Best Hiking Trails & Scenic Lookouts at Lake of the Ozarks 🥾

Explore the Natural Side of the Lake

When most people think of Lake of the Ozarks, they picture boating, waterfront bars, and long summer weekends. But locals and seasoned visitors know there's another side of the lake—one filled with quiet trails, stunning views, and peaceful wooded escapes.If you’re ready to step off the dock and into the trees, here’s a local guide to the best hiking trails and scenic lookouts near the Lake of the Ozarks.

🌿 1. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Main Entrance

📍 Location: Osage Beach, MO (near Grand Glaize arm, off Hwy 134)
Trail Types: Easy to Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes (on-leash)

This entrance brings you to the more developed side of Missouri’s largest state park. You’ll find plenty of trailheads, campgrounds, Public Beach #1, and a full boat ramp for easy lake access.

Top Trails:

• Lakeview Bend Trail (1.5 mi): A peaceful loop through the woods with lake views—perfect for a morning stroll or families with kids.

• Rocky Top Trail (2.2 mi): Moderate challenge with scenic elevation changes and overlooks of the Grand Glaize arm.

• Fawn’s Ridge Trail (1.5 mi): A shady, quiet trail through mature forest.

• Paved Bike Trail (~1 mi): Great for a relaxed walk or beginner cyclists.

🛶 Amenities:

• Public Beach #1 (sandy swimming area)

• Boat ramp & trailer parking

• Campgrounds & picnic areas

• Restrooms and visitor center

🌟 Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and stay for sunset at the beach—it’s one of the locals’ favorite chill spots.

🌲 2. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Hwy 42 Entrance

📍 Location: South of Osage Beach, MO (off Hwy 42)
Trail Types: Moderate to Challenging
Dog Friendly: Yes (on-leash)

This entrance takes you to the quieter, more secluded side of the park. Fewer crowds, more nature, and some of the most scenic terrain in the region. It’s a favorite for experienced hikers and wildlife watchers.

Top Trails:

• Trail of Four Winds (13.5 mi loop): A full-day adventure through ridges, woods, and lake views. Best for experienced hikers.

• Bluestem Knoll Trail (2.5 mi): Serene and scenic with glade areas and wildflowers.

• Woodridge Trail (0.8 mi): Short and simple loop with minimal elevation—great for a nature break.

⛺ Amenities:

• Backcountry camping available with permits

• Trailhead parking and scenic pullover spots

• Unpaved boat access nearby

• Great for birding and spotting deer

🌿 This is where you go when you want to get away from it all—peaceful, quiet, and truly immersive.

🏞️ 3. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

📍 Location: Camdenton, MO
Trail Types: Easy to Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
🔗 View Trail Maps

If you only have time for one stop, make it this one. Ha Ha Tonka is like Missouri’s version of a fairytale forest—featuring castle ruins, bluff-top views, natural springs, sinkholes, and over 15 miles of trails.

Must-See Trails:

• Castle Trail (0.4 mi): Quick walk to the historic ruins with panoramic lake views.

• Spring Trail (1.5 mi): Wooden boardwalk to the turquoise-blue spring basin—magical and shady.

• Boulder Ridge & Colosseum Trails (1–1.5 mi): Rugged loops through glades and rock formations.

• Devil’s Kitchen Trail (1.25 mi): Named for a collapsed cave; unique features and bluff-top views.

🎒 Amenities:

• Picnic areas

• Trail maps at every entrance

• Restrooms at the main parking areas

• Parking near castle ruins and spring access

📸 Don’t forget your camera—this park has some of the most photogenic views in the Ozarks.

🏔️ 4. Bagnell Dam Scenic Overlook

📍 Location: Lake Ozark, MO
Trail Type: Short walk to a lookout
Dog Friendly: Yes

While not a hiking trail, this scenic overlook deserves a spot on your list. From here, you get a sweeping view of the Bagnell Dam, the Osage River, and the start of the main lake channel.

🚗 Easy parking and access from Bagnell Dam Blvd
🪑 Benches to sit and soak it in

🌅 Best visited at sunrise or sunset for glowing lake views.

Whether you're a full-on hiker or just someone who wants to stretch their legs and take in the views, the Lake of the Ozarks offers some of the best natural scenery in the Midwest. And the best part? These trails are all just minutes from the water—so you can go from hiking boots to flip-flops in no time.

Written by Lindsey Macomber
Local Realtor | Ozarks Explorer | Outdoor Enthusiast
📧 Lindsey@swiftandcorealty.com
📞 417-322-4205
🌐 www.lindseymacomber.com