There are shorter trails in Meramec State Park (six, to be exact, with Walking Fern and Deer Hollow leading to Fisher Cave, where tours are available). But after driving an hour, you’re in the mood for a nice long walk, so you opt for the park’s longest trek, moving counterclockwise from the trailhead. On the way back, you’ll make a gradual ascent before coming back down through Campbell Hollow, where small streams and rock formations provide a satisfying end to a half-day hike. Of all the great trails at Castlewood, River Scene has the most spectacular views of the ancient Meramec River Valley. Poets say the park’s “castles” are the bluffs themselves, crenellated by wind and rain.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that’s designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections. While this is made of a lightweight water resistant material, it does not have a built in rain flap.
Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. Before heading out on your next hike or other outdoor adventure, make sure to grab the Ozark Trail 14 Liter Hydration Hiking Backpack. This 14L pack is designed for maximum versatility so you can focus on the great outdoors. It features two main compartments for maximum storage and organization, as well as a shove pocket with a clean, gusseted design for carrying extra items. Also included are side profile daisy chains for carrying items externally. It is made with a low-profile adjustable sternum strap to help you get the perfect fit and air-mesh padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfortable carrying without a frame.
Big Creek provides a natural escape with a swimming pool, petting zoo, and proximity to attractions. Huzzah Valley Resort offers both quiet family areas and lively sections with activities like hiking and river floats. Whether you’re a proud owner of an RV or prefer to rent one from a reputable service like RVShare, enjoy an unforgettable RV camping adventure in Missouri at these top-notch campgrounds.
“The other thing that has really become my latest fascination with it, as I now have a lot more friends who are into it, is how bonding it is,” Bone said. “I didn’t have any friends who were into it when I first started it, so I did my ozark trail backpack first couple of trips by myself, and that’s where a lot of my mistakes came in,” Bone said. “If you have to go alone, or even if you do go with others, make sure someone knows your plan. Leave an itinerary of where you’re going to go.”
Along the way you’ll cross paths with fewer people than you can count on two hands—just keep an eye out for mountain bikers and horseback riders who frequent the multi-use sections of the trail. There are circumstances that are out of control (natural disasters, holidays, weather, etc) that may cause shipping postponements. While most packages will arrive on time, there may be circumstances and delays that our carriers may experience. For this reason, we do not guarantee the exact delivery time; the delivery issue is the responsibility of the shipping company. “I am thrilled, especially because I get to bring other people on the trails with me, who have been asking me about for the last two year, so I’m just thrilled to get to share the experience,” Schuelke said.
While much of the trail is under shaded tree canopy, you’ll still want to use sunscreen to prevent any burns. The Ozark Trail Association maintains a number of maps to help you traverse each section of the trail. If you are using your phone for navigation, bring a paper copy of a map in case you lose signal or find yourself without battery. Trail maps are free to print at home or available for purchase at the online store.