Explore Elephant Rocks State Park

The hike begins with a paved trail leading to a plaque marking the highest point in Missouri.  Although there is no view here it is still a fun spot to take a picture. Continue back on the main trail until you reach the junction marked by the backcountry camping registration box. Turn right at the junction to hike a counterclockwise loop. The trail slowly descends through the woods.  As you con...

The Shut-Ins Trailhead is located located next to the River Store in the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park day use area.   Simply follow the paved trail for 0.3 miles to the boardwalk and viewing deck.  Here you’ll find stairs accessing the Shut-Ins.   Take your time exploring the unique rock formations spreading across the Black River.  The trail to the observation deck is family friendly and handic...

An offshoot from the Ozark Trail, the Bell Mountain Loop trail offers a 12 mile loop (when starting from the HWY A trail head) that works perfectly as a beginner backpacking trip. The Ozark Trail website offers excellent maps for all sections of the trail (for free!), click here.Day 1: Hike 7.5 miles, camp at summit of Bell MountainStarting from the HWY A trail head, head north along the connec...

Large rock formations, picturesque creeks, and wildflowers are all found along this trail. The full day hike can be either split in half via a connector trail, or lengthened into a multi-day backpacking trip, as there are three camping sites off the trail.

Starting from the Onondaga trail head of the Ozark Trail, this 12.6 mile backpacking trip and 12 mile float can be completed in two full days, or stretched into three days if you want to take a more casual pace. There is plentiful water, and several good camping spots along the trail, and of course at the campground, whichever you may choose. Check out the free map of this trail on the Ozark Tr...

If you were to place the Statue of Liberty in Blue Spring, the torch of the monument would still be 5 feet below the surface. As part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blue Spring is a must see and pinnacle of the nature preserve. The 6th largest spring in Missouri with water discharge at an average of 90 million gallons per day, Blue Spring helps feed the Current River with a year round ...