5 Places to hike this fall
November 14, 2018
- Ha Ha Tonka
Travel Time: 1 hour
Location: Camdenton
Ha Ha Tonka is home to sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, a spring, bluffs and the remains of a gothic castle. The castle was built by Robert Snyder, but later burned down in 1942. The remains of this once beautiful mansion still stand as a spooky reminder of what it once was.
- Painted Rock
Travel Time: 17-20 minutes
Location: 7 miles west of Westphalia
The trails at Painted Rock lead through the woods to many viewpoints looking out from the bluffs. There is even evidence of a Native American burial site located along Osage Scenic Bluff Trail.
- Elephant Rocks
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Location: Belleview
If you and your pals want to go on a road-trip, Elephant Rocks could be the outdoorsy adventure you’re looking for. This park is located on an old quarry, with giant granite rocks scattered atop a bluff. A scenic trail through the woods leads up to these giant rocks.
- Devil’s Icebox
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Location: Columbia
Devil’s Icebox is a cave spanning up to 7 miles. In addition to the cave, there is a natural rock bridge, sinkholes, and other smaller caves.
- Rocky Top
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Location: Lake of the Ozarks
This trail quickly leads right to a large open field with rocks scattered all about it. From there, hikers can continue down the path and eventually arrive to a beautiful overlook out onto the Lake of the Ozarks.