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Waterfall Hiking Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 816 Google reviews · Running trail in Branson, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Waterfall Hiking Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Short natural surface loop trail with a small waterfall and a larger one.
What runners say about Waterfall Hiking Trailhead
“That being said, it was a lovely and peaceful walk, and with all the rain the waterfalls were full and beautiful.”
“I loved hiking down the well marked and maintained trail to get to the waterfalls.”
“That being said, it was a lovely and peaceful walk, and with all the rain the waterfalls were full and beautiful.”
“Not any significant change in elevation, so I would say it's a generally easy hike.”
The hike to the waterfalls is just as great and scenic as the waterfalls themselves. I loved hiking down the well marked and maintained trail to get to the waterfalls. The falls themselves are nice and scenic. They are not huge by any means, but they are quite beautiful.
This nice little hike is a simple in & out adventure. Not any significant change in elevation, so I would say it's a generally easy hike. There are just a LOT of tree roots, rocks, and small obstacles across most of the Waterfall Trail, so you need to watch the path and be sure-footed.
My son and I walked this trail one afternoon. It was right after a rain so it was a bit muddy. The route was easy to follow and the waterfalls were beautiful. It was not crowded and we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and tranquility. Will for sure walk this one again!!
Beautiful and short trail. When you arrive there is free parking labeled to the right of a resort entrance. To the left of the entrance is the start of the trail (I don’t believe it’s associated with the resort).
Trail conditions & character
“There are just a LOT of tree roots, rocks, and small obstacles across most of the Waterfall Trail, so you need to watch the path and be sure-footed.”
“There are just a LOT of tree roots, rocks, and small obstacles across most of the Waterfall Trail, so you need to watch the path and be sure-footed.”
“For anyone with back, knee, or ankle issues, the most difficult part of the hike is the trailhead, and possibly crossing the creek when the water is up.”
“That being said, it was a lovely and peaceful walk, and with all the rain the waterfalls were full and beautiful.”
“My dog loves the water, so this one is his new favorite!”
Plan your run at Waterfall Hiking Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebransonparksandrecreation.com
- Phone+1 417-335-2368
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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