Hiking and Biking in Branson, Missouri
While many vacationers head to Branson for the shows and other indoor attractions, just as many travel to this Ozark Mountains area to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Many of those individuals enjoy spending time in Branson’s wide open spaces, exploring on foot or aboard their bicycle.
The Branson area boasts a total of about 200 miles of hiking and biking trails (some also accommodate horseback riders) and each of them provides a chance to see some parts of the area that guests might not otherwise see from the back seat of their automobile. The trails are often ripe with wildflowers and other local flora and generally provide a good look at indigenous wildlife and birds. Some trails lead to water, where hikers can fish or take a swim. Consider some of these locations for a great hike or bicycle ride.
? Mark Twain National Forest – This enormous National Forest covers much of southern Missouri and there are some large sections in the Branson area. Head to the Cassville District of the forest for some great hiking trails. Specifically, the Piney Creek Wilderness and the Hercules Glades Wilderness boast a number of excellent trails that wind through some excellent scenery. Some trails require that mountain bikers purchase a sticker or daily use tag, so be sure to visit a ranger station before setting out on your bike. Any backcountry hiking will also require a permit.
? Dogwood Canyon Nature Park – This 10,000-acre park offers stunning scenery including streams, waterfalls, natural rock bluffs, and more. Situated just south of Branson, a paid admission to the park allows guests to take advantage of all the activities there, including the hiking trails. Specifically, the 6.5 mile main trail is paved and suitable for hikers of all levels as it remains basically level as it traverses the nature park. Bicycles are also permitted on the hiking trail.
? Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area – This 1,534-acre forested conservation area offers several loop trails of varying difficulties. Hikers wind through scenic glades and past historic sites that played an important role in post-Civil War history. Onsite Roark Creek also offers opportunities for fishing.
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Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail – Situated
in the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area inside the Branson city limits, this
hiking trail begins just a short distance from The Strip and provides lovely
views of both Lake Taneycomo and the College of the Ozarks campus. The first
half-mile along the ridge is suitable for hikers of all levels but the trail
gets more difficult later and includes about 300 old stone steps that take
the hiker down to Lake Taneycomo. (They are a bit rickety and might be tough
to navigate in some instances.) A little further along, hikers will pass
caves and waterfalls and the trail will eventually wind along the lake for
about a mile before reaching the end and necessitating a turn back. Note:
Children on this trail should always hold the hand of an adult as there are
places where they can easily slip and fall, especially when it’s wet.
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