The hike to the highpoint is easily accessible to everyone, but hiking the Mina Sauk Falls trail loop is far more rugged. A beautiful hike and definately worth the drive.
Awesome place to hike! If you are looking for the highest elevation, it is very easy to get to. It's a paved, flat trail. If you are looking for the water fall, it is your typical hike on an unpaved, rocky trail. Beautiful scenery everywhere with great views. The water was dried up when I got to it, but that's to be expected considering the elevation.
The St. Francois Mountains "Francois" is original name given by explorers "Francis" was added in the early 1900's by the people. I don't know how you name something officially, but in this case I see no officialness at all.
You could call them the Lesser Andes for all that matters? Most people call them the Ozarks, but they're not and in fact incredibly much older. 1.5 billion year old weathered and worn down to solid granite ancient volcanoes. This is from the highest point around and you can see for miles and miles, no older place in North America exist except one. It's drop dead gorgeous in the fall, drought was bad this year and leaves have thinned greatly (2017). I would say this must be a prime without doubt one of the best Forest Bathing spots in North America..... I suffered heart failure, strokes, and heart attacks continuously for 7 years until I started making what has become regular pilgrimages to this area (btw filled with the richest lead deposits in the world) to open my inner self and allow mother earth and her forest to restore me ..... not one heart related issue since 2012 now. You try and convince me I'm wrong?
The park is absolutely gorgeous. The facilities are minimal, but that's not the point of this park. There are plenty of parks near by with many more amenities. There are some campgrounds, and the spots are decent. It's the highest point and the hiking trails that you come for. The highest point is underwhelming, but there's a nice plack and you get a sticker. It's only a short walk from the parking lot as well. The trails and loops are beautiful. The waterfall is stunning, and a must see in my opinion. The one downside is the rocks. I've done my fair share of hiking, and the trails down to the water fall, as well as onto the Ozark, were rocky as all hell. Be careful and wear shoes with good support.
Open sunrise to sunset, year-round. The waterfall is pretty seasonal, so it's best after a good rain or earlier in the spring. It's still a gorgeous sight when it's dry though. The trail is moderately rugged and the last mile or so of the road to the trail-head is gravel. There are amenities at the trail-head, but no water fountain. The main trail-head is only a short walk from the highest point in Missouri (which is just a granite marker in a bunch of trees with no views. However, I can say I've been there, done that). There is a good overlook on the road coming up to the trail-head.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is a US Park based in Ironton, Missouri. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located at Hwy. CC, Ironton, MO 63656, USA.
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