Before winter's chill drives people indoors, fall's crisp air beckons hikers to Lake of the Ozarks' trails, nestled amid rolling hills and woodlands.
The Lake's main hiking trails can be found at the two state parks located in the area: Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park in the Osage Beach area.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the top-rated state parks in Missouri. With its historic castle ruins and various trail options, it is a popular destination for a day trip. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest in Missouri, featuring trails, an extensive cave, and two public beaches. And with the water temperature at 76 degrees, it's still swimming weather!
The off-season also means hikers will enjoy much less crowded trails. Here's a few to consider, whether you're looking to stroll or you're a serious backpacker, just make sure to check the conditions beforehand:
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Trails
1. Dell Rim Trail
Length: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 12 minutes
On this trail, you will walk a wooden boardwalk that overlooks the Whispering Dell Sinkhole. The first part of the Dell Rim trail is wheelchair accessible, while the second part of the overlook can be steep.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-dellrim.pdf
2. Castle Trail
Length: 0.4 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 18 minutes
Castle Trail will bring you to Ha Ha Tonka's beautiful castle ruins. It is a short walk to the castle, making it easy for the family. This trail is also paved and wheelchair accessible.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-castle.pdf
3. Island Trail
Length: 0.4 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 26 minutes
The Island Trail starts at an old mill site and takes you along the spring channel, around large boulders, and to Island Cave.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-island.pdf
4. Colosseum Trail
Length: 0.6 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 37 minutes
This short hike is great for kids. The trail passes under a natural bridge, making it a fun place for the whole family to explore.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-colosseum.pdf
5. Acorn Trail
Length: 0.9 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 39 minutes
This trail was constructed in 1982 to interpret the effects of landscape scale prescribed fire. The trail is made of gravel, and the surrounding area is mostly wooded.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-acorn.pdf
6. Devil’s Kitchen Trail
Length: 1.3 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Another family-friendly trail at Ha Ha Tonka is Devil’s Kitchen. This trail takes you along a scenic route before entering Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole (a small cave shelter), which makes for a fun place for the kids to play.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-devils.pdf
7. Spring Trail
Length: 1.4 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
This trail leads you along the side of the spring, with the first portion paved. It then takes you up 316 wooden stairs. Once you reach the top, you can make your way to the historic castle ruins.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-spring_0.pdf
8. Boulder Ridge Trail
Length: 1.5 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 6 minutes
Boulder Ridge Trail takes you through rocky terrain. You will travel a loop through an area with large boulders and bluffs, passing through the woods and right back where you started.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-boulder.pdf
9. Quarry Trail
Length: 1.7 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Quarry Trail takes you through two quarry sites where sandstone was mined to build the castle, carriage house, and water tower. You can also view the Lake of the Ozarks from a large glade along the path.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-quarry.pdf
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Trails
1. Coakley Hollow Trail
Length: 0.8 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 50 minutes
As you’re hiking this trail, you will be taken through six different natural communities. Coakley Hollow Trail is home to many animals, so if you're lucky, you may be able to enjoy views of its wildlife. This trail begins and ends at Ozark Caverns, which is closed for the season. Come back from May-September for guided tours in the caverns.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-coakley.pdf
2. Fawns Ridge Trail
Length: 1.3 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 58 minutes
The first part of the trail starts easy and then veers off into wooded slopes, becoming more difficult. Fawns Ridge Trail mainly runs through the woods that provide lots of shade during the summer.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-fawnsridge.pdf
3. Lake Trail
Length: 1.3 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 59 minutes
Lake Trail runs along the shore at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Part of the trail is shaded when the leaves are on, while the rest of the trail opens up to a rocky area.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-lake_0.pdf
4. Lakeview Bend Trail
Length: 1.5 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Lakeview Bend Trail is another scenic trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This 1.5-mile trail passes towering bluffs and steep slopes and offers captivating views of the Lake.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-lakeviewbend.pdf
5. Rocky Top Trail
Length: 2.0 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 31 minutes
Are you wanting a scenic Lake of the Ozarks State Park trail with not quite as long of a hike? Then, you may want to try Rocky Top Trail for its stunning views.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-rockytop.pdf
6. Woodland Trail
Length: 3.1 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.
This trail runs through the 1,275-acre Patterson Hollow Wild Area. Woodland Trail is the only trail in the park that allows backpacking; it offers a designated backpacking camp along the trail. Call the office for camp information.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-woodland.pdf
7. Hidden Springs Trail
Length: 2.4 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 49 minutes
If you are looking for some history on your hike, check out Hidden Springs Trail; its 2.4-mile hike can take you back through time.
“It’s a peaceful hike through woods that takes you past an old cemetery and old home place along the Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks,” said State Park employee Jason Harrison.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-hidden.pdf
8. Honey Run Trail
Length: 12.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated hiking time: 9 hours, 36 minutes
Honey Run Trail is three trails combined into one. These loops take you through Honey Run Hollow, by Honey Run Creek, and through peaceful woodlands along the way.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-honey.pdf
9 . Trail of Four Winds
Length: 14.1 mi
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated hiking time: 14 hours, 4 minutes
The Trail of Four Winds is the longest trail in the park. You can hike, bike, or trail ride. The trail is divided into two different loops and offers beautiful views along the way.
https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailMap-trailoffourwinds.pdf
Exploring the trails at the Lake of the Ozarks is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the area. Whether you're navigating family-friendly paths at Ha Ha Tonka or enjoying views of the water at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, each trail offers a unique adventure. Make sure to bring your camera and capture the stunning landscapes these trails provide.
For information regarding Ha Ha Tonka or Lake of the Ozark state park trails, you can visit:
https://mostateparks.com/page/89441/ha-ha-tonka-state-park-trails
https://mostateparks.com/page/89721/lake-ozarks-state-park-trails
![[VIDEO]: 2 Fatalities as Small Plane Crashes At Lake Of The Ozarks & Bursts Into Flames](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/lakeexpo.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/69/c6931571-7e4e-4b14-aff6-cf0f61543103/6aea6994dd7a9.preview.jpg?crop=720%2C720%2C280%2C0)
![Three Powerboats Collide In Key West, Sending One Into Mid-Air Barrel Roll [VIDEO]](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/lakeexpo.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e9/4e90f6c8-5790-420f-935a-75f601f4d6b4/6af20d4e17273.preview.jpg?crop=858%2C483%2C0%2C103)
