Beautiful streams, rivers, and lakes, cities big and small, picturesque farmland — is there anything this state doesn’t have? We even have our own version of the Grand Canyon, and it’s a truly stunning sight. Affectionately named The Little Grand Canyon, Grand Gulf State Park might just be one of the most beautiful sights in the state, and that’s saying something. If you’re yearning for a bit of peace and quiet among nature, consider a visit to the Little Grand Canyon in Missouri. It’s definitely one of those bucket list-worthy destinations.

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Grand Gulf State Park’s Little Grand Canyon

Located six miles west of Thayer about as far south in Missouri as you can go, before hitting Arkansas of course, Grand Gulf State Park is a sight you won’t soon forget. Take a look at the Grand Gulf State Park photos and make plans to visit this incredible place.

Known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” the 322-acre park draws its name from its stunning collapsed dolomite cave system in the Ozarks.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The "Grand Gulf," as it's called, was created when a massive cave's ceiling collapsed thousands of years ago. Today, you can view the 0.75-mile-long canyon that features impressive 130-foot walls.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
While any time is a good time to visit Grand Gulf State Park, the best times may be during the fall and winter when the lack of foliage makes for easier viewing of the Grand Gulf.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Make sure you bring a camera, because you'll want to snap plenty of photos at the park's gorgeous scenic overlooks.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr

Natural Wonders In Grand Gulf State Park

Natural wonders abound in Missouri. After all, we live in a stunning state, brimming with natural beauty — from spectacular caves to breathtaking shut-ins, from beautiful caves to cascading waterfalls. Grand Gulf State Park in Koshkonong contains its own set of natural wonders including the Grand Gulf and its 250-foot natural bridge.

When you come to Grand Gulf State Park, you can gaze upon the Grand Gulf and all its glory from trails at the top or from the floor. On the floor of the canyon, you can actually walk under a 250-foot natural bridge.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
This bridge is part of the uncollapsed original cave and is one of the largest natural bridges in Missouri. It's quite an extraordinary natural wonder that's 250 feet high with a large opening of 75 feet.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Of course, the Grand Gulf itself, the centerpiece of this Missouri state park, is a natural wonder in and of itself. In 1971, it was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Stephanie M/TripAdvisor

 

Hiking Trails In Grand Gulf State Park

This gorgeous state park is best explored on one of the two Grand Gulf State Park trails — the Interpretive Loop Trail or the Natural Bridge Trail. Together, the length equals about one mile. You may as well hike them both in that case, right?

The Grand Gulf features four scenic overlooks, making it easy for you to admire its vastness. The 0.25-mile Interpretive Loop Trail leads straight to those overlooks. And then there's the 0.75-mile Natural Bridge Trail. Together, they form a loop.
All Trails/Conway Hawn

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The difficulty of this trail system really depends on your skills as a hiker. Some consider it easy while others rate it more on the moderate side. However, you should be prepared to climb stairs.
All Trails/Mitchell Elkins
There is some rocky terrain along the trails. However, you can go to the canyon floor, although there is not a trail that leads directly to it.
All Trails/Mitchell Elkins
That path can be a bit treacherous but you'll be rewarded with stunning beauty — a natural bridge, caves, and even a small waterfall. You can even enter the 75-foot opening to the natural bridge for even more of an adventure.
All Trails/Kevin Watkins
To get to the canyon's floor, there is a set of 119 stairs found along the Grand Gulf Natural Bridge and Interpretive Loop Trail. Just remember -- it's easy climbing down the stairs but you'll eventually have to take them back up.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Even if you opt not to go down to the canyon floor, you'll still be treated to gorgeous views and an enjoyable hike.
All Trails/Matt Morrison
You can find the trail map for the Grand Gulf Natural Bridge and Interpretive Loop Trail on AllTrails.
All Trails/Conway Hawn

 

Camping In Grand Gulf State Park

While there is no Grand Gulf State Park camping, there are camping options within an hour away. Here are a couple of options for you:

Located within Mark Twain National Forest approximately 33 miles from Grand Gulf State Park in Goebel Township, Turner Mill South offers year-round dispersed camping. While rustic, there are tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and a toilet.
Turner Mill South Campground, QP7J+XW, Goebel Township, MO 65606, USA
exploretheozarksonline.com
There are no fees to camp here.
A bit further away at nearly an hour is Circle B Campground. Located in Eminence, this campground offers riverfront tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. While you're here, go for a float on the Jacks Fork River!
Circle B Campground, Circle B Rd, Eminence, MO 65466, USA
Eric Marshall/Google Reviews

 

Have you ever visited the Grand Gulf State Park, the Missouri Grand Canyon? Share your experience in the comments. To learn more, visit the Missouri State Parks website.

For more amazing Missouri vistas, check out this little slice of paradise hiding in plain sight!

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More to Explore

Little Grand Canyon in Missouri

Jackie Ann | March 07, 2020

Where else can I find the best views in Missouri?

When it comes to scenic views, Missouri doesn’t disappoint. The Show-Me State is full of unbelievable views, and if you’re willing to do a little bit of exploration, you’ll be rewarded tenfold with some jaw dropping scenery. Prairie State Park comes alive in the summer with countless wildflower blooms, turning the tall grass prairie into a beautiful color splash that attracts hundreds of visitors every year. For tree top views, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is ideal, and for those looking to explore the views underground, a trip to Onondaga Cave State Park is a must.

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Missouri?

Missouri’s diverse terrain lends to some incredibly scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, or you just have a few hours to kill, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in Missouri that you’re sure to love. The Old Kate Trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary will reward you with breathtaking views of the sanctuary’s waterfall. For a peaceful hike with spectacular panoramic views of the Meramec River, head over to Castlewood State Park and take the 1.5-mile hike down the River Scene Trail. For wildlife viewing, the trails at Prairie State Park are your best bet to see free roaming American bison.

Are there any other natural wonders in Missouri?

If you’re looking to check out some of Missouri’s most fascinating natural wonders, you have plenty of options. Marvel Cave in Branson, Missouri offers both traditional tours and lantern-lit tours of the caves which allows you to see the caves from an entirely new perspective. Big Spring in the Ozark Mountains is one of the largest springs in the world, and on an average day, its average flow is roughly 286 million gallons of water. Finally, Elephant Rocks State Park has some impressive boulder formations that were formed from 1.5 billion-year-old granite.

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Grand Gulf State Park, State Hwy W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA