Summertime promises plenty of sun-drenched days and tons of fun outdoors. For an old-fashioned day under the sun, slip on your hiking shoes and follow the most refreshing hike in Missouri. Don’t forget to pack your beach towel, beach clothes, and sunscreen, because this picture-perfect trail leads straight to a beautiful swimming hole.

Relive those leisurely, carefree summer days of childhood when you visit Sam A. Baker State Park, in Patterson, which offers a full menu of activities for the whole family.
All Trails/Jeff Rayfield
If cooling down is your top priority, make your way to the Big Creek swimming hole via the nearly two-mile Shut-In Trail.
All Trails/Bill Keaggy
Dodge the strength of the sun's rays as you meander under a canopy of trees, past a flowing stream and even a cascading waterfall. Be prepared to walk down a set of stairs and over a fairy tale footbridge.
All Trails/Charlie Gutierrez
The trail can get pretty busy on those hot summer days, but if you're lucky, you'll have the path and the swimming hole pretty much to yourself.
All Trails/Charlie Gutierrez

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However, be forewarned that swimming is at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards. Bring along your inner tube; jump off of the rocks into the cool water, and have a picnic next to the water.
Missouri State Parks
The sprawling state park is also popular with boaters (on the St. Francis River), horseback riders, and biker riders.
Missouri State Parks
If one day at the park just isn't enough time, camp out in your RV or pitch a tent for a night or more.
Missouri State Parks
Click here for the official website of Sam A. Baker State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.
All Trails/Good Game

What do you consider the most refreshing hike in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! If you like old-fashioned swimming holes, you’ll also want to check out The Fugitive Beach in Rolla this summer.

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Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA