The Natural Area In Missouri That Transforms Into An Ice Palace In The Winter

Most people have a love-hate relationship with winter. The bitterly cold temperatures, scraping our car windows on a freezing morning, and dressing in layers before maneuvering our way along slick roads isn't exactly fun. However, - yep, there's a however - there's just something so breathtakingly beautiful about the landscape when it's dusted in snow. And a frozen waterfall? Awe-inspiring. Step into a virtual ice palace when you visit this natural area in Missouri.

Bundle up for an enchanting adventure that will lead you through a beautiful wonderland of snow and ice this winter at Hickory Canyons Natural Area in New Offensburg.

A fun, family-friendly destination all year round, the Missouri natural area is particularly pretty during the coldest season of the year.

Spanning more than 1,090 acres, the natural area features everything you'd want in a nature experience - flowing streams, towering trees, and even wet-weather waterfalls.

Those wet-weather waterfalls, in fact, transform into icy masterpieces when the temperatures plummet.

If you've never seen a waterfall become a sheet of ice, you're in for a treat.

For an even more unique experience, walk behind the frozen waterfall. You'll discover an abundance of photo-worthy moments during your adventure at this Missouri natural area.

To get the most out of your experience, follow one (or both) of the two hiking trails - the Western Trail and the Eastern Trail. Both are considered moderate.

However, the challenge is worth it to catch a glimpse of the sandstone cliffs encased in ice and the waterfalls frozen in mid-tumble.

Learn more about this natural area on the Hickory Canyons Natural Area website.

Have you been to this natural area in Missouri during the winter? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For more wintertime fun, how about going on a scenic hike? Here are seven of the best winter hikes in Missouri.