With Glades And Rock Formations, The Little-Known Turkey Pen Hollow Trail In Missouri Is Unexpectedly Magical
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 04, 2022
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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.
While you may not have heard of the little-known but absolutely magical Turkey Pen Hollow Trail in Missouri, you’ve likely visited its home Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Perhaps best known for its majestic castle ruins and gorgeously blue spring, Ha Ha Tonka State Park also boasts more than a dozen trails, so a few are sure to be overlooked. Turkey Pen Hollow Trail, for example, is definitely one for the bucket list.
Drenched in natural beauty, Turkey Pen Hollow Trail tallies 6.7 miles and earns a moderate rating from hikers. However, the magical experience more than makes up for the challenges along the way.
Carve out at least three hours for your journey along the picturesque path that features a variety of terrain. Be prepared to deal with rocky portions, downed trees at times, and roots jutting up from the ground.
Wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes for your journey, and be prepared for the expected - mud after a rainfall and a lot of sun in the summer. Sunscreen is a must.