Pull out your bucket list, Missouri! Our beautiful state is home to countless hiking trails, geared toward everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers. We have so many trails, in fact, that it would probably take us years to hike them all. If you’ve got a bucket list, add these seven waterfall hikes in Missouri. Each offers beautiful scenery, capped off with a breathtaking waterfall. If you’ve ever searched for “waterfalls near me in Missouri,” then you’ll want to check out this enticing list.

1. Old Kate & Waterfall Trail — Parkville
All Trails/Steve Crooks
Tucked in Parkville Nature Sanctuary, Old Kate & Waterfall Trail spans just .08 miles. The trail, in fact, is rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Meander leisurely along the charming wooden boardwalk that will take you through a forested area. You’ll probably hear the small but enchanting waterfall before you see it. To see it at its most beautiful and most powerful, visit after a rainfall.

Click here to read more about this beautiful trek.
2. Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail — Eureka
All Trails/Danielle Blair
Set off on the tree-lined, 2.6-mile Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail. The trail’s considered between easy and moderate, depending on your hiking skills. Plan to spend at least two hours on the trail, which also features the small but pretty waterfall, picturesque spots for a picnic, and a scenic overlook.

Keep reading about Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail here!
3. Trail Through Time — Ste. Genevieve
All Trails/Patrick Stephens
Spend a day at Pickle Springs Natural Area, home to the picturesque Trail Through Time Loop. The 1.9-mile loop trail, rated between easy and moderate, promises beautiful views of unique rock formations and a small but enchanting waterfall.

You can read more in this recent feature.

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4. Rocky Falls Shut-Ins — Winona
Trip Advisor/Ryan D.
Rocky Falls Shut-Ins is a popular spot, especially during the summer when visitors wade in the natural pool and play in the waterfall. If you just want to admire the waterfall, plan a visit during the off-season. To reach Rocky Falls Shut-Ins, embark on the .01-mile Rocky Falls Shut-Ins Trail.

Read more here.
5. Lower Rock Creek Trail — Liberty Township
All Trails/Glyn Dix
Set off on the six-mile, scenic Lower Rock Creek Trail, which features a series of charming pools and a few small waterfalls. Wear sturdy shoes for your trek along the remote trail that can be rough in spots.

Read more here.
6. Western Trail — Ste. Genevieve
All Trails/Sarah Crum
Go on a picture-perfect hike along the Western Trail, tucked in Hickory Canyons Natural Area. The one-mile trial, rated moderate, features picturesque wooden stairs and a beautiful, flowing waterfall. Make sure you visit after a rainfall to ensure the waterfall hasn’t run dry, a frequent occurrence during dry periods.

Click here to read more about this scenic place in Missouri.
7. Grand Falls — Joplin
Trip Advisor/Jackie_in_MO
You don’t have to hike to get to Grand Falls, but it’s definitely worth a visit. The falls are particularly popular in the summer when visitors frolic in the cool water. If you want to visit when it’s relatively quiet, go during the off-season or to watch the sunset.

Read more about Grand Falls here.

What are your favorite waterfall hikes in Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments! Still wondering “what are some waterfalls near me in Missouri?” Be sure to check out these 11 hidden waterfalls in Missouri, located all around the Show-Me State!

And if your idea of a good time is waterfalls and wine, pack up the car and set off on our waterfalls and wine day trip in Missouri. Click here to read more about this scenic road trip, which visits some of the most beautiful places in Missouri!

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waterfalls near me in Missouri

Sarah | July 12, 2021

What are some beautiful places in Missouri I can visit?

With a variety in topography, the views in The Show-Me State are, simply put, astounding. Only in Missouri can you find natural rock water-slides, deep blue springs, man-made mines, river valleys, and rolling hills, each offering their own special type of awe throughout the seasons. Here are 15 of the most beautiful places in Missouri that you need to see in person for the incredible, jaw-dropping views. Some stunners from this list include Meramec Caverns, Grand Falls, Forest Park Art Hill & Grand Basin in St. Louis, and Lake Taneycomo.

What are some beautiful state parks in Missouri?

There are 91 state parks in the Show-Me State, and each and every last one of them offers something special! In terms of beauty, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Elephant Rock State Park, and Onondaga Cave State Park are all in a league of their own. Ha Ha Tonka State Park boasts the 12th largest spring in the state, and it's a beautiful, turquoise pool that will take your breath away. Onondaga Cave State Park is an underground natural wonder in Missouri; the eponymous Onondaga Cave is absolutely incredible to explore in person. But like most Missouri State Parks, the aboveground hiking here is phenomenal; trek to Vilander Bluff Natural Area for the most scenic, sweeping views of the Meramec River.

What are some natural wonders in Missouri?

In addition to the wondrous waterfalls listed above, Missouri is home to some truly breathtaking lakes, caves, and geological feature. The best part? Some of the state's best and brightest wonders can be experienced for free! One Missouri's most glorious natural wonders is Blue Spring. For some of the bluest water in Missouri, plan a visit to the absolutely gorgeous Blue Spring, the deepest spring in the state. It's also the eighth largest in the state and, if you've never seen it, it will likely take your breath away; its waters are a bold, bright, dazzling azure. 

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Explore Missouri

Featured Addresses
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area, Eureka, MO 63025, USA
Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
Mark Twain National Forest, Birch Tree Township, MO 65438, USA
Hickory Canyons Natural Area, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
Grand Falls Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804, USA