Revealing the Hidden Wonders Lake of the Ozarks Hiking Trails
Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top destinations for tourists looking for the ultimate lake experience. The lake is amongst America’s largest human-made lakes created in 1930 after the making of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River. The lake’s surroundings form part of Lake of the Ozarks State Park which has 12 trails, underground caverns, luxuriant forests, and habitats. The majority of Lake of the Ozarks hiking takes place in the park which is accessible by foot, boat, or by road.
Hikers Are in for a Treat
The Lake of Ozarks lies between two state parks; the Ha Ha Tonka State Park and the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, https://mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park. The state parks are abundant in wildlife and with diverse ecosystems of plants habitats. The 12 trails in the park offer hikers a rare glimpse of an undistributed landscape that has existed for thousands of years. Hiking is an example of the fun things to do in Lake of the Ozark. You can spot the unique owl species, woodlands, and fen habitats on shores. Trails vary from rugged to moderate with the short distance of 1-3 miles and longest “Trial of Four Winds” at 13.5 miles. All trails offer breathtaking views of the lake, rocky outcrops, the dense green woodland, and seasonal streams. The shoreline is over 1,100 miles making the area a must visit for families in the US.
To access the parks, there are trails leading to the forest and go on for hundreds of miles. Some trails are simple to navigate and allow for mountain biking. Other trails are short for one day hikers and are simple to complete. Those preferring to stay by the lake are bound to see the complex fauna and exotic birds and wildlife.
Cavern Tours
The Lake of the Ozarks hiking excursions allows visitors to explore the Ozark Caverns, https://mostateparks.com/page/54199/cave-tours. These formations lie beneath the surface; formed as result of the abrasion action of water on limestone. Some areas of the caverns have a high ceiling with unusual speleothem projections. In some parts of the cave, water continuously seeps from solid rocks, an incredible cave phenomenon. Many bats species, salamanders, and other invertebrates call the caverns home. Along the trails, there are picnic sites and different plant colonies. Cavern tours consist of a one hour tour and lecture of the geographical formations in the area. The caves are the best place to escape the hot summer sun. Underground cavern tours show that the fun things to do in Lake of the Ozarks are not always on land or in the water.
12 Hiking Trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
1. Aquatic Trail
The trail, about 9.75 miles is accessible by through the lake and visitors can enjoy the spectacular views from the boat. Having a guide for the trip can help you learn more about the woodlands, glades and wildlife species. Due to the variations in the dam’s outlet downstream, you may experience increase or decrease in the water level.
2. Blue Stream Knoll Trail
The trail, about .80 miles, gives hikers the feel of the undisturbed landscape the first settlers viewed when they landed in the area. It’s filled with tall grass, occasional wildflowers most notably the yellow coneflowers found only at the Lakes of Ozarks in the world.
3. Coakley Hollow Trail
You won’t need a guide for this trail, that’s about 1 mile. The trail offers a glimpse of six different types of plant colonies. Local’s have used the plants and herbs in the area for medicinal purpose for several generations. You get the rare opportunity to see the Blue-Eyed Grass.
4. Fawn’s Ridge Trail
It takes about one hour to complete (1.25 miles) with a picnic area in along the trail. Along the trail, you can see the white oaks, brown creepers, white-eyed vireos and elm-leaved goldenrod.
5. Hidden Springs Trail
It’s about 2.5 miles with steep gradients and lot’s of plant species to see on the trail. The plants are unique for each season and intersect with the Four of Winds trails.
6. Honey Run Trail
It takes about two hours to complete with a total length of 12.75 miles. The trail has three sections; the South Loop, North Loop and Uplands Flatwood Section. The trails have more sections on the way and woodlands are the main feature.
7. Lake Trail
Fens are abundant with few trees on the trail, and it’s approximately 1.5 miles. You hike along the shoreline and enjoy the excellent view of the lake.
8. Lakeview Bend Trail
It’s about 1.5 miles and has towering dolomite bluffs and steep slopes. Along the trail, there is evidence of the erosion by the Grand Glaize River.
9. Rocky Top Trail
The trail takes you to the largest open spaces in the forest, and takes 1 hour, 30 minutes to hike. You travel through the ravine to the dolomite cliffs.
10. Shady Ridge Trail
It is one mile long with excellent views of the lake and linked to the Grand Glaze Beach. Hikes can spot the black oaks. It has bridges on some stream other have no structural crossing.
11. Trail Of Four Winds
If you want to see all the plant communities in one hike, the Trail of Four Winds is an excellent option for hikers. It’s among the top fun things to do in Lake of the Ozark and has sections, the north loop and south loop. Maps are needed to navigate the area.
12. White Oak Trail
Animals are featured on this trail such as the Northern Fence Lizards, three-toed turtles and chipmunks. It’s 1 mile with an option of extending the hike.
Find the Perfect Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rentals
If you are looking for a place to stay, look no further, as the Osage Beach Vacation Rentals, https://osagebeachvacationrentals.com, has all you need for an exceptional get away. You will find two well appointed condos with fabulous lake views. You get more freedom by renting a water-front condo than staying at a hotel. It saves you money and gives you a better feel of the community. At Osage Beach Vacation Rentals you’re coming to relax and make memories at a top flight destination.