We headed out for some needed outdoor time and sunshine last Saturday! We packed some lunch and made the drive to Elephant Rock https://mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park and Taum Sauk state parks https://mostateparks.com/park/taum-sauk-mountain-state-park. The weather was perfect for being outside! It was 55 and the sun was shinning, could not have asked for a better day for February in Missouri! Both parks are located in southwest Missouri. If you have never been, I highly recommend making the trip!
I have been to Elephant Rock a few time in recent years and just love the place! There are not many places you can go and crawl around on enormous granite rocks like a kid! In the late 1800s it was a quarry so there are mounds of discarded red granite laying around….and yes, we played on that too! The granite was used for paving block, building material and the like. If the crawling around isn’t for you, there is a trail to walk from which you can enjoy the rocks, views and explore around two qruarry ponds.
But the really kicker is the giant rocks that were formed 1.5 billion years ago when hot magma cooled forming the red granite that then weathered
over time. In one section, the rocks are lined up in a way that reminds you of elephants in a row. We spent most of our time in this section just crawling, jumping and exploring. I will admit, I didn’t jump as much as some…I have a bit of a heights problem…but I did my fair share and it was fun!!
After lunch, we decided to head over to Taum Sauk State Park. In this park is the highest point in Missouri, 1,772 feet above sea level. There is a short trail that leads to the exact spot. There is also a 3 mile hike that passes by a Mina Sauk Fall. If the conditions are right there is water flowing over the falls. The conditions were right last weekend! Actually, the man and I have done the trail once before and the water was cascading then too. There is just something about the sound of the water splashing against the rocks, it is relaxing. The trail follows Taum Sauk creek for a good 3/4 of a mile or so, the entire time you get to listen to soothing sound.
We had a grand time and I can’t wait to go back!! We played hard. We laughed. We pushed ourselves. We could feel it the next day! LOL…who am I kidding, I felt it for a couple of days! All good things though!
I hope that you can make it to see these two great Missouri State parks! There are many other wonderful parks and trails in MO and I will continue to share our adventure in the great outdoors with you. Rock on people! 😉 Pun completely intended!!
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