A source of great pride for all Missourians has been its nationally recognized and beautiful park system. There are a total 87 official Missouri State Parks and State Historic Sites, that total around 200,000 acres of natural and stunning space for the public to enjoy. At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park you will find yourself literally at the top of Missouri! The highest elevation point in the state is in this park, as well as the highest wet-weather waterfall. Gorgeous scenery all year round includes hickory forests, rocky glades and even a portion of the Ozark Trail.

Flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
View from Taum Sauk Mountain. This is about 1/2 mile from the actual highest point in Missouri which interestingly does not have a view like this.
Flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Located in the beautiful St. Francis Mountains, nine miles southwest of Ironton, visitors can climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park observation point.
Flickr/ Missouri Division of Tourism
Highest Point in Missouri.
Flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
At 1,772 feet, it is the highest elevation in the state.
Highest Point in Missouri Marker
Flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
View from MO's Highest Point
Flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This park encompasses 7,500 acres of forest, full of trails of different difficulty levels and the loveliest scenery you can imagine.
Mina Sauk Falls
Visitmo.com
Above Mina Sauk Falls
Flickr/ Randy Watson
A highlight of these scenic rugged park is Mina Sauk Falls, the state's highest wet-weather waterfall.

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Above Mina Sauk Falls
Flickr/ Randy Watson
Flickr/ Randy Watson
Mina Sauk Falls Loop is a relatively short trail (3 miles) but packs in lots of amazing scenery. The rocky loop has you hiking Missouri's tallest mountain, strolling through scenic glades, and scrambling around Missouri's highest waterfall.
Looking Down Mina Sauk Falls
Flickr/ Randy Watson
Mina Sauk Falls Pools
Flickr/ Randy Watson
Mina Sauk Falls is a wet water waterfall. This means it only flows during or after rain storms. When it’s flowing, it is an impressive 132 feet high. Even if the waterfall isn't flowing, the beautiful rock formations and awesome views of the Ozark Mountains are still well worth the hike.
Glade View
Flickr/ Randy Watson
Mostateparks.com
The Taum Sauk portion of the Ozark Trail connects the park with nearby Johnson's Shut-ins State Park and the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area.
Mostateparks.com
Mostateparks.com
Besides the hiking and backpacking trails, a primitive 12-site basic campground, an accessible overlook and picnicking areas are also available.

If you haven’t been to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, it’s time to put it on your list!  Definitely a must-see in the beautiful state of Missouri.

Have you been here?  What was your experience?  Have you seen the waterfall flowing?  What is YOUR favorite state park in Missouri?  Please share all comments, suggestions, pictures, or whatever you desire to share in the comments below.

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