At Wallace State Park, you will have the opportunity to take one of two main trails through the preserved woodlands. The trails can be taken separately or together for a three-mile hike that will take you around Lake Allaman and over deep ravines. Check out the small sand bars, fish and amphibians, woodland birds, and deer tracks as you enjoy your hike. These trails are maintained by the park system. However, you may experience downed vegetation, slippery surfaces, and occasional water over the trails. Visit the park website for more information.
Located by the Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park has one of the most interesting collections of geological marvels in the state. You can see sinkholes, a huge natural bridge, caves, and sheer bluffs. If you like castles, there are turn-of-the-century stone castle ruins located within the park grounds that you can explore during your hike. Take the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail through the woodlands and open rocky glades of the park and enjoy the relaxing scenery on the 6.5-mile trail. If you want to camp in this park, there are several primitive sites to use. Visit the state park website for more information on camping and available amenities.
With three types of trails to take, Table Rock State Park has a way for most people to enjoy a hike in these woodlands. The easiest path to take is the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail that is only 2.25 miles-long. This trail is paved and relatively flat, which is perfect for beginning hikers. The second path is the Chinquapin Trail and it is rated as a moderate trail. This natural surfaced route is approximately 1.5 miles-long and is flat for the most part. However, it gives hikers the chance to experience the woodlands and glades of the region. The most rugged trail is the White River Valley Trail that has an elevation that ranges from 710 to 1,200 feet above sea level and gives hikers a chance to test themselves with physically challenging obstacles and elevation changes along the trail. Every hiker will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the scenery, including the great blue heron, roadrunners, and collared lizards.
Located in Northwest Missouri, Mozingo Lake Recreation Park offers hikers of all skill levels the chance to explore the woodlands that surround the lake as well as the lake itself. There is a 1.3-mile paved walking trail for those just starting out or for those more experienced, you can try your hand at the over three-mile naturally designed trails on the east side of the lake. There is also nine miles of trails designed for both hiking and horseback riding. Either way you decide to hike in this park, you are bound to enjoy the beauty of the bright blue lake and crisp green forest area.
With eight trails to choose from, Castlewood State Park will keep you busy for hours. The length of the trails varies from 1.5 miles to 6.5 miles-long. However, all the trails have spectacular views and terrain to enjoy along the way. Try the Al Forest Trail as it follows the original route of the Pacific Railroad until it reaches the Meramec River. If you are looking for a challenge, you can try the Chubb Trail that is 6.5 miles-long and travels through three parks. The terrain changes from hilly to flat, forested bottomland and back again. Watch out for a variety of wildlife on your hike and make sure to take pictures along the way to capture your experience in Castlewood State Park.
]]>
The Ozark Greenways are actually an award-winning network of multiple hiking, riding, and biking trails that span over 70 miles with multiple access points. Hikers can take short easy nature walks, or enter the network in a more rugged or isolated area. It’s a great way to spend some quality time in the scenic foothills of the Ozarks.
Hawn State Park is an exquisite park to explore, affording views of glistening streams and blooming with orchids. While there are several trails to take on, the Overlook Trail serves as a great, short trek for children. The trail is paved and only 300 feet in length—taking about 10 minutes to explore. But it’s a great primer to the park. When the little ones are ready for the next level, consider exploring the moderately-rated, 3.75-mile long White Oaks Trail.
The Weldon Spring Conservation Area outside of St. Louis boasts four important trails, and two of them, including the Hamburg, are suitable for both hiking and biking. Of the four, only the Hamburg, which runs parallel to the Missouri River in places, is rated as an easy hike. At just six miles in length, this trek is ideal for your kiddos.
The Pickle Springs Natural Area is not only a Missouri treasure, but has also been designated a National Natural Landmark. The Trail Through Time is a two-mile walk that leads through geological, botanical, and zoological areas, showcasing the development of this landscape over centuries, even millennia, of time. It’s an easy hike, but not necessarily a fast one—hikers frequently stop to look at all the trail’s features!
