Top 5 Missouri State Parks | Loud Sights Photography
As some of you may remember, I was on a road trip on the back roads of Missouri and through Mark Twain National Forest watching the leaves change this time last year. Our wonderful state has countless stunning views and our parks are one-of-a-kind, with a myriad of plants, trees, and wildlife to witness. On our trip last year, we visited seven state parks in just three days and we made many memories that will be with us forever. Now, we are feeling inspired to visit as many state parks as we can and even, one day, go to other state and do road trips through their state parks!
As a mother and fiance, it is difficult to break away from the house and go off on a vacation, or anything resembling one, so naturally staying close to home is always my best option.
I wanted to share my top five favorite Missouri State Parks that I have visited so far as I'm dreaming of another trip around the state!
Echo Bluff is a very special place to me and its pulchritude is hard to challenge. The Bluff, located along Sinking Creek, is arguably its most famous feature (and what earned it the #5 spot on my list!) and is quite the sight to see when you're lounging in the cool, flowing water. Other than this wondrous view, this park also has an overlook that looks out over the property, lodging and camping, and even floating! It's definitely a great place for the entire family to enjoy a weekend away with campsites ranging from primitive to full-service AND full-service cabins.
Haha Tonka was the first on our trip and it was such a beautiful park to visit. There are miles upon miles of trails and there is so much to see: bluffs, meadows, sinkholes, and caves, to name a few. We parked at the bottom near the lake and visited an island, hiked up a TON of stairs, visited the castle ruins, and walked through the Devil's Kitchen! I can't wait to make it back to this magical park!
3. Johnson Shut Ins State Park
Tucked deep in the St. Francois Mountains in Missouri, this park is a great spot to go if you love all things outdoors! Not only can you hike through the woods and enjoy the native wildlife, but you can also swim at the bottom of the mountain and then camp out in the park once you're worn out. If you're feeling brave enough, you can check out the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail - whopping 35 mile hike to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain!
If you're more of a hiker than a climber, Elephant Rocks State Park is where you'll want to visit! We spent our entire time at this park jumping from rock to rock and seeing how high we could climb. The rocks themselves are composed of granite and boast a beautiful red hue that you won't see many other places - just look at this closeup! There are plenty of spots to eat a sack lunch and rest and there are also hiking trails that lead to some pretty incredible views (one is pictured below, the changing leaves among a pond surrounded by granite).
And now number one, Grand Gulf State Park. Known as "Missouri's Grand Canyon", this park is home to a huge cave system that has now collapsed and become a place for wildlife to take over. There is not a single photo I have taken or seen of this place that truly captures its essence but when I talk about places making me feel things, this place comes to mind. The gulf itself is nearly one mile long and 130 feet deep and I swear, when you see this wonder, you can feel it's size. It's so vast that you can hear how big the space is and it just takes my breath away. Pro tip, though: because there are so many plants and trees, the best time to really experience this park is fall and winter when the trees are in their dormant state.
So there you have it: my top five Missouri State Parks!
What are your favorite state parks? If there's one that I missed that you feel belongs here, let me know about it! I'd love to see some new places and possibly change my list around as the years progress!
