The Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers over 16 miles of land-based trails and a nearly 10-mile aquatic trail. The terrain is characterized by rugged oak-hickory forests, sunny glades, and dramatic dolomite bluffs that overlook the water.
Popular Short Loops
These trails are generally under two miles and provide quick access to some of the park's best scenery.
Rocky Top Trail: A 2.2-mile loop that ascends through one of the park's largest glades. It is highly regarded for its elevation and panoramic views of the lake from the blufftop.
Lake View Bend Trail: This 1.5-mile loop meanders along the shoreline and through forested areas. It's a great spot for spotting local wildlife like white-tailed deer and fox squirrels.
Shady Ridge Trail: Spanning 1.9 miles, this trail connects the Public Beach 2 area with the Pa He Tsi area. It stays mostly in the shade of white and black oaks while maintaining consistent lake vistas.
Coakley Hollow Trail: An easy 1-mile loop that includes a boardwalk through a unique "fen" (a spring-fed meadow). It offers a different ecosystem than the drier ridge trails, featuring clear streams and northern plant species.
Longer & Specialized Trails
For those looking for more distance or specific activities like mountain biking or horseback riding, the park offers more extensive routes.
Trail of Four Winds: One of the most challenging land trails in the park, this route is popular with backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. It winds through deep woodlands and offers several long-distance loops.
Honey Run Trail: Primarily used by hikers and mountain bikers, this trail offers a variety of loops through the park's interior woodlands.
Aquatic Trail: This unique 9.75-mile trail is designed for boaters. It features 14 marked stops with buoys where you can learn about the lake's geological structures, such as "pigeon holes" and natural solar-heated bluffs.