While there aren’t quite any “easy” trails at Cuivre River State Park, the Mossy Hill Trail is something everyone in the family can enjoy. The loop trail is designated as moderate, and is just under a mile in length. Explorers will walk through woodlands, with picturesque mosses, lichen, and wildflowers. Keep an eye on the little ones when you’re walking, as the area has roots that can be tripped over, some shifting rocks, and occasional slippery areas.
]]>South of Kansas City, Missouri, this dirt bike park is located on 315 acres with up to nine miles of tracks with loops and dirt for the racer ready to get muddy. With hair pin turns and hills to jump, this trail has something for everyone. They also play host to several motocross events including, the Missouri Vintage Motocross Series, the Best of the Midwest Series, and the Missouri State MX Championship. For more information on these events or getting out on the trail, visit their website or Facebook page.
Located in Lewis County, this park is filled with wild trails and unique scenery of Northeast Missouri. With 20 miles of trails, there is plenty of mud and dirt to get messy all day long. Through the 680 acres of land, you can drive through timber, fields, and mud bogs. The owner, Don Grimwood, is best known for using his construction background to create multiple bridges to make the trails better for riders. If you need a place to stay, he has also built cabins and added RV hookups to the park. After a hard day’s ride, you can enjoy a beach with hammocks on the property as well.
About an hour south of St. Louis, St. Joe State Park is home to the second off-road trail in the state park system. With 54 miles of premium trails, this park is well-known for the sandflats and challenging trails in the woods. Enjoy driving through mud, dirt, and gravel as you take your bike through the lush woodlands. If you are planning on staying the weekend or longer, make a reservation for a spot at their campground for either basic or electric access areas. They also have family sites for those who need some extra room for everyone.
If you want to try this mile of track, you’ll have to travel to the southwest part of Missouri. Established in 1977, this area has exciting elevation changes, loops, and jumps for riders to enjoy. This track has areas for both older and younger rides to try out and host racing events during the season. They also offer shaded parking and bathrooms for their guests. For more information on when the track is open, check out their website and Facebook page.
Located less than 15 miles away from Columbia, Missouri, this park provides an open riding area with wooden landscape, a number of lakes, and mounds created by coal mining back in the 1960s. The 5.25-mile trail runs through dirt, mud, rocks, and steep inclines that riders will want to be careful of as mother nature can cause some hazardous conditions as times. If you are looking for a place to camp for the night, the park has several basic and electrical campsites for guests to reserve.
]]>
Hidden Valley Ski Resort offers a great experience for skiers of all skill levels. With 18 slopes and trails, snow tubing park, and ski and snowboard rentals, this resort offers a great way to enjoy winter.
The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Adventure Park offers an exciting way to experience the winter. With a variety of zip lines and cable slides, it's the perfect way to get your winter fix.
Steinberg Skating Rink is the go-to spot for ice skating. Open to the public, the rink offers a wide selection of activities, including figure skating and hockey. No need to worry about bringing your own skates; all the necessary equipment is available for rent.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers a great way to explore the outdoors during winter. With 250 miles of trails and fields open for snowshoeing, this is a great way to get out and enjoy the winter air.
The Busch Wildlife Conservation Area is the perfect spot for hiking during the winter. With 15 miles of trails, visitors are able to explore the woods and appreciate nature.
Castlewood State Park is the premier destination for sledding! The park provides endless hills of varying heights, making it the ultimate spot for a fun and thrilling adventure. Whether you're young or old, it's the perfect environment to take a ride down the snowy slopes.
If you're looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, the Great Santa Run is the perfect activity. Participants are encouraged to wear a Santa suit as they run around the city.
Branson is the perfect place to go for a Christmas light tour. With a variety of light displays, it's the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit.
