State Park Information

As the largest state park in the state of Missouri at seventeen thousand, four hundred and forty one acres, Lake of the Ozarks state park contains wooded areas, many beaches, caves and more than eighty miles of lake frontage. The park was created in the 1930's by the National Park Service and then turned over to state in 1946. Twelve trails reside here ranging from a half mile to fifteen miles in lengh, having hikers go through wooded areas, glades, and bluffs overlooking the lake. In addition to hiking and backpacking trails, there is also two equestrian trails, one of which offers bicycling.
On the south end of the park is Ozark Caverns, known for its salactites and waterfalls referred as "Angels Showers". Visitors can view bats, bear cave markings, and speleological wonders and for a fee, guided tours are given on a daily basis during the summer. As a water based park, there are two free public beaches with bathhouses and shady picnic areas. There are also two marinas here where you can rent boats. There are also two-hundred thirty campsites throughout the park for campers year round.

Sources

Missouri Department of Natural Resources


Ozark Caverns
- All pictures were taken in July of 2004 with my girlfriend.

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Lake of the Ozarks Trails

- Aquatic Trail ( 9 Miles) - ( Allow 2 hours roundtrip ) Located between Grand Glaize Beach and Public Beach Number One, it helps discribes the lakes natural features.
- Coakley Hollow Trail ( 1 Mile ) - The trail begins and ends at Ozark Caverns. Featured along the trail is a natural glade and a dam and mill site. The trail, identified only with yellow markers, is open only to hikers.
- Fawn's Ridge Trail ( 2 1/2 Miles ) - Only open to hikers, the trail has two entry/exit points. One lies at the riding stables near the picnic area across from the highway and the other close to the campground registration booth down Lake View Bend Trail.
- Grand Glaize Trail ( 2 1/2 Miles ) - The trail begins and ends just north of the service area between Ozark Caverns and Mc Cubbin Point.
- Lake View Bend Trail ( 1 Mile ) - The trail begins and ends in Campground Four and follows along the base of steep cliffs along the lake. This trail is the best in the park for viewing spring wildflowers in April, May and June.
- Lazy Hollow Trail ( 1/2 Mile ) - It goes along a typical Ozark Hollow and is located across from the highway from the trail center.
- Rocky Top Trail ( 3 Miles ) - Overlooking the lake from the top of a bluff, it offers great photo oppertunities. The trail also has a natural glade and contrasts in plants.
- Shady Ridge Trail ( 1/2 Mile ) - You will be able to climb a small glade and go along the lake shore.
- Squaw's Revenge Trail ( 2 Miles ) - You get a photo oppertunity on top of a bluff overlooking Grand Glaize.
- Trail of Four Winds Trail ( 6 Miles ) - This trail is open to hikers, equestrians and all terrain bicycle users.
- Woodland Trail ( 6 Miles ) - This area provides a diversity of habitats ranging from old fields to dense oak-hickory forests, dry streambeds to spring-fed seeps, and nearly barren ridge-tops to lush ravines. This trail is intended for hiking and backpacking use only. All backpackers should register at the park office or trail head before using the trail.

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I have last visited this park in April of 2007...

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Important Notice

All photographs used on this site, The Local Ozarkian, are the property of Jonathan Sharp.
You may use, or copy these pictures if only you say you have gotten them from The Local Ozarkian.
Do not distribute, sell, or publish my photos without prior written permission.

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