Waterfall Road Trip Through Missouri

Charmaine Warren
Sep 1
4 min read

A Road Trip with Georgia (and a Few Detours)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content creation and maintenance of this blog. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I use and believe in. I appreciate your support! Here is our Privacy Policy

Let’s rewind to the wild summer of 2020. Remember that time when leaving the house felt like preparing for a moon landing? Gloves, wipes, six backup masks, and enough hand sanitizer to fuel a rocket?

We needed out. Like, really out.

So, in the middle of peak pandemic chaos, we grabbed our dog Georgia (a professional napper and enthusiastic trail scout), packed the car with snacks and sanity, and set off on a socially distanced, waterfall-chasing road trip through Missouri.

And you know what? It turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

Waterfall Roadtrip Game Plan:

Five waterfalls, one dog, two humans, and one extremely cozy cottage. Our goal? Fresh air, flowing water, and zero crowds.

Here’s how it all went down:

Stop 1: Hickory Canyons – Ste. Genevieve, MO

Pandemic perk: Hardly anyone there

Vibe check: Moss-covered magic in the woods

Lush forest with rocky cliffs and small waterfall. Ferns grow on stone. Calm pool in foreground. Text: "Charmaine Wanders".

Hickory Canyons felt like a forest fantasy—lush ferns, rock bluffs, and a short loop trail that delivered some seriously peaceful waterfall views. Georgia was in her element (muddy paws and all), and we were in ours: breathing deep and soaking up that sweet, sweet nature.

Woman in pink leggings holds a leashed dog playing in a rocky stream with green moss in the background. Mood is playful and scenic.

Basecamp: The Cottages at Thee Abbey – Arcadia, MO

Why we picked it: Clean, private, and dog-friendlyBonus points: Right in the middle of waterfall territory

Back in 2020, staying safe and distanced was the name of the game—and these cottages were perfect. Private, comfy, and run by the kind of folks who leave you fresh coffee and a wave from the porch. We still recommend them today as a central spot for your waterfall circuit.

Stop 2: Mina Sauk Falls – Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Vibe check: Rugged trail, big reward

Dog status: 100% on-leash friendly

Clear stream flows over rocks in a lush forest, reflecting green foliage. Bright sunlight enhances the tranquil, natural setting.

This is the tallest waterfall in Missouri, and she’s a stunner—especially after a rain. The loop is rocky and rooty, but totally doable (even in the humidity of a Missouri summer). Georgia loved every minute. We were mostly just trying to keep up with her. #FitDog

Woman with braided hair and dog walking on a forest trail. She's in a turquoise top and pink leggings. Green leaves and dirt path surround them.

Stop 3: Rocky Falls – near Stegall, MO

Vibe: Gorgeous, but a little too hoppin’

Trail rating: Practically nonexistent—just a few steps from the parking lot

People enjoy a rocky waterfall under a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees. Some are climbing; others are near the water.

Rocky Falls was high on our list, but when we pulled in, it was busy. Like, “everyone and their cousin brought floaties and BBQ grills” kind of busy. Pandemic-wise, it wasn’t the vibe for lingering long.

Still, it was too beautiful to just drive past—so we made the best of it. Kevin and Georgia waded in at the edge for a quick cool-down splash (because when in Missouri summer…), while I hung back and soaked in the view: that pink rhyolite rock, water cascading down like a nature-made slip 'n slide, and kids everywhere living their best life.

We didn’t stay long—just enough to stretch our legs and snap a few photos—but it was 100% worth the stop. We’ll definitely be back when it’s quieter. I’m already picturing a lazy afternoon picnic there… minus the crowd.

The Almost Stop: Johnson’s Shut-Ins

We had high hopes. Giant rocks! Fast water! Classic Missouri stop!

But… dogs aren’t allowed in the shut-ins area. Cue sad trombone.

We explored some side trails instead and let Georgia stretch her legs, but we definitely made a mental note to come back one day when it’s just the two of us humans. For now, Georgia’s happiness > our swimming plans.

Stop 4: Alley Spring & Mill – Eminence, MO

Vibe: Peak Missouri postcard

Bonus points: That iconic red mill + spring that’s bluer than your beach dreams

A brown dog by a reflective pond, overlooking a historic red mill surrounded by lush green trees under a blue sky. Text: Charmaine Wanders.

If there’s a place that makes you forget about the world falling apart, it’s Alley Spring. The red mill is historic, photogenic, and looks like it belongs on a jigsaw puzzle box. The spring? Unreal. Georgia tried to drink it, which… same, honestly.

Water cascades over a ledge, creating a smooth, flowing effect. Lush greenery surrounds the scene, with "Charmaine Wanders" text.

We strolled the loop, listened to the sound of rushing water, and didn’t see another soul. It felt like time stopped—in the best way.

Flowing river in a lush green forest, creating a calming effect. Smooth water motion captured. Text: Charmaine Wanders.

Final Stop: Meramec Spring State Park – St. James, MO

Distance from home: Close enough to feel like the end, far enough to still feel like an adventure

We wrapped up our waterfall loop with a mellow walk around Meramec Spring. There’s a little waterfall near the ironworks, trout leaping in the hatchery, and easy trails for tired legs. Georgia barked at fish, we watched dragonflies, and no one mentioned emails or Zoom calls. Bliss.

Fish swimming in a teal, enclosed water area with a metal grate and hose visible. Bubbles create a dynamic pattern on the water surface.

Bonus Stop: Grand Falls – Joplin, MO

Vibe: Big, bold, and surprisingly underrated

Trail rating: No real hiking, just a short walk to epic views

Woman smiling with a dog on a leash by a waterfall. The setting is rocky with green trees and cloudy sky in the background.

This one was a bit of a detour, but so worth it. Grand Falls is Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall, and let me tell you—it lives up to the name. It stretches across Shoal Creek like something out of a travel magazine. You don’t hike to it so much as just… pull up and boom—waterfall.

A small waterfall flows over a concrete dam surrounded by lush green trees under a cloudy sky. Water reflects gray tones, creating a calm mood.

We didn’t plan a long stay here, but once we saw it, we lingered. Georgia nosed around the rocks while we sat nearby and just watched the water pour over the ledge. It’s loud, mesmerizing, and somehow peaceful all at once.

Pro tip: If you're already out west or heading toward Kansas, it makes a perfect final stop—or a solid reason to extend your road trip an extra day.

Would We Recommend This Trip Now?

Oh, absolutely. Even though it was born out of pandemic madness, this road trip is a perfect summer adventure for any year. Waterfalls? Check. Dog-friendly hikes? Check. Cozy places to stay? Check. Room to breathe and reconnect with the outdoors? Always.

📍 Starting point: St. Louis, MO

🗺 Route: Ste. Genevieve → Arcadia → Taum Sauk → Rocky Falls → Alley Spring → St. James → (Joplin if you are feeling up to it) → Home

Got a favorite Missouri waterfall we missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always planning the next adventure (and Georgia’s already packed her leash).

TTYL! Stay wanderin’