Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Branson, Missouri
Straddling the Missouri-Arkansas border, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a 2,200-acre park that sits just south of the city of Branson and provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Open from April through the end of October, with limited hours in November, the park is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Branson and its many attractions.
Graced with a variety of trees, pretty waterfalls, and plenty of area for kids to run around, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park puts visitors in the midst of the natural beauty of the Ozarks region. Hikers and walkers will enjoy the 6.5-mile paved trail that winds through the park, suitable for hikers of all experience levels thanks to the fact that it remains relatively level throughout the park. Those who traverse the trail should expect to view a variety of wildlife, will observe crystal clear waters, and will walk past majestic limestone bluffs and over native stone bridges. The path can accommodate strollers. Visitors who wish to travel on the path must purchase tickets.
The walking trail is also open to bikes. The nature park offers bikes for rent that include a variety of different styles and sizes. Trail-a-bikes and kiddie carts are also available for young visitors. Guests are also welcome to bring their own bikes. As with walkers, there is a charge to bike the path at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Rollerbladers and skateboarders are not permitted on the trail.
Visitors age 10 and older can take advantage of a one-hour trail ride on the park’s equestrian trails. These paths wind through backcountry and provide a view of portions of the park that can not be seen from the walking trail. Stable operators also offer a short 15-minute ride for visitors age 3-9. Reservations are recommended as the number of available horses is limited.
A newer addition to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park’s list of activities is a Segway tour. This round-trip tour goes past some of the park’s most breathtaking sites and eventually reaches Glory Hole, a body of water where visitors can enjoy trout fishing. Reservations for the Segway Tour are strongly suggested. Operating instructions are given before the start of the tour.
The spring-fed waters of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park are an excellent location for catching rainbow trout. Fishing experts offer two-day fly fishing schools, fly casting clinics, and half-day guided catch and release fishing for visitors age 12 and over for a fee. A license is not required, and tackle and rods are available for rent.
For those who do not wish to walk or bike through the park, Dogwood Canyon offers a tram ride that takes guests through low water crossings and across some of the park’s lovely custom bridges, past archaeological sites and close to some of the park’s many wildlife residents, including elk, bison, and longhorn sheep. Tram tours are conducted 3-5 times a day, depending on time of year.
There’s also an onsite gift shop, which offers a variety of merchandise including toys, books, home décor items, and apparel. Snacks and beverages are also sold at the store.
Weddings can be scheduled at the park’s Wilderness Chapel with reception accommodations available in the Creekside Pavilion or the Chapel Lawn Wedding Tent. Prices vary according to services.
Lodging at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom cabins. The cabins are well-equipped with kitchens, wood-burning fireplace, satellite TV with DVD player, gas grill, and outdoor furnishings. Larger designs include lofts. Those staying at the cabins do not need to pay for use of the walking trail.
Useful Links:
http://www.1branson.com/branson/dogwood-canyon-nature-park/712
http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/dogwood-canyon-nature-park.htm
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