6 Easy-Access Missouri Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure
Spring is barreling right along, but we still have plenty of days left to fill with fun, relaxation, and adventure before summer. If it’s an adventure you’re after, you might like the idea of spending some time outdoors trekking to these six Missouri waterfall trails. A few require short hikes, while you can get to others with a mere short stroll. However, each promises breathtaking natural beauty! Did you look up something like “Are there any nice waterfalls near me?” to arrive here? Well, look no further, because the answer is almost assuredly yes.
1. Hickory Canyons – Ste. Genevieve
Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Make sure you head over to Hickory Canyons Natural Area after a recent rainfall, especially if you're visiting to see the waterfall. To access the wet-weather waterfall, follow the half-mile Hickory Canyon Natural Area Trail. You'll come across the waterfall at the halfway point of the out and back trail. Do this easy hike in Missouri and you'll never want to do any others (except maybe the rest of the ones on this list).
2. Grand Falls – Joplin
Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
You really don't even have to get out of your car to get a glimpse of Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri. Just admire it from the side of the road or from the small nearby parking lot. However, if you want an up-close look, you'll go on a short walk. Since it's summertime, you might want to bring your beach clothes and a beach towel for a dip in the pool into which the waterfall drops. Just be prepared as Grand Falls can get extremely busy, especially in the summer.
Rocky Falls Shut-Ins is another popular spot during the summer. Follow a brief .01-mile trail that will lead right to the cascading waterfall. If you're visiting on a hot day, wade in the pool's cool water. Make a day of it by bringing a picnic along. The area around the 40-foot waterfall features grills, picnic tables, and bathrooms. This waterfall hiking trail in Missouri is a great item to add to your bucket list!
4. City Garden Falls – St. Louis
Citygarden Sculpture Park, 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Spend an hour or two at City Garden in St. Louis, which boasts a beautiful six-foot waterfall. Relax by the waterfall, or watch the kids as they play in the water. The nearly-three acre city garden also features a children's play area.
5. Dogwood Canyon Waterfall – Lampe
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
You'll probably want to spend an entire day at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, which requires an admission fee. The spectacular park, however, boasts a full menu of activities and numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Dine at The Grill Restaurant; go on a hike, or set off on a guided segway tour. While you're here you'll definitely want to explore the rest of Dogwood Canyon Park in Missouri.
6. Parkville Nature Sanctuary – Parkville
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
If you love hiking, you'll definitely enjoy Parkville Nature Sanctuary, which offers three miles of trails. Follow the Old Kate-Waterfall Trail, spanning less than a mile, to reach the cascading waterfall. The pretty trail features a picturesque wooden boardwalk, a few stairs, and towering trees to shade you from the sun. This is a delightfully easy waterfall hike in Missouri you definitely ought to do at least once.
What are your favorite Missouri waterfalls? Let us know in the comments! For the ultimate outdoor adventure, follow this road trip to some of the best waterfalls in Missouri.
Address: Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Address: Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
Address: Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA
Address: Citygarden Sculpture Park, 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Address: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
Address: Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 10, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri?
Missouri is a lovely state with plenty of waterfalls to explore, and that can only mean one thing: there are loads of delightful hiking trails with waterfalls in Missouri to fall hopelessly in love with! Once you’ve seen a few, you’ll want to see them all. Among our favorite hikes with waterfalls in Missouri are awe-inspiring gems like the Old Kate & Waterfall Trail, which is located inside Parkville Nature Sanctuary and spans just .08 miles in length. The waterfall isn’t enormous, but it’s astonishingly beautiful, and it’s well worth the short trek to see it. Another favorite is the legendary Trail Through Time, which is found at the Pickle Springs Natural Area and is just under two miles long. Finally, be sure to also check out the Western Trail at the Hickory Canyons Recreation Area; at just a mile long, it’s perfect for a quick and scenic hike, especially for anyone who calls themselves a fan of the numerous waterfalls in Missouri.
How many waterfalls in Missouri are there?
Missouri is home to no less than – and probably quite a lot more than – one dozen waterfalls, all of which are special and beautiful in their own rites. It’s hard to choose a favorite; after all, it’s pretty hard to find a waterfall that ISN’T amazing. The tallest waterfall in Missouri is Mina Sauk Falls, coming in at an impressive 132 feet tall. Sure, the drop is split between some awe-invoking ledges, but we promise they’ll fill you with a sense of amazement from the moment you first see them. Another favorite waterfall in Missouri is the picture-perfect Dogwood Falls, which is located nearby the entrance to Dogwood Canyon. It’s a six mile out-and-back adventure that’ll have you constantly amazed, though – we say go for it! Missouri is a wonderful state for those who appreciate the fine art of waterfall chasing; see how many you can find.
Address: Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Address: Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
Address: Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA
Address: Citygarden Sculpture Park, 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Address: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
Address: Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Missouri In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
