The Magnificent Crane Lake Trail In Missouri That Will Lead You To A Hidden Gem Lake

Very little can rival a day on the water, especially for outdoor lovers. However, a leisurely hike that boasts sensational lake views can certainly be just as amazing as time on the water. Crane Lake Trail in Missouri, often called a hidden gem, promises breathtaking lake views, picturesque shut-ins, and colorful wildflowers. It's picture-perfect all year around.

Meandering 4.5 miles through Crane Lake Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest, Crane Lake Trail offers an abundance of picture-perfect views.

The trail, which usually doesn't get too crowded, welcomes hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Although it's been called a hidden gem, the scenic trail earns a moderate rating from AllTrails, mainly because it can be difficult to follow the trail markings.

Expect a lot of spider webs, and make sure you wear and bring enough inspect repellent when you're hiking in the warmer months.

The trail features a creek crossing, so you might want to wear a pair of waterproof shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet and, potentially, muddy.

Scenic highlights of the trail range from shut-ins to Crane Lake itself, pretty all year around but particularly stunning during the fall.

You'll travel through a variety of terrain, too, including lush forest, sprawling fields, and past a dam.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too. You might be lucky enough, for example, to catch a bald eagle circling overhead.

Here's the official website of Mark Twain National Forest. You can find a map, photos, and more information on Crane Lake Trail on AllTrails.

Have you hiked Crane Lake Trail in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Then check out these 12 scenic trails in Missouri - one for each month of the year.