s only natural waterfalls, making it more than worth a visit. Bring a picnic along, too, so you can sit near the waterfall and enjoy the sound of it as it tumbles down. Tryst Falls Park, Excelsior Springs, MO, USA
After a good rain, many of these waterfalls in Missouri really come alive. Whether you enjoy scenic drives with waterfalls right near an overlook, or you like to get out on a good hiking trail to immerse yourself in nature, Missouri has some pretty amazing places to explore with waterfall rewards. Are there any other can’t-miss hiking trails with waterfalls in Missouri that you have fallen in love with? Let us know!
Google Maps
Beanieboss/TripAdvisor
Our scenic waterfall loop starts at Parkville Nature Sanctuary, where you’ll have to slip on your walking shoes. To reach the cascading waterfall, follow the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, which, at just under 1 mile, is not just one of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri but one of the easiest too, making it perfect for hikers of all ages and all skill levels. Stroll along the boardwalk flanked by trees, until you arrive at the waterfall. (The waterfall is typically much stronger after a rainfall.) Midwest Journeys takes us on an adventure to the Parkville Nature Sanctuary for the short hike on the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail in this video:
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
PanPanda/TripAdvisor
Earmark plenty of time for your visit to Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. You can find a beautiful, flowing waterfall in the Japanese Garden. The garden is an ideal spot to spend a few hours or an entire day, as you admire the colorful flowers, footbridges, and winding paths.
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Charles Garvin/AllTrails
A 3-mile hike awaits that will lead you straight to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Cascading down 132 feet, Mina Sauk Falls provides the perfect backdrop for photos. The Mina Sauk Falls Trail features some rocky terrain, so be prepared for something of a challenge. After you’ve seen the waterfall, consider making your way to the highest point in Missouri – also at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Let’s hike to the tallest waterfall in Missouri on the Mina Sauk Falls Trail in this video from Unearth The Voyage:
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
Selena Barclay/AllTrails
Rocky Falls is simply gorgeous all year round, but in the summer it serves as a natural waterpark for those looking to cool off. Stroll just one-tenth of a mile along the Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail to the waterfall that drops 30 feet. One of the best swimming holes in Missouri, you can expect it to be busy on the hot summer days. Even though it may be busy, you can still cool off in the clear water.
Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
Dogwood Canyon/Facebook
Our next stop takes us to Dogwood Canyon, where you’ll have to pay for admission into the nature park. However, you’ll get to see two waterfalls that will simply take your breath away. The waterfalls are gorgeous any time of the year, but they’re particularly breathtaking when surrounded by fall foliage, which is why Dogwood Canyon is one of the best day trips in Missouri.
2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
jmpncsu/TripAdvisor
Grand Falls is another must-visit waterfall in Missouri. You can wade and cool off in the pool into which the waterfall tumbles. The picturesque waterfall drops 12 feet, although it measures 163 feet across. You can reach it within just a few minutes by foot, or admire it from your car in the parking lot, if you’re short on time. Enjoy the peaceful sight and sound of Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri in this video from Shore Me Some More:
Grand Falls, 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
Previa1994/TripAdvisor
The waterfall loop ends in Tryst Falls Park with the picture-perfect Tryst Falls. Tucked near Kansas City, Tryst Falls is one of the area’s only natural waterfalls, making it more than worth a visit. Bring a picnic along, too, so you can sit near the waterfall and enjoy the sound of it as it tumbles down.
Tryst Falls Park, Excelsior Springs, MO, USA
If you’re up for another adventure, follow this route to the best caves and waterfalls in Missouri.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
More Missouri Waterfalls and hiking trails July 01, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What’s the most beautiful hike in Missouri? Big Springs Trail is quite possibly the most beautiful hike in Missouri. There are so many beautiful hikes in Missouri, and the Big Springs Trail is one of them. Located in Ellsinore, the hike is consistently rated as one of the state’s top hikes, and for good reason – it’s stunning! Nestled within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the trail follows Big Spring, which is a branch of the nearby Current River. True to its name, Big Spring is the largest spring in Missouri, pumping out nearly 300 million gallons of water per day! In addition to close-up views of Big Spring, hikers are afforded great views of the Ozark Mountains. What are the most well-known parks in Missouri? There are some incredible parks in Missouri that draw nature lover’s from all over the world to explore their beautiful features. Here are a few of the most well-known parks in Missouri:
Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park Lake of the Ozarks State Park Roaring River State Park Elephant Rocks State Park Table Rock State Park Bennett Spring State Park Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Of all the parks in Missouri, one that shouldn’t be overlooked is Elephant Rocks State Park in Pilot Knob. A great place for an outdoor adventure, the park is home to giant granite boulders, which are over a billion years old! The unique geological features are easy to explore, thanks to a self-guided walking trail. In addition to the huge rocky formations, park-goers can learn all about the old mining operations that once took place in the area. Other park perks include a Braille trail, which was designed for people with disabilities, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and camping.
The OIYS Visitor Center
More Missouri Waterfalls and hiking trails
July 01, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What’s the most beautiful hike in Missouri? Big Springs Trail is quite possibly the most beautiful hike in Missouri. There are so many beautiful hikes in Missouri, and the Big Springs Trail is one of them. Located in Ellsinore, the hike is consistently rated as one of the state’s top hikes, and for good reason – it’s stunning! Nestled within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the trail follows Big Spring, which is a branch of the nearby Current River. True to its name, Big Spring is the largest spring in Missouri, pumping out nearly 300 million gallons of water per day! In addition to close-up views of Big Spring, hikers are afforded great views of the Ozark Mountains. What are the most well-known parks in Missouri? There are some incredible parks in Missouri that draw nature lover’s from all over the world to explore their beautiful features. Here are a few of the most well-known parks in Missouri:
Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park Lake of the Ozarks State Park Roaring River State Park Elephant Rocks State Park Table Rock State Park Bennett Spring State Park Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Of all the parks in Missouri, one that shouldn’t be overlooked is Elephant Rocks State Park in Pilot Knob. A great place for an outdoor adventure, the park is home to giant granite boulders, which are over a billion years old! The unique geological features are easy to explore, thanks to a self-guided walking trail. In addition to the huge rocky formations, park-goers can learn all about the old mining operations that once took place in the area. Other park perks include a Braille trail, which was designed for people with disabilities, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and camping.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Big Springs Trail is quite possibly the most beautiful hike in Missouri. There are so many beautiful hikes in Missouri, and the Big Springs Trail is one of them. Located in Ellsinore, the hike is consistently rated as one of the state’s top hikes, and for good reason – it’s stunning! Nestled within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the trail follows Big Spring, which is a branch of the nearby Current River. True to its name, Big Spring is the largest spring in Missouri, pumping out nearly 300 million gallons of water per day! In addition to close-up views of Big Spring, hikers are afforded great views of the Ozark Mountains.
What are the most well-known parks in Missouri?
There are some incredible parks in Missouri that draw nature lover’s from all over the world to explore their beautiful features. Here are a few of the most well-known parks in Missouri:
- Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Roaring River State Park
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Table Rock State Park
- Bennett Spring State Park
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Of all the parks in Missouri, one that shouldn’t be overlooked is Elephant Rocks State Park in Pilot Knob. A great place for an outdoor adventure, the park is home to giant granite boulders, which are over a billion years old! The unique geological features are easy to explore, thanks to a self-guided walking trail. In addition to the huge rocky formations, park-goers can learn all about the old mining operations that once took place in the area. Other park perks include a Braille trail, which was designed for people with disabilities, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and camping.
