Best Waterfalls in Missouri: 14 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Spending time outdoors, exploring Missouri’s many state parks, conservation areas, and scenic hiking trails, inevitably means stumbling upon waterfalls that take our breath away. We have no shortage of waterfalls to chase in Missouri – from those that sit along winding trails to others that we can view from the comfort of our cars. Make your next adventure to one of the best waterfalls in Missouri.
Tallest Waterfalls In Missouri
While Missouri is perhaps best known for its thousands of caves, it has dozens of predominately wet-weather waterfalls. If you’re not sure where to start exploring these majestic cascades, plan a visit to the tallest waterfalls in Missouri.
1. Mina Sauk Falls
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
Nestled in the St. Francois Mountains, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is perhaps best known as the home of the biggest waterfall in Missouri. Sat along the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail, the 132-foot waterfall is at its most spectacular after it has rained. If you visit at any other time, you might see it as merely a trickle. Mina Sauk Falls is about halfway along the moderately challenging trail that features rocky terrain and quiet streams. If you don't have a lot of time, hike to the tallest waterfall then turn around and head back to the trailhead.
2. Dogwood Canyon Waterfall
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
Sprawled across 10,000 acres, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including several waterfalls, including one that's said to cascade down 60 feet. Stroll along one of the scenic paths that will take you past several waterfalls. You'll also be treated to sensational views of the Ozark Mountains.
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3. Riverside Falls
Riverside Waterfall, 1920 NW Platte Rd, Riverside, MO 64150, USA
Although it's not a natural waterfall, the man-made Riverside Falls is also known as Briarcliff Waterfall. You can access it along the Briarcliff Linear Trail. The nearly four-mile trail tends to be quiet but is kid-friendly and passes such scenery as a footbridge, a fountain, and perhaps one of the biggest waterfalls in Missouri.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Missouri
Some of the best hiking trails in Missouri lead to breathtaking cascades; others surprise us with tiny unnamed waterfalls as we’re hiking. Next time adventure calls, answer with a trek along one of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri.
4. Western Trail
Hickory Canyons Natural Area, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
The best way to explore Hickory Canyons Natural Area is on one of its hiking trails. The one-mile Western Trail leads to a spectacular waterfall. Be prepared to run into other hikers along this loop trail that features a few challenges, including downed trees and roots jutting up from the ground. The flowing waterfall is undeniably the highlight of the trail, but spend time admiring the chiseled canyons and cliffs, too.
5. Roark Creek Waterfall Trail
Waterfall Hiking Trailhead, 1902 Roark Valley Rd, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Both a kid-friendly and a dog-friendly hike, the Roark Creek Waterfall Trail in Branson passes two flowing waterfalls. Although it scores an easy rating, the 1.8-mile hike features some rocky terrain, so be prepared. While the wet-weather waterfalls are at their strongest after it rains, if it rains too much, the trail may be closed. You'll likely run into other hikers on the popular trail and, if you're visiting in the summer, bring your swimming gear. The larger of the two waterfalls is a popular swimming hole.
6. Ozark Chinquapin Trail
Chinquapin Trail, County Rd SEW24, Pineville, MO 64856, USA
Meandering through Big Sugar Creek State Park, the Ozark Chinquapin Trail promises an abundance of natural beauty, including unique rock formations, colorful wildflowers, and several natural waterfalls. The 3.4-mile loop trail is dog-friendly (pups must remain on a leash) and is predominately flat. Pass tiny waterfalls that cascade over cliffs and ledges into crystal-clear pools of water. Don't forget your camera to capture the flowing waterfalls and the breathtaking views from the scenic bluffs.
7. Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail
Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area, Eureka, MO 63025, USA
When you need to get away from it all, embrace the quiet of nature at Glassberg Family Conservation Area, home to picturesque ponds, local wildlife, and scenic overlooks. Follow the 2.6-mile Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail that's highlighted by a tiny but beautiful wet-weather waterfall. The overlook offers sensational views of the Meramec River, so don't forget your camera.
