Cliff Jump at the Offsets

During the summer, the Offsets is generally pretty packed with families, and for good reason. It's within an easy drive of St. Louis and offers (relatively) safe cliff jumping in an area where that type of activities can be hard to come by. The Offsets is an old quarry that's been filled with spring water and is surrounded by cliffs ranging from maybe 20 feet to around 50. There's also parking, changing rooms, inner tube rental, and food for sale during the summer season, but there is a $10 entry fee. Overnight camping is also available.It's fun during the summer season, but expect there to be kids screaming and a lot of beer cans and cigarettes strewn around. Whoever decided to cash in on the Offsets has turned it into a hugely popular business. If you're wanting to avoid the families and the drunk people (don't drink and jump, kids), think about going during the off season in the fall. They technically close for the season after labor day, but if you call them ahead they're happy to let you and your friends in off season, and if you're lucky, you'll have the whole place to yourself. It might be a little chilly, but you'll have much more room for climbing up the cliffs, exploring the caves, and you won't have to wait in line for a jump. Plus, the changing colors of the leaves are stunning reflected in the still water.Start on the shorter cliffs until you get comfortable, make sure everyone you're with can swim, and don't chill at the top of the cliff contemplating for too long--it'll only get harder to jump.