Check out this How to See Missouri's Ozark Backcountry trip by Steller on Steller!

How to See Missouri's Ozark BackcountryLooking for the best things to do outdoors in Missouri? Discover hidden trails, scenic rivers, and wild beauty deep in the Missouri Ozarks’ backcountry. From rugged hikes to sapphire-hued springs, here’s how to explore the heart of the Ozarks like a true local adventurer. 💚🏕️🌿🌲🌳 AuthorsSteller
DestinationsMissouriItinerary

Refreshing Shut-Ins

Castor River Shut-Ins
Explore Missouri’s unique geology at the Castor River Shut-Ins, which features pink-hued rhyolite and granite rocks carved by the Castor River into small waterfalls, smooth chutes, and clear pools. A shut-in is a narrow section of a river where the water flows over hard rock, creating natural pools and cascades. Water shoes are recommended, and it's a good call to always bring water, snacks, and towels.
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Rocky Falls Shut-ins
Rocky Falls Shut-Ins in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways shows off Missouri’s 1.5 billion-years-old geological history with reddish-brown volcanic rock that creates a natural water park with falls and pools that are perfect for cooling off. There’s even a raised sandbar for those who just want to soak in some Vitamin D and the surroundings. The highlight is a 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a natural swimming hole! The cascades are at their best after rainfall, creating a lively, refreshing scene, but be careful if the water is high. Pack some swim gear and enjoy wading, relaxing, or climbing on the rocks in this striking shut-in area.
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Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
If you’re looking for a spot that mixes rugged scenery with hands-on adventure, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is tough to beat. The East Fork Black River flows through ancient volcanic rock, creating natural chutes, pools, and waterfalls. Walk out onto the boardwalk for a spectacular view! You can swim in the shut-ins, hike trails like the Scour Loop, fish, picnic, ride horses, or even spend the night in the campground or cabins! ⛺
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Must-See Springs

Big Spring - Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Big Spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is striking from the moment you arrive. It’s one of the largest springs in the United States (it’s tied with three others), and its bright blue hue comes from dissolved limestone that is carried in underground from as many as 45 miles away. 💙 Big Spring was Missouri’s first state park (1924) before being donated to the National Park Service in 1969. Visitors can hike the scenic trails, including a wheelchair-accessible path, enjoy a picnic, go fishing, canoeing, and swimming, and explore historic FDR-led Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures. There’s also dining at the lodge, a campground, and cabins.
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Alley Spring & Mill
Set along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Alley Mill is a historic red mill built between 1893 and 1894 that once served as a merchant and grain mill for the local community. Visitors can explore the historic mill itself, take an informal tour, or check out the little white Storys Creek One-Room Schoolhouse nearby. Two hiking paths start at the mill—one is a short loop around the mill pond, and the other climbs a bluff for incredible sweeping views and photo opportunities by the river, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Ozarks! 📸
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Blue Spring
Tucked within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blue Spring on the Current River is one of Missouri’s deepest springs at 310 feet. It pumps an impressive 90 million gallons of water daily, creating its signature vivid blue color that can shift slightly with storms or lighting, but always returns to its natural hue. The spring is a striking spot for photos and a peaceful place to enjoy the river and the surrounding scenery.
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Parks & Natural Areas

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Missouri covers 7,500 acres in the St. Francois Mountains and includes the state’s highest point. You can hike up to the summit or follow trails out to 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls, the tallest waterfall in Missouri (and widely considered the state’s most beautiful). There are lots of trails to wander, picnic spots to relax, a lookout tower to climb, and a campground if you want to stay and soak in the Ozarks. Note: Mina Sauk Falls is only active in wet weather; plan your trip after a rain. The 3-mile loop trail to Mina Sauk Falls is considered strenuous and features rocks and steep sections.
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Hickory Canyons Natural Area
Explore Hickory Canyons Natural Area in southeast Missouri’s sandstone cliffs, box canyons, and forested ravines full of lush ferns and mosses. There are two main trails: the Western Trail leads to a seasonal waterfall, while the Eastern Trail loops past creeks and rocky canyon walls. The area is especially scenic after rain or in the winter when the waterfall freezes into sparkling ice formations. ✨
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Hawn State Park
Hawn State Park in Missouri is full of natural charm with its sandstone bluffs, forested canyons, and sparkling sand-bottom streams. The park is ideal for hiking and biking along its trails, cooling off with a swim, or trying your luck at fishing in the clear waters. With picnic areas and campgrounds tucked among the trees, it’s an inviting spot to enjoy a mix of adventure and downtime outdoors.
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Pickle Springs Natural Area
Pickle Springs Natural Area in Missouri is a fascinating spot for nature lovers and hikers. The area features cool box canyons, scenic waterfalls, and sandstone valleys that burst with rose azalea in the spring. Hike the Trail Through Time, named for the way it showcases layers of Missouri’s geologic history, and don’t forget a swimsuit to cool off in the creek!
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Elephant Rocks State Park
Southeast Missouri’s Elephant Rocks State Park is home to massive red granite boulders that formed 1.5 billion years ago! The boulders line up like a parade of elephants, creating formations that are fun to explore and quite fascinating. You can hike the accessible Braille Trail to see the rocks, then venture to the old engine house and quarry ruins. Picnic tables among the trees make it easy to pause and take in the scenery.
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Current River State Park
Located along the scenic Current River in Salem, Current River State Park mixes natural beauty with a touch of history. The park features rustic buildings from its days as the Alton Box Board Company corporate retreat, built in the late 1930s and early ’40s—now on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour the historic buildings, go fishing, float on the river, enjoy a picnic, or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle out in one of the two lakes. You can also hike four park trails, from easy walks to slightly more rugged paths like the Jones Hollow Trail.
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Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff State Park is a full-service outdoor spot with something for everyone. You can hike or bike the scenic trails, float, kayak, or swim in the clear waters of Sinking Creek, or try your luck fishing for smallmouth bass. The park also has a lodge, cabins, and a modern campground, plus amenities like a restaurant, splash pad, playground, and picnic areas, all set beneath the dramatic Echo Bluff and surrounding forested valley.
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Peck Ranch Conservation Area
Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Carter County spans 23,000 acres of rugged hills, forested valleys, and open glades. The area is a key spot for wildlife, especially elk, which can often be seen around sunrise or dusk. You can hike the trails or take a self-guided auto tour while exploring limestone and rhyolite glades and narrow ridges. Stegall Mountain, the highest point at 1,348 feet, offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
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