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Step Out for a Hike in Scenic Branson, Missouri
Located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri offers endless outdoor adventure. Enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking and water skiing in three spectacular lakes. Go biking, horseback riding, camping, rock climbing and spelunking. Or choose from more than 200 miles of beautiful, easily accessed public hiking trails.
Branson is the ultimate destination for hiking - offering up a wide range of scenic trails for all skill levels, from easy and moderate to more rigorous adventures. We’re offering a quick look at some of the most popular and best hiking trails in the Branson Lakes area. As with any hike, be sure to consider its length and difficulty before you begin. And a tip to all hikers: give yourself ample time during your day hike to return to your starting spot before darkness falls. You’ll also want to ensure you have proper footwear and hiking gear as well as plenty of water, sunscreen and bug repellant!
Bluff, Bent Tree and Ridgetop Loop
(Moderate/2.3 mi)Located in the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, this loop trail is popular year-round. The Bluff Trail is only 1.5 miles and features a lake, a cave and beautiful forest views. Dogs are allowed on leash.
White River Trail System
(Moderate/11.5 mi)Choose from Red, Blue, Orange and Green Loop trails. Enjoy a scenic and rugged area inside Table Rock Lake State Park. Trails offer small waterfalls and excellent views of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Dogs are allowed on leash.
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Roark Creek Waterfall Trail
(Moderate/3.2 mi)Experience picturesque views of Roark Creek from Lake Taneycomo up through the Roark Creek Valley. There are 2.7 miles of paved trail and the last half-mile is unpaved trail that ends at a spectacular bluff overlooking the creek. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Homestead Trail
(Moderate/3.5 mi)Enjoy the remote hills and beauty of the Ozarks along this secluded trail that features 15 markers signifying where old homesteads once stood. Along the way you’ll find glades filled with wildflowers and birds. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
(Easy/2.25 mi)Enjoy the scenery along the shore of Table Rock Lake from the State Park to Dewey Short Visitor Center. This paved and mostly flat trail is a favorite for walkers and wheelchair users. Trailheads are available at two Branson attractions: Showboat Branson Belle and the Visitors Center at Table Rock Dam.
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Lakes Forest Wilderness Area
(Moderate/4.4 mi)Experience some of the area’s more rigorous hiking along this trail that includes 315 stone steps built in the 1930s. Other features include beautiful woodlands, an old homestead, two caves, a grotto, a waterfall, and amazing views of Lake Taneycomo.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
(Moderate/6.5 mi)This beautiful paved walking trail overlooks rock bluffs and waterfalls. You’ll enjoy wooden and stone bridges, crystal clear streams, and even the park’s popular Glory Hole, a spectacular blue-green pool where you can feed some of the area’s largest and magnificent trout.
Finally, don’t forget to choose a resort destination to relax and unwind at after hiking the best Branson hiking trails! It’s specifically at Westgate Branson Woods Resort where you can find various types of accommodations, many including fully-equipped kitchens to furnished balconies and patios! You can even continue the outdoor activities with offered amenities like miniature golf, horseshoes, campfire area, bicycle rentals, shuffleboard, volleyball, a lighted playground and private hiking trails. Branson Woods Resort is also located in the heart of the most popular local family attractions! Even better, you can escape to the Ozarks with a 2-night Branson getaway for only $99 (upgrades available)!
