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43 Spectacular Hikes In Arkansas And Missouri That Will Take Your Breath Away

Gabriel Blair

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Published in Five Star Trails: The Ozarks: 43 Spectacular Hikes In Arkansas And Missouri

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The Ozarks region of Arkansas and Missouri is a hiker's paradise, with miles of trails winding through lush forests, past sparkling waterfalls, and up to breathtaking mountaintops. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll or a challenging climb, there's a hike in the Ozarks that's perfect for you.

Five-Star Trails: The Ozarks: 43 Spectacular Hikes in Arkansas and Missouri

by Jim Warnock

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Easy Hikes

If you're looking for a leisurely hike, there are plenty of easy trails to choose from in the Ozarks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Lost Valley Trail (Arkansas): This 1.5-mile loop trail is perfect for families with young children. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, and it offers beautiful views of Lost Valley.
Cedar Falls Trail (Missouri): This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Hawksbill Crag Trail (Arkansas): This 1.8-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the Buffalo National River. The trail is mostly flat and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.

Moderate Hikes

If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are plenty of moderate hikes to choose from in the Ozarks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Ozark Highlands Trail (Arkansas): This 218-mile trail traverses the Ozark Mountains, offering hikers a chance to experience the region's diverse scenery. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but there are a few challenging sections.
Elephant Rocks State Park Trail (Missouri): This 3-mile loop trail leads to a unique rock formation that resembles a herd of elephants. The trail is mostly flat and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.
Mina Sauk Falls Trail (Missouri): This 5-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.

Challenging Hikes

If you're looking for a real challenge, there are plenty of challenging hikes to choose from in the Ozarks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Mount Magazine Trail (Arkansas): This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to the highest point in Arkansas. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.
Taum Sauk Mountain Trail (Missouri): This 8-mile loop trail leads to the highest point in Missouri. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.
Devil's Den Trail (Arkansas): This 10-mile loop trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the Ozarks. The trail is steep and rocky, and there are several water crossings.

Waterfall Hikes

The Ozarks is home to dozens of beautiful waterfalls, and there are many hiking trails that lead to them. Here are a few of our favorite waterfall hikes:

Cedar Falls Trail (Missouri): This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Mina Sauk Falls Trail (Missouri): This 5-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.
Hemmed-In Hollow Falls Trail (Arkansas): This 2.2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by towering cliffs. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.

Cave Hikes

The Ozarks is also home to several caves, and there are many hiking trails that lead to them. Here are a few of our favorite cave hikes:

Blanchard Springs Caverns Trail (Arkansas): This 1-mile loop trail leads to a beautiful cave that is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Mystic Caverns Trail (Missouri): This 1.5-mile loop trail leads to a beautiful cave that is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Marble Falls Trail (Arkansas): This 2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful waterfall that is located inside a cave. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, but there are a few short, steep sections.

Mountain Hikes

The Ozarks is home to several mountain ranges, and there are many hiking trails that lead to the summits of these mountains. Here are a few of our favorite mountain hikes:

Mount Magazine Trail (Arkansas): This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to the highest point in Arkansas. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.
Taum Sauk Mountain Trail (Missouri): This 8-mile loop trail leads to the highest point in Missouri. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.
Mount Ida Trail (Arkansas): This 6-mile out-and-back trail leads to the summit of Mount Ida, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Lake Hikes

The Ozarks is home to several beautiful lakes, and there are many hiking trails that follow the shorelines of these lakes. Here are a few of our favorite lake hikes:

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (Arkansas): This 5-mile loop trail offers stunning views of Lake Ouachita. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Bull Shoals Lake Trail (Missouri): This 7-mile out-and-back trail follows the shoreline of Bull Shoals Lake. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Lake Norfork Trail (Arkansas): This 9-mile loop trail follows the shoreline of Lake Norfork. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.

River Hikes

The Ozarks is home to several beautiful rivers, and there are many hiking trails that follow the banks of these rivers. Here are a few of our favorite river hikes:

Buffalo National River Trail (Arkansas): This 135-mile trail follows the banks of the Buffalo National River. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
Current River Trail (Missouri): This 107-mile trail follows the banks of the Current River. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.
White River Trail (Arkansas): This 72-mile trail follows the banks of the White River. The trail is well-maintained and easy to hike, making it a great option for all ages.