Hiking the Ozark Trail in Taum Sauk Mountain Section, Missouri

Destinations Midwest Missouri The Ozarks

Hiking the Ozark Trail in Taum Sauk Mountain Section, Missouri

Hiking the Ozark Trail through the Taum Sauk Mountain Section offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Missouri’s rugged natural beauty and connect with the highest point in the state. This section of the trail is known for its dramatic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems, making it one of the most iconic stretches of the Ozark Trail. Located in the heart of the St. Francois Mountains, the trail provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure Guide to Hiking the Ozark Trail

Taum Sauk Mountain Highpoint Trail:
This trail leads directly to Missouri's highest point at 1,772 feet. While its elevation isn’t extreme, its significance and the views from the surrounding area make it a key highlight. The most stunning feature here is the Mina Sauk Falls, a 132-foot seasonal waterfall that is Missouri’s tallest and a great spot for photography during wet months.
Key Feature: Well-marked trail with interpretive signs about local geology.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Duration: Approx. 3 miles round trip.
Devil’s Tollgate:
A unique geological feature located about a mile into the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail. Massive 30-foot-wide volcanic rhyolite rocks create a striking formation, offering photo opportunities and a supreme example of the region's ancient geological history.
Key Feature: A must-stop landmark for geology buffs.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
- Duration: Part of a longer hike (approximately 14.5 miles if aiming to complete the Taum Sauk loop).
Johnson's Shut-Ins Spur:
This spur trail connects the Taum Sauk section with the wildly popular Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, where hikers can cool off in natural rock pools carved by the Black River. Although technically a detour, it offers scenic resting and recreation opportunities.
Key Feature: Natural swimming areas and picnic spots.
- Difficulty: Moderate.

Local Insights

The Taum Sauk Mountain area is part of one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America and formed over 1.5 billion years ago.
Many hikers aim to visit during the fall for stunning colorful foliage, though spring also impresses with wildflowers and flowing water at Mina Sauk Falls.

Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: Late October for fall foliage or spring after rains for active waterfalls.
What to bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles, water, and a first-aid kit. No cell service—carry a paper map.
Directions: From St. Louis, take I-55 S to MO-32 W (approx. 2 hours).

Adventure Map

Reviews

Justin McDonald3 months ago

This place is gorgeous. It is a very steep trail so come prepared to walk a bit down some steep paths. The fall wasn't flowing on the day I went. But I plan on going back for sure to try and walk that trail again and see the fall fully flowing.

Matt Alvino5 years ago

Specifically talking the Mina Sauk Falls trail, this is one of the best trails I have done in Missouri. Strenuous, but not terrible. A good distance, so bring water and small snacks to recharge. Great views throughout. The trail can get very sloppy even days after a big rain so plan accordingly. If you start by going off to the right, it’s heavily shaded so you will stay cooler. As you get past the falls it opens more and you will have sun beating on you a lot more. Especially in spring before the leaves are fully in. I highly recommend this trail if you are in the area. The falls were awesome, but even without, still worth it.

James “Patton family remodeling” Pattona year ago

A great trail to walk on a cool day. It definitely not for small children because of the rough and rocky terrain. My wife and I walked the loop to the waterfall. It wasn't running fast but there where plenty of small pool cascading in to other pools. It takes about 2 hours to walk the trail. Must do if you're in to nature.

Sid Whitinga year ago

Beautiful scenery! Challenging trails, but the view is worth it. Come ready with water and cool clothing. Perhaps a towel to wipe off the sweat and a clean T-shirt to change into. Don't expect a walk-in-the-park, but do expect beauty that takes a bit of work to appreciate!

Peggy Pruett4 years ago

Unless you're going in the Spring, don't bother with this trail unless you're just out for a hike and exercise. Make sure you wear good shoes as this is a little treacherous. 1.2 miles from parking lot to falls. Lots of water pools from a spring, but very little falls. Except for me, I fell four times!!! 😳 I prefer the term trickle. Beautiful views on the way though. 2.7 mile loop back to parking lot. It also crosses, or meets the Ozark Mountain Trail.

Hiking the Ozark Trail in Taum Sauk Mountain Section, Missouri