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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!