Posted in Missouri Natural Wonders, Nature February 10, 2023 by

Spend The Day Exploring Caves In Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest

Exploring Missouri quite naturally means happening upon little-known caves, often while we’re hiking. Even if we’re not into hiking, we can explore some of the most popular caves in the state on guided tours. Missouri is, after all, the cave state with more than 6,400 caves. If you’re up for a day of adventure outdoors, one that includes discovering hidden caves, make your way to Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest caves.

Editor’s Note: Since the time of publication, the Mark Twain National Forest caves have been closed to the public or anyone without an authorized permit.

Spanning 1.5 million acres through 29 counties, Mark Twain National Forest draws outdoor lovers from all over Missouri and beyond for its many activities – from hiking to camping.
TaylorPettit/TripAdvisor
The sprawling national forest also boasts more than 600 caves, some of which play an important role in the wildlife that lives in the forest.
Mike Edwards/AllTrails
An estimated 20 caves in Mark Twain National Forest, for example, house many of the resident gray bats. The bats use their caves for a specific purpose, such as hibernation.
Cody Jordan/Wikipedia
If you want to get an up-close view of some of the caves in Mark Twain National Forest, lace up your hiking boots, and follow one of the 700 miles of hiking trails.
Conway Hawn/AllTrails
Be forewarned, however, that you may not be able to go inside all of the caves but should be able to get a glimpse inside. You might want to bring a flashlight along.
Phillip Dean/AllTrails
The Onyx Cave Trail, for example, will take you to several different caves along its 2.1-mile path. Just be prepared for a bit of a challenge as the trail is considered moderate.
Mike Edwards/AllTrails
Greer Spring Trail, on the other hand, leads you to a cave and one of the largest springs in Missouri. The 1.2-mile trek also earns a moderate rating due to several inclines and rocks that litter the path in some places.
Wallace Bell/AllTrails
Follow the Slabtown Cave Overlook Trail that will take you to the cave and to sensational views, from inside of the cave, of Big Piney River.
Jacob Rozner/AllTrails
While considered moderate, the trail tallies less than half of a mile.
Learn more on the official website of Mark Twain National Forest.
Dilia Martin/AllTrails


While exploring caves on national park land inside the Mark Twain National Forest is currently prohibited, the Meramec Caverns are privately owned and thus still open to group tours. Here is a video tour of Meramec Caverns:

Even though we aren’t allowed inside some of the caves at the moment, the area is so very fun to explore. Plus, there are plenty of smaller caves that you can peek into and pretend you are an expert spelunker going on an adventure. Have you been to Missouri’s Mark Twain’s National Forest caves? How many caves did you run across? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of hiking and caves, follow the Sheep’s Cave Trail in Meramec State Park.

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Address: Mark Twain National Forest, 401 Fairgrounds Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

More fun things to do in Missouri

February 15, 2023
Chris Muras

What are some things to do in Mark Twain National Forest?

If you have been prepping your Mark Twain National Forest things-to-do list here are a few more things to add:

  • Go on a scenic drive: The Blue Buck Knob Forest Scenic Byway twists and turns through the Mark Twain National Forest with scenic overlooks and small hiking trails right off of the roadway you are in for an adventurous day of exploring.
  • Go on a hobbit adventure: If you are a Lord of the Rings fan you'll love this hobbit adventure we have laid out for you in the Mark Twain National Forest.
  • Visit the highest point in Missouri: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Ironton, MO is a wonderful place to camp, hike, and enjoy unlimited scenic views. It just so happens that you can take the Mina Sauk Falls Trail to find the highest point in Missouri. And you can top off your journey with a waterfall that tumbles over 132 feet of rock to finish in Taum Sauk Creek.
  • Capture a photo of Missouri's second largest natural spring: Greer Spring Trail is a short hike, a bit under two miles, that leads to an impressive natural spring. As tempting as it is to take a dip, swimming, wading, fishing, floating, and bubble baths are strictly forbidden.
  • Discover a hidden waterfall: The Hercules Glades Wilderness Area in Mark Twain National Forest is absolutely breathtaking - if you are a nature nerd like we are. And there is nothing more fun than discovering a secret waterfall that you have all to yourself. The Coy Bald Trail is about seven miles of peace and quiet. About three miles into the hike you'll come face to face with a dangerously delightful waterfall.