Hiking in the Ozarks

Hiking trails and adventures in Branson, Missouri makes the Ozark Mountains play a larger role in our lives. If you go for the Branson tours, you should definitely go for the train tours as well as the hiking and adventures trails. If you are looking for Missouri hiking trails, mountain biking trails or backpacking tours, these Missouri Trails will definitely fit your bill.  Your children would also appreciate such an experience and love to be there every year.

Some of the popular Branson tours along with hiking and adventure trails include the following:

• The Slough Trail – This is a trail of 0.5 miles and is located near the Big Spring. You will be surprised to note that this short trail is accessible by wheelchairs as well. It leads from Big Spring to the Pea vine Picnic Shelter. You will find exhibits along the trail which will explain the history and pre-history of the Big Spring area.

• The Pulltite Trail – This is a trail of 1.5 miles. It is located near the Group Camping Area at Pulltite Campground. While going through this trail, you will be able to find exhibits about the ecology of the Ozark forests.

• Virgin Pines Interpretive Trail – This is also another short trail of 0.5 miles. It is located 2 miles south of Round Spring on Route 19. This is a privately owned trail by the Pioneer Forest Products Company. You will even get a trail guide at the parking lot. Go through it carefully to get the best of this trail.

• The Ozark Trail – This is one of the best long foot trails in the area. This trail extends from St Louis into Arkansas. It is around 500 miles long when all portions are completed. It can be found at the Current River Bridge. The trail also crosses US Route 60 about 4 miles west of Van Buren. Sections through Peck Ranch may be closed during hunting seasons.

• Cave Spring Trail – This trail is a 4.6 mile loop and it runs from Devils Well to Cave Spring on the Current River. It can provide a pleasant walking experience. They can be “maze-like” as they cross and re-cross each other. They are a wonderful treat for your eyes.

• Alley Overlook Trail – It is 1.5 miles long trail which begins right outside the door of the Alley Mill. Cycling as well as hiking can be done and this trail attracts a large number of tourists every year. You can even combine it with the Spring Branch Trail for a nice one mile loop.

• Lick Log Trail – This is a 1 mile long trail which is located on Fox Pen Road about 2 miles north of Eminence on Route 19. You will be able to find this trail at the right side on Fox Pen Road. Also, you will find a nice loop trail here which is maintained by the Missouri Conservation Department.

• Stone Ridge Trail – This was earlier known as the Big Spring Overlook Trail. It is a 1 mile long trail which connects with the Slough Trail to make a loop around the Big Spring. This trail is extremely steep and strenuous and only experienced people should go for a hiking or cycling on this trail.

So, the next time when you visit Missouri, don’t forget to go for these hiking trails. All you need to do is to plan your tour in advance. You may prepare a small note and get the trails in order so as to make things easier for your loved ones. It will even be a lot easier on your pocket!