Weekend Getaway

When Dawn suggested a weekend getaway, her only requirements were simple: it had to be in Missouri, and it needed to include hiking and waterfalls. After weeks of being home, we were both ready for a change of scenery.

Our adventure began Friday after work. We left our home in Olathe, Kansas, and made our way to Jefferson City, Missouri, where we stayed the night and left our Blue Heeler mix with Dawn’s mother. The next morning came early, and the forecast promised rain across nearly every spot on our list. Despite the gloomy outlook, we were eager to start our Missouri waterfalls and hiking getaway.

Clifty Creek Natural Area

Our first destination on the Missouri waterfalls and hiking getaway was Clifty Creek Natural Area, about an hour southeast of Jefferson City. The drive was peaceful, winding through upland forest and rolling hills. Each curve revealed another layer of Missouri’s quiet countryside. Dawn teased that I was enjoying the drive a little too much, and she was probably right.

Along the way, we dodged several box turtles crossing the road—an all-too-common sight from mid-April to September in southern Missouri. If you ever see one, take a moment to stop or slow down. Those small acts of kindness help protect a species that moves at its own pace through our fast-moving world.

The trail at Clifty Creek was a pleasant hike through shaded forest, offering a mix of creekside views and short cliffside stretches overlooking the trees below. It wasn’t a sweeping panoramic view, but it had its own quiet beauty.

The trail to the natural stone arch can be done as a loop or as two separate trails. From the parking lot, you’ll reach an intersection about a tenth of a mile in. We took the right fork, following the Clifty Hollow Trail—roughly a one-mile hike to the arch. The other route, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, is 1.4 miles. If you treat it as a loop, the total round trip is about 2.5 miles.

Because recent thunderstorms had raised the water level, we decided to return along the same path instead of completing the loop. Next time, I’d like to hike the full circle to see how the terrain changes.

Even without waterfalls at Clifty Creek that day, the forest, sounds of rushing water, and moss-covered stones made it a worthwhile stop on our Missouri waterfalls and hiking getaway.

Maramec Spring Park

Our next stop was Maramec Spring Park, just a ten-minute drive from St. James, Missouri. It’s easy to see why the park is described as “one of the most beautiful spots to be found in Missouri.” The moment we arrived, it was clear why this location stands out on any list of Missouri waterfalls and hiking getaways.

Maramec Spring Park is privately owned and does require a small admission fee, but it’s well worth it. Hundreds of trout swim in clear containment pools, and you can even feed them as they dart and flash beneath the surface. The real show, though, is the spring itself—a deep emerald color that rises from more than 350 feet below ground and remains a cool 56 degrees year-round.

As the warm, humid air met the cold water, a light fog drifted above the spring. It created an atmosphere that felt almost otherworldly—quiet, calm, and timeless.

I couldn’t help but think about how perfect this spot would be for a return trip with my dad. With easy paths and great access to the water, it would be an ideal place for him to try fly fishing again. If you plan to fish here, check the park’s website for information about licenses, fees, and accessibility before you go.

Final Thoughts

Our Missouri waterfalls and hiking getaway may have started under gray skies, but it became one of those rare trips that remind you why simple adventures are often the best ones. Between the forest trails of Clifty Creek and the misty beauty of Maramec Spring Park, we discovered two places that prove you don’t have to travel far to find something worth exploring.