Waterfall Highway Journey By way of Missouri

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Let’s rewind to the wild summer season of 2020. Keep in mind that time when leaving the home felt like making ready for a moon touchdown? Gloves, wipes, six backup masks, and sufficient hand sanitizer to gasoline a rocket?

We wanted out. Like, actually out.

So, in the course of peak pandemic chaos, we grabbed our canine Georgia (an expert napper and enthusiastic path scout), packed the automobile with snacks and sanity, and set off on a socially distanced, waterfall-chasing highway journey via Missouri.

And you recognize what? It turned out to be top-of-the-line journeys we’ve ever taken.

5 waterfalls, one canine, two people, and one extraordinarily cozy cottage. Our purpose? Recent air, flowing water, and 0 crowds.

Right here’s the way it all went down:

Pandemic perk: Hardly anybody there

Vibe test: Moss-covered magic within the woods

Hickory Canyons felt like a forest fantasy—lush ferns, rock bluffs, and a brief loop path that delivered some critically peaceable waterfall views. Georgia was in her aspect (muddy paws and all), and we have been in ours: respiration deep and absorbing that candy, candy nature.

Why we picked it: Clear, non-public, and dog-friendlyBonus factors: Proper in the course of waterfall territory

Again in 2020, staying protected and distanced was the secret—and these cottages have been good. Non-public, comfortable, and run by the sort of people who depart you recent espresso and a wave from the porch. We nonetheless suggest them in the present day as a central spot in your waterfall circuit.

Vibe test: Rugged path, massive reward

Canine standing: 100% on-leash pleasant

That is the tallest waterfall in Missouri, and she or he’s a stunner—particularly after a rain. The loop is rocky and rooty, however completely doable (even within the humidity of a Missouri summer season). Georgia cherished each minute. We have been principally simply attempting to maintain up along with her. #FitDog

Vibe: Beautiful, however a bit of too hoppin’

Path ranking: Virtually nonexistent—just some steps from the car parking zone

Rocky Falls was excessive on our listing, however once we pulled in, it was busy. Like, “everybody and their cousin introduced floaties and BBQ grills” sort of busy. Pandemic-wise, it wasn’t the vibe for lingering lengthy.

Nonetheless, it was too lovely to only drive previous—so we made the very best of it. Kevin and Georgia waded in on the edge for a fast cool-down splash (as a result of when in Missouri summer season…), whereas I hung again and soaked within the view: that pink rhyolite rock, water cascading down like a nature-made slip ‘n slide, and children in all places residing their finest life.

We didn’t keep lengthy—simply sufficient to stretch our legs and snap a couple of pictures—but it surely was 100% well worth the cease. We’ll undoubtedly be again when it’s quieter. I’m already picturing a lazy afternoon picnic there… minus the gang.

We had excessive hopes. Large rocks! Quick water! Basic Missouri cease!

However… canine aren’t allowed within the shut-ins space. Cue unhappy trombone.

We explored some aspect trails as a substitute and let Georgia stretch her legs, however we undoubtedly made a psychological observe to return again in the future when it’s simply the 2 of us people. For now, Georgia’s happiness > our swimming plans.

Vibe: Peak Missouri postcard

Bonus factors: That iconic purple mill + spring that’s bluer than your seaside desires

If there’s a spot that makes you overlook concerning the world falling aside, it’s Alley Spring. The purple mill is historic, photogenic, and appears prefer it belongs on a jigsaw puzzle field. The spring? Unreal. Georgia tried to drink it, which… identical, actually.

We strolled the loop, listened to the sound of speeding water, and didn’t see one other soul. It felt like time stopped—in one of the simplest ways.

Distance from dwelling: Shut sufficient to really feel like the tip, far sufficient to nonetheless really feel like an journey

We wrapped up our waterfall loop with a mellow stroll round Meramec Spring. There’s a bit of waterfall close to the ironworks, trout leaping within the hatchery, and simple trails for drained legs. Georgia barked at fish, we watched dragonflies, and nobody talked about emails or Zoom calls. Bliss.

Vibe: Large, daring, and surprisingly underrated

Path ranking: No actual climbing, only a brief stroll to epic views

This one was a little bit of a detour, however so value it. Grand Falls is Missouri’s largest constantly flowing pure waterfall, and let me inform you—it lives as much as the identify. It stretches throughout Shoal Creek like one thing out of a journey journal. You don’t hike to it a lot as simply… pull up and increase—waterfall.

We didn’t plan an extended keep right here, however as soon as we noticed it, we lingered. Georgia nosed across the rocks whereas we sat close by and simply watched the water pour over the ledge. It’s loud, mesmerizing, and someway peaceable all of sudden.

Professional tip: Should you’re already out west or heading towards Kansas, it makes an ideal remaining cease—or a stable purpose to increase your highway journey an additional day.

Oh, completely. Despite the fact that it was born out of pandemic insanity, this highway journey is a good summer season journey for any 12 months. Waterfalls? Test. Canine-friendly hikes? Test. Cozy locations to remain? Test. Room to breathe and reconnect with the outside? At all times.

📍 Start line: St. Louis, MO

🗺 Route: Ste. Genevieve → Arcadia → Taum Sauk → Rocky Falls → Alley Spring → St. James → (Joplin in case you are feeling as much as it) → Residence

Acquired a favourite Missouri waterfall we missed? Drop it within the feedback—I’m all the time planning the subsequent journey (and Georgia’s already packed her leash).