Hiking in the Arcadia Valley Heritage Region near Black and Lesterville, Missouri
Anyone eager to explore the area's natural beauty on foot can find what they are looking for on our beautiful Ozark trails. With miles and miles of up-kept trails, our area is home to some of the finest and spectacular hiking trails there are. Chief among trails in Missouri and the Midwest is the Ozark Trail which meanders through our richly beautiful region.
The Ozarks are known for its mountains, hills and knobs, valleys filled with springs, crystal-clear streams, shut-ins and waterfalls. It is trimmed by bluffs and riddled with caves. It has hardwood forests, stands of pines, savannas filled with black-eyed susans and glades dotted by purple coneflowers. It's home to deer, turkey, bobcat, bear, songbirds and bald eagles. It is one of the most diverse places on the planet. So it is no wonder the Ozark Trail is so loved by nature enthusiasts all around the world. Bring your boots to explore any one of the trails that are near our area. There are plenty to pick from. The Missouri sections of the Ozark Trail is our region of Iron and Reynolds county include: the Blair Creek Section, the Karkaghne Section, the Marble Creek Section, the Taum Sauk Section, the Middle Fork Section and the Trace Creek Section.
You might spend an afternoon winding your way through The Scour Trail at Johnson Shut-Ins State
Park. This trail gives visitors a chance to hike through 1.4 billion years of geologic history.
Spend the day at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. You can walk a mere 1,000 feet on a paved path to Missouri's highest point. Here, an elevation marker sits, guiding visitors to the mountain's 1,772 foot summit. If that's not enough, the hike to Mina Sauk Falls will take your breath away. This trail has steep rocky climbs on high rock "steps" that take hikers past the tallest waterfall in Missouri. The waterfall cascades 132 feet over a series of ledges into Taum Sauk Creek. Soon after passing the falls, Ozark Trail continues down the valley while Mina Sauk Falls Trail loops back up the mountain. One mile below the falls on Ozark Trail lies Devil's Tollgate, an 8-foot-wide passage through 50 feet of volcanic rhyolite standing 30 feet high. The trail continues on to Johnson Shut-Ins State Park with several creek crossings. After reaching the park, it connects with Scour Trail and Goggins Mountain Equestrian Trail. These are some of the finest trails in Missouri. They are rugged, scenic, and beautiful! The trail to Johnson Shut-Ins is popular because you will pass by one of the best swimming areas you'll find. On the trails, you will discover 1.5 billion-year-old mountains, igneous glades, springs, grand vistas, and odd rock formations.
Hike any of the following areas while visiting with us: Bell Mountain Wilderness Area, Buford Mountain State Forest, Ketcherside Mountain State Forest, Marble Creek Recreation Area, Millstream Garden Conservation Area, Crane Lake Recreation Area, Dillard Mill State Historical Site, Silver Mines Recreation Area, St. Joe State Park, and Hughe's Mountain.
Whether you're after a total escape from civilization or a gentle day hike, Missouri Ozarks has something for everyone.