Home to the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk State Park
is located in the St.Francois Mountains, one of the most rugged and scenic areas in the
state. With seven thousand, four hundred and forty eight acres, it also has the states
tallest wet weather waterfall. Called Mina Sauk Falls, it drops one hundred thirty two
feet over a series of rocky ledges. Having the tallest point in the state, Taum Sauk
Mountain, at one thousand, seven hundred seventy two feet, offers an east walk to the top.
One mile below the falls along the Taum Saulk section of the Ozark trail lies Devils Tollgate.
This eight foot wide passage takes hikers through fifty feet of volcanic rhyolite standing
thirty feet high. The ozark trail continues on to nearby Johnson's Shutins State Park,
covering a total of twelve point eight miles, providing solitude and scenery for hikers to
enjoy. The thirty three mile Taum Saulk section is part of the trail, which will eventually
connect St. Louis with the Ozark Hilands trail in Arkansas. This park provides a
campground with twelve basic campsites, drinking water and a pit latrine are available.
Personally this has to be the most beutifull place I have been to in the state. Walking on the one mile trail to the waterfall provides breath taking scenery of the valley below as well as the mountains rising above. The waterfall is something worth seeing, going down many ledges until it hits bottom. Word of warning, go early in the afternoon, there is no light at night and the mountains and trees block the moonlight. I had this experience staying too long at the waterfall. All in all, this park is worth going to, there arent to many hikers so you have the park to enjoy by yourself or with friends or family.
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