Head out to Table Rock Lake this winter to go ice fishing - it's the ideal destination! From crappie to bass and walleye, you'll find plenty of bite-worthy fish during the cold season. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after species of fish.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort Snow Tubing Park is the place to be for an adrenaline rush. With runs that range from mild to wild and a lift to get you to the top, it's the perfect way to spend your winter day.
{module_SO - AI Disclaimer}
]]>This is just one of the many great trails in Castlewood State Park near Ballwin, Missouri. Accessible via Chubb Trail, Castlewood Loop passes through old farmland, field, and forest. Because this trail is in a floodplain, hikers may experience sand and/or water at different spots along the path. A popular feature found on Castlewood Loop is Lincoln Beach, which was a popular swimming hole in the mid-1900s.
The 0.8-mile Bluestem Knoll Trail near Kaiser will give you a glimpse into Missouri history. The landscape in Miller County looked a lot different a few centuries ago before the first settlers arrived here. It takes an average of 35 minutes for visitors to hike the multi-terrain Bluestem Knoll Trail.
Chinquapin Trail, near Pickens, is a natural surface trail at Table Lake State Park that shares a section with Table Rock Lakeside Trail. Visitors to Chinquapin Trail are treated to scenic views of the Missouri Ozarks and native wildlife as they hike across a variety of terrain. In an effort to preserve the native wildflowers, visitors are asked to please not pick the flowers.
At nearly 13 miles, the multi-terrain Honey Run Trail is an energizing three-in-one trail in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Most visitors break this hike up into three sections: the three-mile Upland Flatland Section (two hours or more), the 4.25-mile North Loop (three hours or more), and the 2.5-mile South Loop (one hour or more). The trailhead for Honey Run Trail is located at McCubbins Drive.
This moderate, 1.5-mile hike is just one of the many popular trails at Johnson’s Shut-In State Park. Horseshoe Glade Trail takes visitors on an energizing hike through the wilderness of the East Fork Wild Area of the Park. A fraction of this trail is uphill and, after rain, hikers may see water covering the trail at certain parts.
]]>Missouri is known as the Cave State, and that’s nowhere more in evidence than in Onondaga Cave State Park. The caves themselves, especially Onondaga Cave and Cathedral Cave, are worth the trip, with their stunning geological formations, but camping at the park also offers fishing, boating, hiking trails, and towering bluffs overlooking the Meramec River. Access to local attractions from the campgrounds make this an ideal Missouri vacation.
View this post on Instagram
The Endangered Wolf Center was founded by naturalist Marlin Perkins to protect a species that was quickly going extinct. Located right outside St. Louis, the Wolf Center allows camping with one particular attraction—campers can walk to the wolf habitat area and howl at the wolves, and the wolves almost always howl back.
Set in the clean, well-kept areas outside of St. Louis, Babler State Park features walking trails, fire circles, a paved bicycle trail, riding trails, and playgrounds. With easy-to-use parking slabs, clean toilets and showers, plenty of shade, and quick access to the city, it’s an ideal place for a family vacation.
Open year-round, Ozark Trails is one of the best destinations for family camping in the state. Situated in Linn Creek, Ozark Trails is an RV campground with big pull-thru sites, full hook-ups, and 30 or 50 amp service. Amenities include a pool, children's playground, campground store, and gorgeous nearby hiking trails.
St. Joe is one of the few parks in the system that has absolutely everything—including ATV trails, horseback riding trails, hiking trails, biking trails, swimming, and playgrounds. It’s near local attractions, including local wineries, but there’s enough to do at the park to make it a destination all on its own.
]]>Located just outside of St. Louis, Pin Oak Creek RV Park has what you are looking for. This site has full hook-up for all your needs, plus premium sites with bigger areas to enjoy picnic tables and larger fire pits. Along with their campsite, this park has a camp store, DVD rentals, an on-site laundry room, and clean restrooms with showers for guests to use. If you are looking for entertainment, you can either travel about 30 minutes from camp and explore St. Louis or you can stay on site and enjoy activities hosted by the park. Whether you are looking for a place to stop and relax for a weekend or a place to sleep while passing through Missouri, check out this site for all your RV needs. For more information on rates and directions to the park, visit their website.
