Missouri Has A Grand Canyon, The Little Grand Canyon And It’s Incredibly Beautiful
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. Lace up those boots, because today we’re exploring the Little Grand Canyon in Missouri.
Located six miles west of Thayer about as far south in Missouri as you can go before you hit Arkansas, Grand Gulf State Park is a sight you won't soon forget.
Known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” the 322-acre park draws its name from its stunning collapsed dolomite cave system in the Ozarks.
The more than mile-long canyon features 130-foot walls.
The gulf was created when a giant cave's ceiling collapsed thousands of years ago.
If you visit, you can gaze at the gulf from trails at the top or from the floor, where you can walk under the 250-foot natural bridge.
The bridge is part of the uncollapsed original cave and is one of the largest natural bridges in Missouri.
A word of caution: There's no trail leading to the gulf's bottom, so be careful if you attempt to get there.
Make sure you bring a camera, because you'll want to snap plenty of photos at the park's gorgeous scenic overlooks.
The best time to go is during fall and winter, when the lack of foliage makes for easier viewing of the gulf.
Have you ever visited the Little Grand Canyon in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments below!
For more amazing Missouri vistas, check out this little slice of paradise hiding right here!
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