Summary of Waterfalls in Missouri
Missouri boasts abundant forested areas complemented by several major cities.
The state’s cliffs, bluffs, and rocky landscapes provide an array of appealing hiking locations.
With the Missouri River coursing through it alongside numerous creeks, the state features at least 14 remarkable waterfalls that hikers should definitely explore.
These waterfalls vary in their movement; some plunge dramatically while others cascade or gently flow over the rocks.
1. Mina Sauk Falls
Mina Sauk Falls is located along the Taum Sauk Ozark Trail in Missouri.
This trail spans 35 miles, guiding hikers through the picturesque St. Francois Mountains.
The Mina Sauk Falls segment of Taum Sauk covers 14.5 miles, meandering between Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
The trail features both easier and more challenging sections.
Along the way, hikers encounter oak, hickory, and pine trees, as well as numerous rocky outcrops.
The Mina Sauk Falls Trail serves as the starting point for state park hikes, where hikers navigate rocky terrain with steps leading to the highest waterfall in Missouri—132 feet high, cascading into Taum Sauk Creek.
2. City Garden Falls
City Garden Falls is a manmade feature situated in St. Louis, Missouri.
This waterfall is part of a larger sculpture park located downtown.
The park is adorned with art installations, gardens, and fountains, alongside a pathway showcasing 24 sculptures.
The waterfall, which measures only six feet high, creates a quaint and tranquil atmosphere for visitors, situated near the children’s area and accompanied by a 180-foot pool.
The path is flat and easily accessible, with seating available nearby to enjoy the scenic views.
3. Cotton Rocks Fall
Cotton Rocks Fall is located near Branson, Missouri.
Visitors can enjoy this lively town or escape into nature by exploring the 2.3-mile trail along Roark Valley Road.
The trail can be accessed from Westgate Resorts.
Initially, the path runs parallel to the resort before leading into a scenic, wooded area.
Hikers are accompanied by Roark Creek, navigate up a few bluffs, and ultimately reach the falls.
Cotton Rocks Fall features a circulating pump to maintain consistent water flow, even during dry spells.
This trail also welcomes pets.
4. Marble Creek Falls
Marble Creek Falls is located within the Marble Creek Recreation Area and the Mark Twain National Forest.
The creek stretches 20 miles, flowing through most of the park, which also provides camping and picnic facilities.
Marble Creek Trail spans ten miles, suitable for both hiking and mountain biking.
This trail connects to Taum Sauk via Ketcherside Mountain and is maintained by state authorities.
Visitors can start at Crane Lake Loop and follow the trail to see Marble Creek Falls.
Elevation gain varies between 700 and 900 feet, depending on the entry point.
Near the dam, intriguing rock formations contribute to the falls’ beauty.
5. Waterfall Park
Waterfall Park is an artificial park space located in Independence, Missouri.
The waterfall rises over ten feet, with rocks arranged by hand to shape this riverine feature.
Water cascades over a small bridge, allowing most of the flow to traverse underneath.
This park was designed to provide locals with a green space, featuring walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground.
The walking trail is generally flat, while the waterfall adds a picturesque element for photography enthusiasts.
Downstream, a small waterfall is formed by a natural rock dam situated in Merriam, Kansas.
6. Dogwood Canyon Falls
Dogwood Canyon Falls is located within Dogwood Canyon Park.
Visitors are required to pay an admission fee to enter the park, with additional charges applicable for various activities.
A $4 fee is imposed if you wish to bring your dog along.
Hikers must secure a walking pass to traverse the 6.5 miles of walking trails.
The collected fees contribute to the maintenance of the paved paths and the guides who show visitors around Dogwood Canyon Waterfall and the Amish bridge.
7. Big Piney Falls
Big Piney Falls showcases rocky landscapes within the Piney Falls State Natural Area.
This area features both upper and lower cascades, which are relatively short in height.
The elevation gain reaches 383 feet.
The hike spans two miles and is not structured as a loop.
Visitors can access the waterfall from either Missouri or Tennessee, although it is located closer to Grandview, Tennessee; thus, the effort to cross the state line to witness the falls is certainly rewarding.
8. Rocky Waterfall
Rocky Falls possesses a rich historical context—arguably the most extensive of any site in the Ozarks.
The reddish-brown rhyolite porphyry colors the waters intriguingly and aids in dating the surface to approximately 1.5 billion years ago.
Weathering of the rock has exposed ancient soil and lava.
The stream flows rapidly, often categorized as a river, although locals refer to it as a creek.
During rainy periods, the flow becomes even more spectacular; a small pool forms at the base of the gently sloping waterfall.
9. Forest Park Falls
Forest Park Falls is located in Forest Park, a developed area near Children’s Hospital and the Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri.
This historic park features a river, numerous hiking trails, and the notable Pagoda Circle.
The waterfall is sometimes referred to as ‘Forest Park Falls’, while others know it as ‘Flegel Falls.’
Constructed in 1937, ‘Flegel Falls’ were designed to emulate the World’s Fair Cascades that previously adorned Art Hill.
Though short in stature, the waterfall captivates visitors with its exquisite landscaping and the serene pool beneath.
Exploration of the park leads to various trails to discover the falls.
10. Hickory Canyons
Hickory Canyons is found along the Hickory Canyons Natural Area Trail.
The waterfall reaches its peak beauty following rainfall.
Hikers are led along a 0.5-mile track to reach this lovely waterfall.
Rocky bluffs can be found along the path as hikers advance.
The rock face features stepped formations that prevent the cascades from falling directly.
11. Meramec Falls
Meramec Falls is situated within Meramec State Park along the Meramec River.
The river’s flow causes it to cascade over bluffs into the pools below.
This state park offers caves and lush forested areas, making it an ideal location for day visits.
Guests can access more than 13 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty.
For those interested in activities beyond hiking, options such as swimming, fishing, rafting, and boating abound.
Meramec Spring, the fifth largest spring in the state, is located near St. James.
The James Foundation operates the springs, providing a refreshing swimming experience after hiking in and around the waterfall and numerous other trails.
12. Grand Falls
Grand Falls can be found near Joplin, Missouri.
The falls flow along Shoal Creek.
While the term ‘creek’ might suggest a narrow waterway, this creek is remarkably wide.
A natural dam facilitates a gradual flow over a smooth surface prior to returning to rockier terrain and descending down a shorter limestone incline.
The expansive area yields an intriguing flow pattern, with swirling pools of water.
13. Hodgson Mill Waterfall
The Hodgson Mill Waterfall is associated with the Old Hodgson Mill located in Dora, Missouri.
This waterfall served a significant functional purpose for the sawmill, facilitating the transport of milled wood along the creek.
Visitors can access Hodgson Mill via Missouri Highway 181, allowing them to visit this 19th-century milling site.
Though the waterfall stands less than five feet tall, its smooth rock face ensures a consistent and gentle flow.
The waterfall is conveniently reachable from the mill’s parking area.
This site also provides an excellent photographic opportunity, with the mill beautifully positioned behind the falls.
A natural pool forms at the top of the falls, subsequently flowing into a more rugged surface below, creating a gentle mist.