For a quiet and peaceful place to stay, try St. Peters’ 370 Lakeside Park with a 140-acre lake just minutes away from shopping and restaurants. With 50 full-service RV sites, this park has the space you will need for your stay. Plus, you will have access to picnic tables, fire rings, and free Wi-Fi to use. If you are looking for something to do, they have a 4.5-mile pedestrian/bike trail around the lake or you can take a boat out on the water during the day. The park offers watercraft and bicycles for rent to guests for a fee. You can also enjoy the St. Peters Rec-Plex that has an indoor pool, gym, and ice skating rink and only pay what residents do to use the facilities. Check out their website for more information on rates and directions to the park.
Located right off I-35 in northern Missouri, Eagle Ridge RV Park is a great place to stop on your travels. Along with the needed hookups, the park offers an in-ground swimming pool to enjoy and hiking trails to explore during your stay. If you are looking for a place to fish, they even have a four-acre pond you can fish in, either on their dock or on a paddle boat. They are also pet friendly and have a plenty of open area for them to explore. Check out their website for more information on rates and directions.
Offering visitors a scenic and tranquil getaway, Big Creek RV Park is a great spot to camp during your travels in Missouri. Located in the southeastern part of the state, this campsite has full hookups, free Wi-Fi, and even cable TV for those looking to keep up with their favorite sports team or TV show. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the park offers walking trails and a creek for fishing. They also have a volleyball area, free use of outdoor games, and a playground for kids. If you are looking for other activities, you can take a float trip, go horseback riding, or even do some shopping less than an hour from the campsite. Visit their website for more information on their rates and the other attractions close to the park.
Located just three miles north of St. Joseph, AOK Campground and RV Park provides guests with all the needed amenities and then some, with a pool and recreational areas to use. If you enjoy fishing, they have a fully-stocked lake on the campgrounds that guests can enjoy all throughout the day. For other activities, you can visit St. Joseph and explore the local museums, the Remington Nature Center, or take in a show at the Missouri Theater. The serene atmosphere and beauty of the park will give you the opportunity to relax on your next vacation through Missouri. Be sure to check out their website for more information on rates and directions to the campsite.
]]>If you have your tackle and line ready to go, then visit this state park for the best fishing around. With bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and muskie, the lake is filled with something for everyone. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the waterway or you can enjoy yourself at the fishing pier located in the Pittsburg area of the park. If you need some more bait or just a cool drink, stop by the park store. For extended stays, the park offers around 240 campsites that offer both basic and electrical with water sites.
For those who enjoy nature, this spot allows for just that. With some bait and a chair, you can try your skills at catching a variety of fish including, bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. If one spot is not working for you, then there are several ponds and lakes to try in the area. When you are done for the day, there are several places to stay in Lee’s Summit or you can head up to Kansas City for more options.
Forest Lake, located in Thousand Hills State Park, provides for a great spot for anglers of all ages. Here you have the chance to catch largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and crappie. Don’t forget to bring plenty of bait as you enjoy hanging out with your best fishing buddy on the shore or out on the lake. If you are planning on staying the night, there are both basic and electric campsites to reserve. However, if you don’t want to camp, you can stay in one of the three hotels located just seven miles away in Kirksville, Missouri.
Fleming Park covers over 7,800 acres of recreational area and is home to Blue Springs Lake, Lake Jacomo and several different fishing ponds. With several different types of fish from flathead catfish to hybrid striped bass in this area, you have the chance to catch something during the day. Also, there is a fishing dock dedicated to those with disabilities, which allows everyone to enjoy this sport. Now, if you want to fish on the water, then you can launch from the boat dock. With the location of this park, there are no campsites available but there are many hotels and motels off site to accommodate everyone.
