One of the best things about Missouri hiking trails is all of the beautiful, natural, and even manmade, wonders we come across. Most of us have probably stumbled across a little-known hidden gem at least once on our adventures. This Missouri waterfall hike boasts stunning natural scenery – from a tiny but beautiful waterfall to a turquoise spring – that provides plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos of waterfalls in Missouri. Take a look at one of the best hikes in Missouri.

You’ve got a bit of a workout ahead of you on the Cave Spring Loop Trail, in Van Buren, which is considered moderate.

All Trails/Patty Genn

However, if you’re up for the challenge of this nearly five-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of breathtaking scenery that will take you through forested areas.

All Trails/Conway Hawn

Fortunately, if you’re hiking during the hot days of summer, you’ll discover it’s pretty cool on the path, due to the shade from the many trees.

All Trails/Conway Hawn

The normally-quiet trail picks up at Devil’s Well and features a magnificent staircase, which is particularly pretty when flanked by the verdant foliage in the spring and in the summer and the colorful leaves in the fall.

All Trails/James Garlach

You’ll come across a tiny but beautiful waterfall that’s particularly powerful after a rainfall.

All Trails/Darcy Campbell

However, if you visit during a dry spell, expect a pretty trickle or nothing at all.

All Trails/Brooke Silvey

Another highlight of this picturesque trail is the turquoise Cave Spring.

All Trails/Terri Vermillion

Before you set off on the trail, make sure you slip on comfy, sturdy, shoes; lather on the bug spray during the warmer months, and consider bringing your pup along. (Just make sure he’s leashed.)

All Trails/Lani O’Dell

Visit the official website of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

All Trails/Doug Neidholdt

Follow along on a hike on Cave Spring Trail:

All Trails/Patty Genn

All Trails/Conway Hawn

All Trails/James Garlach

All Trails/Darcy Campbell

All Trails/Brooke Silvey

All Trails/Terri Vermillion

All Trails/Lani O’Dell

All Trails/Doug Neidholdt

Did you like these waterfalls in Missouri? Do you have any favorite Missouri hiking trails? Tell us about them in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to visit these six Missouri waterfall hikes.

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Address: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 404 Watercress Rd, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Natural Beauty of Missouri February 14, 2023 William Suphan What are the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri? The most incredible natural wonders in Missouri include:

Current River. This river is one of the first rivers to be designated a National Park in America. The water is clean and clear and perfect for kayaking. Johnson’s Shut-Ins. This recreation area spans 8,647 acres and contains geological history going back 1.4 billion years. Elephant Rocks State Park. This geologic reserve has massive granite boulders, some of which actually look like elephants. Onondaga Caves. These caverns contain some of the most beautiful mineral formations in the country.

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri.  What are the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri? The most hidden natural attractions in Missouri include:

Prairie State Park. This is a place where you can hike along several trails surrounded by wildflowers and bison. Bluff Dwellers Cave. These caves are spread over 3,000 feet and are full of history and beauty and there‘s a nearby museum. Lover’s Leap. Climb to this overlook and see stunning views of the small town of Hannibal and the valley and river that surround it. Engelmann Woods Natural Area. There is an old-growth forest here as well as a cave and vibrant wildflowers.

Learn more about the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri.  What are the most beautiful places in Missouri? The most beautiful places in Missouri include:

Blue Spring in Eminence. This is the deepest freshwater spring in Missouri and has bright turquoise waters. Taum Sauk Mountain near Ironton. This is the highest point in Missouri and has amazing panoramic views of the lush forests. Hercules Glades Wilderness area near Bradleyville. These limestone glades have several beautiful waterfalls carved over the years by Long Creek. Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood. This is a wonderful place to go for natural beauty and to spot all kinds of wildlife.

Discover more about the most beautiful places in Missouri. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Natural Beauty of Missouri

February 14, 2023

William Suphan

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri? The most incredible natural wonders in Missouri include:

Current River. This river is one of the first rivers to be designated a National Park in America. The water is clean and clear and perfect for kayaking. Johnson’s Shut-Ins. This recreation area spans 8,647 acres and contains geological history going back 1.4 billion years. Elephant Rocks State Park. This geologic reserve has massive granite boulders, some of which actually look like elephants. Onondaga Caves. These caverns contain some of the most beautiful mineral formations in the country.

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri.  What are the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri? The most hidden natural attractions in Missouri include:

Prairie State Park. This is a place where you can hike along several trails surrounded by wildflowers and bison. Bluff Dwellers Cave. These caves are spread over 3,000 feet and are full of history and beauty and there‘s a nearby museum. Lover’s Leap. Climb to this overlook and see stunning views of the small town of Hannibal and the valley and river that surround it. Engelmann Woods Natural Area. There is an old-growth forest here as well as a cave and vibrant wildflowers.

Learn more about the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri.  What are the most beautiful places in Missouri? The most beautiful places in Missouri include:

Blue Spring in Eminence. This is the deepest freshwater spring in Missouri and has bright turquoise waters. Taum Sauk Mountain near Ironton. This is the highest point in Missouri and has amazing panoramic views of the lush forests. Hercules Glades Wilderness area near Bradleyville. These limestone glades have several beautiful waterfalls carved over the years by Long Creek. Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood. This is a wonderful place to go for natural beauty and to spot all kinds of wildlife.

Discover more about the most beautiful places in Missouri. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most incredible natural wonders in Missouri include:

  • Current River. This river is one of the first rivers to be designated a National Park in America. The water is clean and clear and perfect for kayaking.
  • Johnson’s Shut-Ins. This recreation area spans 8,647 acres and contains geological history going back 1.4 billion years.
  • Elephant Rocks State Park. This geologic reserve has massive granite boulders, some of which actually look like elephants.
  • Onondaga Caves. These caverns contain some of the most beautiful mineral formations in the country.

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in Missouri. 

What are the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri?

The most hidden natural attractions in Missouri include:

  • Prairie State Park. This is a place where you can hike along several trails surrounded by wildflowers and bison.
  • Bluff Dwellers Cave. These caves are spread over 3,000 feet and are full of history and beauty and there‘s a nearby museum.
  • Lover’s Leap. Climb to this overlook and see stunning views of the small town of Hannibal and the valley and river that surround it.
  • Engelmann Woods Natural Area. There is an old-growth forest here as well as a cave and vibrant wildflowers.

Learn more about the most hidden natural attractions in Missouri. 

What are the most beautiful places in Missouri?

The most beautiful places in Missouri include:

  • Blue Spring in Eminence. This is the deepest freshwater spring in Missouri and has bright turquoise waters.
  • Taum Sauk Mountain near Ironton. This is the highest point in Missouri and has amazing panoramic views of the lush forests.
  • Hercules Glades Wilderness area near Bradleyville. These limestone glades have several beautiful waterfalls carved over the years by Long Creek.
  • Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood. This is a wonderful place to go for natural beauty and to spot all kinds of wildlife.

Discover more about the most beautiful places in Missouri.