The greatest thing about a road trip featuring waterfalls is that the falls are all located in beautiful state parks and natural areas, guaranteeing that the falls won't be all you see. With this Missouri waterfalls road trip map, that trip has never been easier to take. Take a hike with a beautiful waterfall rewarding you at the end. Explore a city park with numerous attractions. No matter where you find the falls, you will have fun just getting there, so take your time and look around a bit on this waterfall road trip in Missouri. Off we go on the ultimate road trip to the best waterfalls in Missouri.
1. Cascades, Forest Park, St. Louis
Also known as Flegel Falls, the 75-foot waterfall known as the Cascades was built in the 1930s and is named for the World’s Fair Cascades that ran down Art Hill during the fair in 1904. They are located in Forest Park on a steep slope west of the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Check out this video:
2. Hickory Canyons, Ste. Genevieve
After a rain event, a large wet-weather waterfall can be enjoyed from the end of the Hickory Canyons Natural Area Trail on the east side of the county road. A nice, easy half-mile hike will take you past several rocky bluffs and overhangs on the way to the waterfall.
Here's a video of the area:
This beauty might inspire you to take a waterfalls road trip.
3. Mina Sauk Falls, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Mina Sauk Falls is the highest waterfall in Missouri. It cascades 132 feet over a series of ledges into Taum Sauk Creek. It is a wet-weather waterfall that flows best after a rain. Located in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, it is conveniently located adjacent to our next location.
his is one of the most spectacular finds on any map of waterfalls in Missouri.
4. Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Taum Sauk Mountain
Near Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, at the foot of Taum Sauk Mountain, is home to falls or "shut-ins" created by volcanic rock that is carved out by the East Fork of the Black River. You can approach the falls from countless angles, and at many points, the river cascades in many rivulets over and around igneous rocks worn smooth over time.
5. Rocky Falls, Stegall Mountain Natural Area
Rocky Falls in Shannon County is another waterfall that can also be considered a shut-in. Located nine miles southeast of Eminence on Highway NN, Rocky Falls cascades down sixty feet of igneous rock into a pool of cold, clear water. Rocky Falls is a popular spot with swimmers during the hot summer months, although it's an ideal destination to visit any time of the year.
Of all the waterfalls in Missouri, this may be the most stunning.
6. Marvel Cave, Branson
Marvel Cave is a National Natural Landmark located just west of Branson on top of Roark Mountain in Stone County. Located 505 feet below the surface, the Waterfall Room is the lowest room on the cave tour. The source of the water is from the underground stream named The Lost River.
7. Grand Falls, Joplin
Grand Falls is the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri. The natural falls are created by a ledge of solid chert rock that measures 163 feet across. The water from Shoal Creek then plunges 12 feet to a rock ledge. While it is not the tallest waterfall, it is a must-see while in the Joplin area, and you are guaranteed to see it flowing every time you visit.
This stunning waterfall makes us want to dive right in!
This Missouri waterfalls road trip could just as easily work backward, from Joplin to St. Louis, or start at any point in between. There are other, lesser-known falls that you might find along the way, as well as lots of options for staying the night or catching a great meal. Do you plan on setting off on a road trip to the best waterfalls in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Do you like wine? How about pairing your next road trip with wine and waterfalls:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/waterfalls-wine-daytrip-mo/
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