With a fish cleaning station, Lake Showme is set to let you come and try to catch some bass, sunfish, or even catfish. Located in Northeast Missouri, this lake has a boat ramp, restrooms, fishing docks and basic camp grounds for everyone to enjoy. Bring lunch and try to catch your dinner, while relaxing in the great outdoors. If you need a place to stay, besides the lake area, then you can find a hotel or motel in Memphis, Missouri located just four miles away.
]]>Some of the largest brown trout ever caught—in the world—have come out of the White River in the Ozarks region of Missouri. And fall, when the water is cooling and the browns are spawning, is one of the best times to chase them. As fun is it is to hook a big brown in anyway, there’s nothing quite like catching one on the fly. Fly Fishing the Ozarks can help put you on your trophy fish.
View this post on Instagram
Folks in the Kansas City area can soak in the full flavor of fall with one of the many fantastic hikes at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. Take the Bethany Falls trail for a winding walk through the forests and among limestone outcrops. The area’s other five trails include one that is accessible for everyone. Don’t leave Blue Springs without grabbing some barbecue at Zarda.
The Katy Trail is a former railroad bed that has been converted into one of the country’s premier long-distance biking trails. Start in Boonville and enjoy all that the awesomeness of autumn along the bluffs above the Missouri River valley. You can bike all the way to St. Charles, if you’re so inclined. Inn-to-inn biking is another popular way enjoy the trail. Look up Champion Bikes in Boonville to get you set up with gear and a rental.
Hop aboard the Showboat Branson Belle for a gorgeous cruise on Table Rock Lake. You’ll see all the splendor of autumn in the Ozarks from the decks of an authentic 1800s river boat. While on board, you’ll also be treated to dinner, as well as one of the showboat’s renowned performances.
View this post on Instagram
You will find more than 20 miles of single-track with climbs, downhills, and challenges for all levels of riders at Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park. Fall is an awesome time to hit the most tree-lined sections of the trail and enjoy riding beneath the autumn canopy. Champion Bicycles in Sedalia is the nearest dedicated bike shop, with gear, repairs and rentals.
View this post on Instagram
In late October, you can hit the road for a good cause at the annual Harvest Hootenanny. You can choose to run the 5K route, or you can bring a bike and cycle an extra 15 miles to make it a duathlon. The course runs near Lake Lou Yeager, across from the Shoal Creek Nature Conservation Area, so the colors are always stunning. After your run (and bike), refuel at the Ariston Café, on the former Route 66 in Litchfield.
The treelined James River Water Trail is a gorgeous way to explore fall in Missouri’s Ozarks. Grab a boat and float or fish the placid flat water of the James River, soaking in the fall colors and the wildlife along the river banks. Hootontown Canoe Rental and Store offers late-season rentals of canoes and kayaks.
]]>View this post on InstagramPaddling Pickle Rick... Back from Tuva, Russia... Taking on the Ozarks. Lol
Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
This unique park in southeast Missouri features elephant-shaped boulders that were formed from 1.5-billion-year-old granite. Standing end-to-end like a train of circus elephants, these rocks are an intriguing visual formation for everyone from geologists to history buffs to children and beyond. The Braille Trail, designed specifically for those with visual and physical disabilities, provides an easy way to see these fascinating rocks. Follow an extension of this trail to see the ruins of a beautiful old railroad engine house. It’s quite the site to see.
While you don’t necessarily have to hike to get here, this spot is well worth the mention because you won’t find anything else quite like it in the Midwest. Vertical Voyages operates under the belief that it is important for individuals to have positive and intimate experiences with nature in order to cultivate a desire for conserving and protecting our environment. Participants of the programs at Vertical Voyages, which are designed for all skill levels, will be challenged physically, stimulated mentally, and become more connected with nature.
If you’re looking for a distinctive destination, then Johnson’s Shut-In State Park is a perfect choice. The ancient beauty, geology, and wilderness qualities of this park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make it an interesting place to climb. Hikers have long-enjoyed the rugged character found throughout Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, which features multiple rocky trails.
