Lead Mine Conservation Area

Bennett Spring is the flagship of the Missouri Trout Parks. It draws the largest crowds, by far, and it boasts the largest spring of the four parks. It has a very nice restaurant, a nature center, a swimming pool, and tons of lodging and camping spaces. Once the park fills up, the rest of the visitors simply spill into the lodges and campgrounds that surround the park. The park boasts a nice ta...

The trail is a gravel surface that makes a loop around the long narrow ridge top southwest of the lake parking lot. You will pass the trail on your way to the lake parking lot. The first section of the trail starts right past the sing for the park and boring trail it then heads in a counter clockwise direction  passing through the oak woodland until a rocky area is encountered.  At this point, ...

This hike starts out on a half mile of paved trail. From here you will climb a ton of steps to the top, which when the leaves are off the tress can offer a pretty good view. The trail connects with a few other trails on the way but is well marked so you will know what way to go. Parts of this trail are a little rough so hiking boots are a good idea. For the most part the trail is well maintaine...

This park is best known for its castle ruins, which are also worth a visit. On the Colosseum Trail, you will hike down through a large 150ft deep sinkhole (the Colosseum) and under a natural stone bridge. After climbing out of the sinkhole you will reach a ridge with nice views. In spring, you will be in the company of blooming dogwoods and wildflowers.

This 6.5 mile loop is a great hike that takes you into the Haha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area. It shares a trailhead with the Acorn Trail but is clearly marked on which way you should go. This hike isn't super challenging but make sure that you are in good physical condition and that you have some knowledge about backpacking/hiking.  After about two miles the trail gives you an option to go r...

Starting near the camp store at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, this trail is an easy 1.5 mile hike.Less than a half mile in it will give you the option to go left or right. You will want to go right. Along the trail you will see some amazing bluffs and some great views of the lake. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The hike should take about an hour if you take it slow and really tak...