Blaze a trail below cliffs with water views along with plenty of hikes and activities to choose from at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Our Time Here at Lake of the Ozarks State Park

We chose the 1.5-mile Lakeview Bend Trail loop, which included a variety of Ozark terrain.

Starting the Hike

This trail begins near parking by the camp store and the entrance to the main campground.

We started our walking following the trail in woods and hills.

This trail eventually ended up near the lakeshore. Here was a playground that we let my son Andrew play for a while before continuing.

I walked down by the lake checking out the rocky cliffs across the water.

Return to the Trail

The trail went around a campground and then to the bottom of the cliffs. This was a scenic section of the trail.

Cliffside

Bluffs were high above us as we began to walk in rocky terrain.

Andrew found a rock shelter to checkout inside before heading on.

The trail follows a long cove. Across the water, I saw a distant campground.

We came across some boulders that had fallen near the lakeshore by logs in the water.

Two large boulders split in two like someone had done a big karate chop.

Looking up I saw large holes in the cliffs probably home for small mammals or snakes.

Heading Back

The trail made a turn back up in the hills away from the lake. This was the hardest part of the walk with wooden steps going straight up. A workout to end the hike!

Final Thoughts

The start of the hike was less interesting, but once we got along the cliffs it was very pleasant. Cliffs spanning way up on one side and clear water on the right with logs and rocks going deep into the water. I was surprised by how interesting the hike was and how it allowed for a relaxing time to commune with nature.

More Trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Bluestem Knoll Trail

Bluestem Knoll Trail is a .80-mile trail that provides a landscape of when the settlers first came into the area. It has large trees and native grasses.

Coakley Hollow Trail

This one-mile trail has dolomite glades, fens, and spring-fed streams and is located by the Ozark Caverns area. It may be closed during evening hours and in the off-season. Call the visitor center at 573-346-2500 to see if the area is open. It is supposed to be an interesting trail but was closed when we were in the area.

Fawn’s Ridge Trail

The first .6 part of this trail is level and wheelchair accessible and in the campground area. This hike has a total length of 1.25-mile and is a loop and goes through a woodland area.

Hidden Springs Trail

Hidden Springs Trail is a 2.50-mile loop and goes through woodlands and bluff tops along the lake. I would have done this one if we had more time.

Honey Run Trial

A 12.75-mile trail loop that can be broken into a 4.25-mile north loop or a 2.50-mile south loop, passes through woods, bottomland communities, and dolomite glades and has views of the lake.

Lake Trail

Lake Trail is a 1.50-mile loop trail that shows a variety of Ozark terrain. It has rocky areas of chert along with forest and lake views.

Rocky Top Trail

This 2-mile loop trail climbs one of the largest glades in the park. It is actually two loops joined together. Hikers can finish the first one-mile loop along the lakeshore to the parking area and trailhead or take a longer hike across a small ravine up to the overlook on the lake.

Shady Ridge Trail

Shady Ridge Trail is a one-mile one-way hike along the lakeshore and has great views. It passes through the chert woodlands. It connects the Grand Glaize Beach area with the Pa He Tsi area in the park.

Trail of the Four Winds

A 13.50-mile loop trail can be divided into a 4.25-mile north loop or a 9.25-mile south loop.

The longest trail in the park, it passes through almost every type of natural community in the park. It provides stunning views of the lake, rock outcrops, season streams, ponds, and woodlands. A trail map or topographic map is strongly suggested before using the trail.

White Oak Trail

A one-mile loop trail is a good place for woodland animals like northern fence lizards, box turtles, or chipmunks.

Woodland Trail

Woodland Trail is a 3.25- mile loop and known for flowering dogwoods in the spring. This is the only trail that allows for backpacking and has a designated backpacking camp.

NOTE: By the Park Office I found a detailed park map. I also saw these available at many of the trailheads. I would recommend picking up one of these since there are many trailheads throughout the park and some are even across the lake from other parts of the park. Also, make sure to check out the website for more information.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Overview

History

Established in the 1930s by the National Park Service, Lake of the Ozarks State Park was turned over to the state of Missouri in 1946.

Log buildings, rustic bridges, and stone ditch-dams, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s during the Great Depression have resulted in the designation of the park and its main road, Highway 134, in the National Register of Historic Places.

Other Offerings

Besides hiking, the park has swim beaches, playgrounds, stables, a campground store, marinas for boaters on the Lake of the Ozarks in which the park borders, along with equestrian and bicyclist paths. The park offers year-round overnight accommodations including campsites, cabins, and even yurts.

DETAILS:

DRIVE: Take Interstate 70 out of St. Louis. Then take the exit for Highway 54 and go south. Once you’re at the Lake of the Ozarks look for Highway 42 and take this road east until you get to Highway 134. Go south and this road for the trails, including the one we walked, on the north side of the park.

More trails can be found on the south side of the park across the lake. Go to the park’s website for more information on how to reach these trails and whether they are open year-round.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset with camping available.

Address: Brumley, MO 65017

Nearby Hike

See Castle Ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Castle ruins on a cliff above Lake of the Ozarks, a natural bridge, and a clear spring are some of the treasures at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

Hiking here you will come across many manmade and natural wonders.

Hiking Trails Between St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks

Prehistoric Graham Cave State Park

Graham Cave State Park is right off Interstate 70 and is a hike into ancient history. Hiking through the park you walk in the footsteps of hunters-gathers thousands of years ago who found shelter in Graham Cave.

Grand Bluffs: Hiking High Above the Missouri River

A view from 300-foot high bluffs, some of the highest along the Missouri River, awaits you at Grand Bluffs Conservation Area near Hermann, Mo.  

Lake Hike Near St. Louis

Horseshoe Lake State Park

Walking among the green stalks of a cornfield and admiring the lakeside flowers were part of our adventure on Walker’s Island at Horseshoe Lake State Park.