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Nature of the Area |
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From dark caves to back-country hiking trails to castle ruins perched on a cliff, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the ideal place for the adventurous. Ha Ha Tonka is a geological wonderland sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, soaring bluffs, and Missouris twelfth largest spring.
Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Accessible, paved walkways and rugged, rocky trails provide every hiking experience, from a casual boardwalk stroll to an overnight backpack trip.
Looming over all is the ruin of the turn-of-the-century stone castle built by a wealthy businessman. The empty shell of this great mansion overlooks Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks from atop a 250-foot bluff.
The Ha Ha Tonka Savanna preserves an excellent example of pre-settlement landscape. Scattered oaks, prairie grasses and wildflowers, open rocky glades and valley woodlands form a savanna mosaic. A seven-mile backpack trail winds through much of this area so visitors can easily explore the savanna.
Rugged terrain, beautiful bluffs, dark caves and a castle on a cliff -- bring your camera because Ha Ha Tonka State Park has it all. |
Trails |
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Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Trails vary from accessible, paved walkways to rugged, rocky trails providing a diverse experience for hikers.
Castle Trail? mile (one way)
Overlooks near the castle provide views of Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. Mild terrain.
Quarry Trail2 miles
Starts by the castle and leads to open views of the lake and two old quarries. Moderate terrain.
Dell Rim Trail? mile (one way)
This wooden boardwalk begins near the water tower and descends a series of steps to an overlook above the Whispering Dell Sinkhole. The step portion of this trail is strenuous. The steps continue to the spring below.
Colosseum Trail? mile
Starts at the natural bridge parking lot. The trail winds under the natural bridge and through a large sinkhole (the Colosseum). Moderate terrain.
Spring Trail1 ? miles
Starts at the spring/lake parking lot. One-way distance to the spring is one-half mile, mostly paved. Wooden stairs lead above the spring bluff to the old post office. The step portion of this trail is strenuous.
Island Trail? mile
Making a loop around the island and past the balanced rock, this trail starts at the millrace (on the Spring Trail). Rugged terrain.
Boulder Ridge Trail1 ? miles
Begins at the Spring Trail trail head. The trail passes through an area of large lichen-covered boulders along a ridge. Moderate terrain.
Park at the lot east of Hwy. D, between the parks castle and spring entrances for the following trails.
Oak Savanna Interpretive Trail450 feet
This is an accessible trail with four interpretive stops.
Acorn Trail? mile
Prescribed burning helps maintain this open woodland. A brochure and eight interpretive stops tell more about this savanna landscape. Moderate terrain.
Devil?s Kitchen Trail1 mile
Visit unique geologic features, including Devil?s Promenade. Rugged terrain.
Turkey Pen Hollow Trail7 miles
Backpack camping is allowed on this trail that winds throughout the Ha Ha Tonka Savanna Natural Area. Rugged terrain. |
Picnicking |
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Boating |
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Fishing and Hunting |
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Fishing
Fishing is permitted under statewide regulations at the Lake of the Ozarks access points of the park. Fishing is not permitted in Ha Ha Tonka Spring. |
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More Info | |
Department of Natural Resources, Information concerning state parks and state historic sites in ... trails to castle ruins perched on a cliff, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the ideal place for the ... | |
Department of Natural Resources, Information concerning state parks and state historic sites in ... of the area around what today is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The Boones were there, both Daniel and ... | |
... is nestled on the Niangua Arm of the lake near Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton. The B & B offers an array of amenities, guest ... acres of beautiful Ha Ha Tonka State Park, with castle ruins ... | |
Back to the main log page] [Comment on this log] [Add your own log]Note You may have to scroll down to see this log... Not logged in [Login] Blogs (2), Brandy (4), Computer-Hardware (1), ... | |
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the newest state park in the state of Missouri. It is only a few miles from ... to know more about Ha Ha Tonka State Park or the history of the ... | |
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Back... Comments... | |
... Its an almost-annual family reunion type trip.. a lot of fun.. this was in Ha Ha Tonka State Park.. theres a local band (concert band thing..) that has a concert there every year.. so we went to ... | |
Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri) As I mentioned the castle is the centerpiece of the park. It is situated prominently atop a 250 ft. cliff above the Lake.The grounds of the ... | |
Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri) The nice thing about Ha Ha Tonka is it isnt all about the tourist spot (the castle). Not at all. Our favorite "route" is to begin at the... |
Nature Programs |
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