Natural Falls State Park Trails | Explore the Ozarks

Bear Trail

The Basics

Description

Although only a ½ mile in length, this trail is very steep, and can be strenuous in places to those not ready for it. The trail leads from the camping area down to the Dripping Springs Trail. The trail has seen improvements in recent years, and is in better shape than it used to be. With that being said, though, please do not attempt this trail if you have mobility issues or are not in good shape.

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Dripping Springs Trail

The Basics

Description

The most popular trail in the park, this trail will lead to views of Dripping Springs Falls, both from above and below. Beginning at the parking lot, head towards the stone archway on the south side of the lot. The pathway leads just a short distance to the observation platform overlooking the waterfall from above. The trail from the parking lot to here is paved, and is handicap accessible. From the platform, the trail heads steeply down hill to a view of the waterfall from below. There are a total of 88 steps to the bottom, and it is not handicap accessible. At the bottom of the steps, the trail heads either left or right; head left to get to the waterfall.
After viewing the waterfall, turn around and head back to where the trails came down the steps, where you turned left. From this intersection, head straight ahead. The trail leads to a small fishing lake/pond, then over to the dam and pump storage area. From there, it heads back almost the way it came, but instead climbs up onto the bluffline overlooking the valley and waterfall on the other side. The Ghost Coon Trail joins this trail for a little ways, then heads back off again. The trail eventually heads back towards the waterfall area, crossing a steel and wooden bridge high above the waterfall (the one you could see from below while down at the waterfall). It then leads back to the parking lot.

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Fox Den Trail

The Basics

Description

This trail begins at the back of the tent camping area, and leads hikers down to a rock overhang and cavern area. It then leads to the stream below the fishing lake dam. It has some elevation changes to it, so it has been rated as moderate in difficulty. Look for a "mushroom" rock and the fox denning area along the trail.

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Ghost Coon Trail

The Basics

Description

The Ghost Coon Trail will take hikers through upland prairies, along bluff lines, past another dam, and then eventually joins up with the Dripping Springs Trail near the main lake's dam. From here it follows the same path up the steep hill, then breaks away at the top of the hill. It wanders through some more prairie, then makes its way back to the beginning. The trail starts just left of the stone archway, near the park's service road.

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Pine Ridge Trail

The Basics

Description

This ¾ mile paved trail is handicap accessible, begins near the visitor center, and connects all areas of the park together. A spur of the trail even leads to the entrance to the waterfall area. This trail is perfect for kids, bicycles, skates and strollers. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.

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