The 1.2-Mile Hike To Reach Missouri's Very Own Grand Canyon Is Worth Every Step
By Beth Price-Williams|Published December 05, 2020
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
We really have no shortage of natural wonders in Missouri — from beautiful caves to cascading waterfalls. Missouri even lays claim to its own Grand Canyon, one of those natural wonders that every Missourian really has to experience at least once. Next time you’ve got a few free hours, lace up your hiking boots and follow the Interpretative Loop Trail, which leads to Missouri’s Grand Canyon.
The Grand Gulf features four scenic overlooks, making it easy for you to admire its vastness. The 0.25-mile Interpretive Loop Trail leads straight to those overlooks. And then there's the 0.75-mile Natural Bridge Trail. Together, they form a loop.
It is, after all, home to what's been called The Little Grand Canyon, a nearly one-mile long series of collapsed caves. The collapsed caves' walls measure 130 feet on either side and are...
The difficulty of this trail system really depends on your skills as a hiker. Some consider it easy while others rate it more on the moderate side. However, you should be prepared to climb stairs.
That path can be a bit treacherous but you'll be rewarded with stunning beauty — a natural bridge, caves, and even a small waterfall. You can even enter the 75-foot opening to the natural bridge for even more of an adventure.
Have you been to Missouri’s Grand Canyon? What’d you think? Share your experience in the comments! For one of the prettiest hikes in Missouri, follow the Trail Among The Trees in Wildwood.
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