17 Epic Outdoor Routes To Hike Through The Ozarks Of Missouri And Arkansas
The Ozarks stretch across Missouri and Arkansas like a natural playground waiting to be explored.
Towering bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and winding trails make this region a hiker’s dream destination.
Whether you crave challenging climbs or peaceful forest walks, the Ozarks deliver unforgettable outdoor adventures that will leave you craving more.
1. Lost Valley Trail
Picture yourself wandering through a magical canyon where waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear pools. Eden Falls greets you early on, but the real prize awaits at trail’s end.
A natural cave opens wide, inviting brave explorers to venture inside with flashlights. Families love this 2.6-mile adventure because kids can splash in streams and discover nature’s hidden wonders without facing steep climbs.
2. Sam’s Throne Trail
Rock climbers flock here like birds to a feeder, drawn by the towering sandstone formations that jut skyward. But hikers get equal thrills on the 1.5-mile loop that circles the main bluff.
Jaw-dropping views reward every step as you gaze across endless green valleys. Bring your camera because sunset paints the rocks in shades of gold and orange that photographs can’t quite capture.
3. Dogwood Canyon Trail
Imagine strolling through a private nature preserve where bison and elk roam freely beside pristine streams. Paved paths make this trail accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, proving adventure doesn’t require rugged terrain.
Waterfalls cascade at regular intervals, creating perfect photo opportunities around every bend. Spring transforms the canyon into a white wonderland when thousands of dogwood blossoms burst into bloom.
4. Pedestal Rocks Loop
Mother Nature shows off her sculpting skills with mushroom-shaped rocks that defy gravity on impossibly thin bases. The 2.2-mile loop takes you past these geological oddities before rewarding you with stunning bluff overlooks.
Kings Bluff shares the trailhead, so ambitious hikers can tackle both in one day. Autumn turns the surrounding forest into a fiery palette that rivals any art gallery.
5. Elephant Rocks Trail
Giant pink granite boulders stand like a parade of prehistoric elephants frozen in time. Kids go wild scrambling between these massive rocks that weigh up to 680 tons each.
The one-mile Braille Trail makes this destination inclusive for visually impaired visitors with tactile guide ropes. Geologists estimate these ancient stones are over 1.5 billion years old, making them some of Missouri’s oldest residents.
6. Bell Mountain Loop
Challenging climbs separate casual walkers from serious hikers on this 5.5-mile wilderness adventure. Your legs will burn on the ascent, but the 360-degree summit views make every bead of sweat worthwhile.
Exposed granite outcrops create natural observation decks where you can spot hawks riding thermal currents. Pack plenty of water because shade becomes scarce near the top during summer months.
7. Ozark Highlands Trail
Backpackers dream about conquering this 165-mile monster that stretches across northern Arkansas like a green ribbon. Day hikers can sample sections without committing to the full journey.
Expect stream crossings, rocky climbs, and remote wilderness that tests both gear and determination. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor while autumn transforms the canopy into a kaleidoscope of reds and golds.
8. Devil’s Den Trail
Sandstone crevices create natural hallways where you can touch both walls simultaneously while walking. The 1.5-mile Devil’s Den Trail squeezes through these narrow passages before opening onto scenic overlooks.
Butterfield Nature Trail adds another easy option for families wanting gentler terrain. Legend claims outlaws once hid stolen loot in these caves, though treasure hunters have never found a single gold coin.
9. Ha Ha Tonka State Park Trails
Castle ruins crown a limestone bluff like something from a European fairy tale transplanted to Missouri. Multiple trails wind through the park, leading to natural bridges, sinkholes, and a stunning spring that gushes 48 million gallons daily.
The Colosseum Trail offers the best views of the stone mansion that burned in 1942. History and geology collide here in spectacular fashion.
10. Kings Bluff Loop
Vertigo-inducing cliffs drop away beneath your feet as you stand on this dramatic overlook. The 3.2-mile loop circles through hardwood forest before delivering you to the edge of a 200-foot bluff.
Combine this with nearby Pedestal Rocks for a full day of geological wonders. Morning fog often fills the valleys below, creating an ethereal sea of clouds that photographs beautifully.
11. Glory Hole Falls Trail
Water plunges through a circular opening in the rock ceiling like nature’s own shower head. The 2.5-mile round trip leads you down into a lush canyon where this unique waterfall creates a misty grotto.
Winter freezes the falls into spectacular ice formations that glitter like chandeliers. Bring sturdy boots because the trail gets muddy and slippery near the water.
12. Whitaker Point Trail
Instagram made this spot famous, and one look explains why photographers arrive before dawn. Hawksbill Crag juts out like a giant’s diving board suspended above a sea of trees.
The 2.8-mile round trip stays relatively flat until the final descent to the overlook. Sunrise and sunset transform the crag into a golden platform that seems to float in midair.
13. Hemmed-In Hollow Trail
Bragging rights come with reaching the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians. The 5.5-mile round trip demands serious effort, but that 209-foot cascade makes you forget tired legs instantly.
Remote canyon walls create an amphitheater around the falls that echoes with rushing water. Spring runoff turns the trickle into a thundering curtain that drenches onlookers with spray.
14. Buffalo River Trail
Following America’s first national river, this 36-mile trail offers sections for every skill level. Bluffs tower overhead while the crystal-clear river meanders through valleys carved over millions of years.
Backpackers can camp along the route, waking to the sound of flowing water. Combine hiking with canoeing for a multi-sport adventure that showcases the river from every angle.
15. Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail
Little Rock’s iconic pyramid-shaped peak beckons hikers like a beacon visible from the highway. The 1.5-mile West Summit Trail climbs steeply over rocks and roots, testing cardiovascular fitness with every step.
City skyline views reward those who reach the 1,011-foot summit. Early morning starts help you avoid afternoon heat that turns the exposed trail into a solar oven during summer.
16. Big Bluff Trail
Acrophobics should skip this adventure where the trail clings to a cliff face 500 feet above the Buffalo River. The Goat Trail section lives up to its name with narrow ledges that require careful footing.
Views from Big Bluff rank among the most spectacular in Arkansas. Spring wildflowers soften the dramatic landscape while fall colors paint the valley in warm tones.
17. Hercules Glades Wilderness Trail
Open glades interrupt the forest like natural meadows where wildflowers bloom in riotous color. The 12-mile loop system lets you customize your adventure through Missouri’s largest wilderness area.
Rare collared lizards bask on sun-warmed rocks while turkey vultures soar overhead. Solitude comes easy here since fewer hikers venture into this remote corner of the Ozarks.