Characterized by open woodlands, quaint streams and springs, and stunning bluffs, Lake of the Ozarks makes for a great and lesser-known rock climbing destination. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the few state parks in Missouri that permits rock climbing. Explorers will be afforded some truly beautiful views from atop the bluffs.
It doesn’t get more immaculate than St. Francois State Park. This lush state park offers opportunity for hikers, horseback riders, anglers, and rock climbers. The area is defined by forested ridges and cool hollows, according to the state park website. It’s no easy task climbing in St. Francois. There are an abundance of boulder problems and short walls, so it’s recommended to have some experience if you try to explore this spot.
]]>Ha Ha Tonka is where nature and history come together to create one state park that should not be missed. Ha Ha Tonka State Park features a series of trails and boardwalks that make it easy for visitors to experience this historic and geologic wonderland. In addition to the wooded areas and open rocky glades, you’re sure to enjoy the ruins of the turn-of-the-century stone castle, the huge natural bridge, and Missouri’s 12th largest spring.
The upland forest area of Meramec State Park features mature and old second growth trees that cover the hills above the Meramec River. Hikers are treated to stunning foliage from the canopies of a variety of oak and hickory trees as well as flowering dogwood and serviceberry. As you hike over these breathtaking hills, be aware that a network of underground passageways and caves is right under your feet.
You’ll love the stunning canopies provided by the upland and bottomland forests as this trail passes through Spring Hollow. Located near Windyville, Missouri, this 7.5-mile round trip trail takes hikers through creek beds, meadows, and wooded hills to a unique natural tunnel that is about 15-feet wide and 300-feet long. Bennett Spring Natural Tunnel Trail, lightly trafficked and rated as moderate, is best used from October to December.
This stunning spot is part of Missouri’s only National Scenic Byway. The 23-mile Glade Top Trail travels through narrow ridge tops above the beautiful rolling countryside that surrounds it. This area is characterized by wild fruit trees, as well as oak trees, red cedar, dogwood, redbud, and serviceberry.
The Grindstone Nature Area near Columbia, Missouri, features multiple informal trails that allow visitors to hike over most of its 230 acres. In addition to the stunning foliage, hikers also enjoy native prairie grasses, sheer limestone cliffs, wildlife, and magnificent landforms.
]]>Located in the St. Francois Mountains, this park is a beautiful and solitary spot to experience the Missouri outdoors. Although the campground here is smaller than some other spots in Missouri, it is great for fall camping due to the picture-perfect views of the surrounding countryside. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers 12 basic, walk-in campsites that allow for tent camping only. Pop-up and other trailers are not allowed.
Washington State Park near De Soto, Missouri, is well-known for its incredible views of the Ozarks and prehistoric rock carvings, making it a perfect place for fall camping. Washington State Park offers basic and electric campsites as well as a family campsite for those who need a little extra room. With two playgrounds and an amphitheater located in the campground area, this park also provides campers with a little fun.
This great park is located not too far from Kansas City. Featuring incredible views of the Missouri River, Weston Bend State Park is a perfect spot to camp during the fall season. Weston Bend offers basic and electric campsites, as well as larger campsites for families needing more space. No matter the size of the group, campers can also enjoy the many picnic sites that are scattered throughout Weston Bend State Park.
Thousand Hills State Park features two campgrounds that offer basic and electric sites. At the center of this state park is Forest Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Campers young and old enjoy the interpretive petroglyph shelter here, as well as the wildlife and hiking trails. If camping in a cabin is more your style, check out one of the seven duplex cabins featured here at Thousand Hills State Park.
Situated an hour outside of Kansas City, Wallace State Park features a six-acre lake and four beautiful, scenic trails. The campsites here are family-oriented with walk-in sites, electric, and basic sites. During the fall, the lake is surrounded by stunning foliage.
