We all love a good road trip. Rolling down the windows. Turning up our favorite music. Enjoying the open road, which is particularly perfect when there aren’t many others out driving. Have you ever wondered, “where are there waterfalls near me?” The following road trip pairs two breathtaking natural wonders – caves and waterfalls. It will take you to a variety of Missouri caves and waterfalls, which happen to be some of the most impressive natural wonders in the state. If you love the outdoors, you’re going to want to add this road trip to your bucket list.

You can find the directions from Google Maps, which you can easily customize to meet your interests and needs.

Google Maps
If you're up for a leisurely road trip, you'll probably love this journey that will take you more than 550 miles in just about 11 hours. You'll visit some of the most impressive caves and waterfalls in Missouri. Off we go!
1. Marvel Cave – Branson
Marvel Cave, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Trip Advisor/Disaster Dave
You get two for one – a cave and a waterfall at Marvel Cave in Branson. It's quite interesting to learn that there are waterfalls in caves in Missouri. Known as the deepest cave in Missouri, Marvel Cave measures 505 feet deep. You can join a guided tour of the cave, which features a waterfall illuminated in different colors, but you must be physically fit. The tour includes climbing hundreds of stairs, but the rewards are certainly worth experiencing it. Find the official website of Marvel Cave.
2. Rocky Falls – Winona Township
Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
Trip Advisor/solotravellover
Our next stop takes us to Rocky Falls. (Visiting in the warmer months? Don't forget your bathing suit!) To reach the waterfall, you'll have to follow the short .01-mile Rocky Falls Shut-Ins Trail. The waterfall is a popular swimming hole in the summer, although it's beautiful to visit any time of the year. Read more about Rocky Falls from the National Park Service.
3. Mina Sauk Falls – Acadia Township
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
All Trails/Andrea Christian
Our next stop takes us to Mina Sauk Falls, the tallest waterfall in Missouri at 132 feet. To reach the mountain tucked in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, you'll head out on the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail. The predominately shaded trail is dotted with babbling brooks and some rocky terrain. For the most beautiful views of Mina Sauk Falls, visit after a recent rainfall. Check out the official website of Taum Mountain State Park.

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4. Fisher Cave – Sullivan
Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Join a guided tour of Fisher Cave in Meramec State Park. This breathtaking cave features everything from bear claws molded in the cave's wall to columns that tower 30 feet above the ground. Visit the official website of Fisher Cave.
5. Bridal Cave – Camdenton
Bridal Cave Road, Bridal Cave Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Trip Advisor/MKTBE
You might want to bring a sweater or a jacket for your visits to the caves on this road trip, as most maintain a temperature that hovers around 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Join a one-hour guided tour of Bridal Cave, where you'll get a close-up look at the cave that also offers evening lantern tours. Stop by the official website of Bridal Falls.
6. Fantastic Caverns – Springfield
Fantastic Caverns, 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
Google/Sanford Harris
Our final cave stop takes us to Fantastic Caverns, which bills itself as "America's Ride Thru-Cave." The guided tour features a Jeep-drawn tram, so you won't have to worry about getting tired from walking. During the nearly one-hour tour, you'll see giant columns and intricate natural formations. Learn more about Fantastic Caverns.
7. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden – Springfield
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
Trip Advisor/JMCSTL
Our final stop brings us to a place that offers tranquility and natural beauty. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden also features a cascading waterfall. Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the lush garden that features foot bridges, stepping stones, and ponds. Check out the official website of Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.

Have you ever been to any of these Missouri caves and waterfalls? If so, what did you think about them? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, what other Missouri caves and waterfalls would you add to this road trip? Let us know in the comments below.

For another fun adventure, embark on the winery and waterfalls road trip in Missouri. You’re going to love it!

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More to Explore

Nature Road Trips In Missouri + Related Info

Jennifer Young | February 04, 2023

What are the best road trips in Missouri?

One of the best ways to get to know and appreciate the beautiful state of Missouri is to embark on a road trip. Fortunately, there are many types of road trips in Missouri. A few of these road trip destinations can be seen below.

If you're a fan of the paranormal, you'll want to visit the following three haunted spots in Missouri:
Vaile Mansion
Hotel Bothwell
Missouri State Penitentiary

To experience three of the most beautiful natural wonders, including caves in Missouri and waterfalls in Missouri, you'll want to embark on a road trip to the following places:
Marvel Cave
Grand Gulf State Park
Rocky Falls

And finally, if you’re a fan of chasing waterfalls, you’ll want to embark on a road trip to the following four waterfalls in Missouri:
Hickory Canyons Waterfall
Mina Sauk Falls
Rocky Falls
Grand Falls

Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls in Missouri?

Very little compares to a scenic hike, except maybe a trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. There are quite a few waterfall hikes in Missouri that you’ll definitely want to check out. Follow both the Eastern Trail and the Western Trail, both clocking in at just a mile, at Hickory Canyons Natural Area. Both of these trails lead to a gorgeous waterfall. Your best bet is to hike the trail after a rainfall because the waterfall will be particularly powerful. Did you know that Mina Sauk Falls, at 132 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Missouri? Yep, and you’ll definitely want to see it. It sits along a three-mile trail of the same name. If you don’t feel like following the entire trail, you can just hike to the waterfall and then turn around.

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