5 Trails for Nature Lovers at Lake of the Ozarks
There are plenty of things to do at the Lake of the Ozarks that don’t require getting into a boat. In fact, the area is home to the largest state park in Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks State Park located in Kaiser. If you travel a short distance south, you will also stumble upon the renowned Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton. Both parks have a variety of trails you can hike with scenic views of the lake and natural foliage. On your next visit to the Lake, make sure you check out these Top 5 Trails at Lake of the Ozarks.
Turkey Pen Hollow Trail
Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, MO
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 mile loop
Time to complete: 6 hours 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 954 ft
Sights: You will find dolomite glades, wildflowers,
woodlands, a sinkhole, a running brook, and a hollow along the way.
Extras: Take the white connector to shorten the hike
to 4.75 miles and pass by a pond with frogs, salamanders, and toads.
Watch out for: natural surface-dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, rocks, roots, and/or downed vegetation, low hanging vegetation, wood or stone steps, steep grades and inclines more than 10%, bluffs or drop-offs next to trail, water/stream crossings without bridges
Rocky Top Trail
Location: Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Kaiser, MO
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 mile loop
Time to complete: 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 262 ft
Sights: View the wildflowers, wildlife, scenic lake
views, rocky plains, and a teepee made from tree branches.
Extras: This trail has both a north and south loop. Around the bend of the south loop, you will find a cliffside with a great view of the Lake!
Watch out for: natural surface-dirt, mud, gravel,
shifting rocks, slippery surface, rocks, roots, and/or downed vegetation, steep
grades and inclines more than 10%, bluffs or drop-offs next to trail, water/stream
crossings without bridges
Castle Trail
Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, MO
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.8 mile out and back
Time to complete: 20 minutes
Elevation gain: 121 ft
Sights: Check out the historical castle ruins, the
carriage house, lovely wildflowers, wildlife, and a scenic view of the lake.
Extras: This trail is wheelchair and stroller
friendly, having a paved path with 6 rest stops.
Watch out for: slippery conditions and/or downed vegetation, steep grades and inclines more than 10%, bluffs or drop-offs next to trail
Spring Trail
Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, MO
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Time to complete: 1 hour 10 minutes
Elevation gain: 200 ft
Sights: This trail takes you along the cool and
breezy Ha Ha Tonka Spring. You will see waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, and pawpaw
trees along the route.
Extras: This trail is partially paved and has a
boardwalk with stairs at various points. Swimming is not allowed in the spring.
Watch out for: natural surface – dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, rocks, roots, and/or downed vegetation on trail, wood or stone steps, steep grades and inclines more than 10%, bluffs or drop-offs next to trail, water/stream crossings without bridges
Devils Kitchen Trail
Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, MO
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.25 mile loop
Time to complete: 1 hour 15 minutes
Elevation gain: 209 ft
Sights: This trail leads you to the Devils Kitchen
Sinkhole which is a small cave shelter. You will see rock formations and
wildlife as you hike.
Extras: At one point along the trail, you will be
able to see the Ha Ha Tonka Castle from a distance, giving you another
perspective of the historical landmark.
Watch out for: natural surface – dirt, mud, gravel,
shifting rocks, slippery surface, rocks, roots, and/or downed vegetation on
trail, wood or stone steps, steep grades and inclines more than 10%, bluffs or
drop-offs next to trail, bridges and/or structural crossings, road/highway
crossings
It’s true! You don’t need a boat to see all the beauty the
Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. On your next trip to the Lake of the Ozarks, visit one of these incredible
trails and you will discover there is so much more to see at the lake. The area
is home to amazing rock formations, clear springs, historical buildings, native
wildlife and stunning scenery. An extra bonus is that all the trails we
mentioned are dog friendly as long as you have a leash. Wherever you’re staying at the
Lake of the Ozarks, a beautiful hike is
just a short drive away. Don’t ask us though, go see for yourself!
Lake Vacationers: With a history of very satisfied guests, we have the rental properties to exceed your expectations!
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