Lake of the Ozarks Hiking
Experience the breathtaking views and rugged trails of the Ozarks as you step away from civilization and into a land that hasn't changed much from the time the Osage Tribe occupied all of these lands. Take yourself above the tree-lines and stand in awe of both nature and the man made lake that was formed with the creation of the Bagnell Dam in 1932. Let the breezes dry the sweat of your efforts while you sip water from the top of a jagged bluff and watch a herd or deer peacefully feeding in a meadow.
Sound too good to be true? It's not. More than twenty well marked trails lead into the Ozark wilderness around the Lake of the Ozarks and hundreds more branch off and lead to jaw dropping natural beauty that only those willing to work for it ever get to see. Rocky outcroppings and dense forests fill the region and views of the lake aren't difficult to find.
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Hiking at the Lake of the Ozarks -- Continue
Year round the landscape changes but remains scenic and beautiful. Whether you are looking at bare limbs and a white carpet of snow or velvety grassed meadows shaded by trees in full bloom, the variety and diversity of nature in the Ozarks is hard to compare with anything else.
Popular trails include the Devil's Kitchen in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. While a relatively short trail in terms of distance, this trek will take away the breath of even those in the best physical shape. A few points along the trail will test your resolve but don't worry, if you tread carefully you will make it back to the lake in time for hors devours.
Those who want to go further can always hike the Katy Trail which runs from St. Charles, Missouri all the way to Clinton. Over two hundred miles long, this rails to trails biking and hiking path takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. Of course, most folks prefer to hike a couple of miles and then go home, but maybe you want to do the whole thing...why not?
Near Osage Beach you'll find ten major trails inside the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. From a simple well trod path to the Ozarks Caverns of only a mile to those which will test expert resolve, the options in the park are wide. Detailed maps are available free to visitors at park offices.
So step away from the water for the moment and experience nature without cars, horns, gas, or stereos. Once you've tried it, you'll always come back for more.