Accessible Waterfalls In Missouri (No Hiking Required)
Chasing waterfalls might be the perfect outdoor adventure, but we don’t always have the time or the ability to go on a hike. That doesn’t mean we’ll miss out, though. These accessible waterfalls in Missouri lead to some of the most magnificent cascades, and each requires just a short walk to view.
8. Grand Falls
Grand Falls, 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
If you don't have a lot of time, you don't even have to leave the parking lot to drink in sensational views of Grand Falls in Joplin. The waterfall is popular year-round, but it gets really busy during the summer. Take a short stroll from the parking lot to the 163-foot wide waterfall that cascades down 12 feet. A popular swimming hole in the summer, Grand Falls' ledges are popular with climbers. Water shoes are recommended.
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9. Rocky Falls
Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
Rocky Falls in Winona Township is perhaps the area's most popular swimming hole. You can wade in the cool water and, if you're wearing water shoes, climb the chiseled rock formations. Even if you don't want to get wet, bring a chair and sit alongside the water. You'll also find grills, picnic tables, and bathrooms a short walk from the cascade. The 40-foot waterfall is beautiful year-round. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season.
10. Waterfall Park
Waterfall Park, 4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, USA
Waterfall Park in Independence is home to several gorgeous manmade waterfalls. Follow the 1.2-mile Waterfall Loop Trail that will take you past the towering cascade, several smaller manmade waterfalls, sunflowers in the summer, and ducks and geese floating on Bass Pro Lake. The park can get extremely busy, so be prepared to run into other hikers, walkers, and families.
11. Johnson’s Shut-Ins
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
If you've been searching for "waterfalls near me," you've certainly found some of the most unique. Johnson's Shut-Ins, tucked in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, is perhaps the most popular natural waterpark in Missouri. Slip down natural waterslides; cool off in the crystal-clear pool, and admire tiny waterfalls created by the shut-ins. Some swimmers even bring tubes to float. Plan a visit, too, in the other seasons when the shut-ins are less crowded.
Best Waterfalls near Kansas City
You won’t find a better adventure than chasing hidden waterfalls in Missouri and exploring some of its most popular cascades. From St. Louis to Kansas City, the best Missouri waterfalls are worthy of a spot on your bucket list. You might even want to go on a road trip to visit some of the best waterfalls near Kansas City.
12. Tryst Falls
Tryst Falls Park, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA
As one of the only natural waterfalls in the Kansas City area, Tryst Falls has been a beloved local natural landmark for more than 100 years. Nestled in Tryst Falls Park, the natural waterfall is easily accessible on a short .02-mile, dog-friendly path. The park itself has picnic tables and a playground.
13. Parkville Nature Sanctuary Waterfall
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
The one-mile Old Kate Trail meanders through Parkville Nature Sanctuary and past such natural beauty as wetlands and streams. The highlight of the trail is the wet-weather waterfall that you'll likely hear before you see it. Scoring an easy rating, the waterfall hike in Missouri passes along boardwalks and features some bumpy terrain.
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14. Line Creek Trail Waterfall
Line Creek Trailhead, Line Creek Trail, Kansas City, MO 64151, USA
Carve out at least three hours for your stroll along the predominately paved 8.2-mile Line Creek Trail in Kansas City. While the natural waterfall is the highlight of the scenic trail, you'll also pass such scenic beauty as colorful wildflowers in the warmer months, meadows, and local wildlife.
What do you think? Do you agree that these are the best Missouri waterfalls? From year-round waterfalls to wet-weather waterfalls, Missouri has something for everyone. Let us know your favorites in the comments! Follow this scenic waterfall loop road trip through Missouri for an epic adventure. But before you set off on any road trip, check out our road trip essentials packing list.
Missouri’s Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 7 Different Waterfalls
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