]]>Come take a ride in this national forest filled with different types of landscapes, offering both desert and forest terrain. Watch out for a variety of wildlife that includes bald eagles and white-tailed deer. With steep slopes and secluded pastures, you get a feeling of solitude and tranquility. There are nearly 80 miles of multi-use trails that will keep you busy riding all weekend long. If you need a place to rest, there are three areas close to the trails to park your RV or pitch a tent.
Located in Lewis County, this park is filled with wild trails and the unique scenery of Northeast Missouri. With 20 miles of ATV trails, there is plenty of mud and dirt to get messy all day long. Through the 680 acres of land, you can drive through timber, fields, and mud bogs. The owner, Don Grimwood, is best known for using his construction background to create multiple bridges to make the trails better for riders. If you need a place to stay, he has also built cabins and added RV hookups to the park. After a hard day’s ride, you can enjoy a beach with a hammock on the property as well.
Located in Southwest Missouri, this ranch is home to 55 miles of trails for you and your ATV to explore. Whether you want to go fast or want a vertical challenge, there is terrain for every rider. If you aren’t ready for the trails or just want some practice, try out the park’s gravel pit and play area. With multiple cabins and a bathroom/shower house, you can enjoy the weekend here with your friends or family.
Located less than 15 miles away from Columbia, Missouri, this park provides an open riding area with wooden landscape, a number of lakes, and mounds created by coal mining back in the 1960s. The 5.25-mile trail runs through dirt, mud, rocks, and steep inclines that riders will want to be careful of as Mother Nature can cause some hazardous conditions as times. If you are looking for a place to camp for the night, the park has several basic and electrical campsites for guests to reserve.
About an hour south of St. Louis, St. Joe State Park is home to the second off-road trail in the state park system. With 54 miles of premium trails, this park is well-known for the sandflats and challenging trails in the woods. Enjoy driving through mud, dirt, and gravel as you take your ATV through the lush woodlands. If you are planning on staying the weekend or longer, make a reservation for a spot at their campground for either basic or electric access areas. They also have family sites for those who need some extra room for everyone.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>Take a ride on your board around any of the three lakes at Wakonda State Park and enjoy the view of the surrounding shorelines. You can easily make your way into the water from the 20,000-square-foot beach or use the boat launch area at the Wakonda or Agate Lakes. After your day out on water, you can relax in any of the two campgrounds that have basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water campsites. Check out their website for more information on directions and park hours.
If you are looking for a place to improve your paddleboarding skills, then try Big Lake at Big Lake State Park. With its shallow waters, you can work on your balance and strength as you stand on your board. Enjoy watching the sunset as you make your way around the lake and keep your eyes open for all the amazing wildlife around the banks. If you want to stay at the park, there are basic and electric campsites available or try out one of their eight premium cabins. Visit their website for more information on park hours and how to reserve a campsite or cabin.
Take a ride down the 4.5-mile long Peabody Lake water trail in Finger Lakes State Park with your paddleboard and enjoy the scenery of a once active mining area. Once filled with rich coal deposits, the waterways were created when the coal was removed and filled with water. You will be able to see high rock walls and the timberline of the surrounding forest as you make your way through the park. If you need a place to rest, the campground has basic and electric campsites that you can reserve during the season. For more information, check out their website.
Located close to Mark Twain National Forest, Echo Bluff State Park is a beautiful and secluded area, with a perfect place to practice your paddleboarding skills. Sinking Creek is a tributary of the Current River and allows for a calm waterway for you to see the bluffs and the forest around the area. With campsites, a lodge, and cabins, you will be able to get some rest after you take a trip around the creek. Visit their website for more information for directions and reserving a place to stay.
You will have plenty of opportunity to explore the waterways of Stockton State Park by paddleboard. One unique feature is the water trail that is decorated with limestone bluffs and wildlife, like bald eagles and beavers. You can stop off for lunch at one of the coves or check out an island on the way down the 6.65-mile trail. If you would like to stay in the park, you can reserve a campsite or rent a cabin for the weekend. For more information on directions and the park, check out their website.
]]>