Taum Sauk Section

This is one of the finest trails in Missouri.  It's rugged, scenic, and passes by one of the best swimming areas you'll find.

NOTICE: Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is closed due to a reservoir breach.  A portion of the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail is temporarily closed as a result.  [more]

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NOTICE: Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is closed due to a reservoir breach.  The Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail is temporarily closed as a result.  [more]

Overview

It's hard to understate how great this section is.  You have 1.5 billion-year-old mountains, igneous glades, springs, grand vistas, odd rock formations, and a swimming hole complete with natural flumes.  If this author could only hike one trail in Missouri, this would be his choice.

The section is 33 miles in length, but lends itself to two different hikes: one from Highway A to Shut-Ins (15 miles), and the other to Shut-Ins to Taum Sauk (12.5 miles ( although you can continue to Highway 21 for a total of 18 miles).  This trail will slow you down-- you'll find your average speed drop a mile-an-hour for your normal pace as you negotiate the rough terrain.  One person described the tread as "a natural stair-stepping machine."  Look for the cairns in the igneous glades, as it's easy to get lost.

Current Trail Conditions