Mine la Motte, Missouri
Taum Sauk Mountain
A short climb to Missouri's highest point, a glade waterfall, and ancient rock.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Length
- 3.2 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 650 ft
- Duration
- 1–2
- Best Season
- Mar–Nov
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Highest point in MO, Waterfall
About the trail
Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 ft) is the highest point in Missouri, and the trail to it is one of the easiest high-point hikes in the country. The Ozark Trail climbs through oak-hickory forest and open granite glades to the summit overlook, with a side trip to a cascading waterfall over Precambrian rock nearly as old as the Appalachians.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 37.5767, -90.7922Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Taum Sauk Trailhead on Mineral Hill Road off MO-21.
- Follow the Ozark Trail south through the oak forest.
- Climb the short glade section to the summit overlook.
- Side trip to the Taum Sauk waterfall on the Mine la Motte branch.
- Return via the same trail. Total: 3.2 miles.
Parking
Taum Sauk trailhead lot on Mineral Hill Road — free, no facilities, and rarely full outside peak foliage weekends.
Tips from the trail
- The glades are exposed — no shade and little water in summer.
- The waterfall is seasonal; it runs strongest in spring.
- The old iron mine ruins near the trail are off-limits but worth a look.
- Fall color here peaks in late October.