Waterfalls in Missouri
Missouri, my home state, has a fair bunch of waterfalls. You'll notice that many of these are small waterfalls located around Kansas City, and that's because I live there and have had my whole life to be exploring local parks and such to find these falls. There are falls in the rest of the state too, but information on them is hard to find, and there are likely many Missouri waterfalls I have no idea even exist, especially in the Ozarks.
Kansas City Metropolitan Area
Cedar Creek Waterfalls
Description: Cedar Creek offers two nice waterfalls that are easy to get to. There are some nice wading opportunities here too if you’re so inclined. Coordinates for upper falls: (38.907625, -94.417154). Coordinates for lower falls: (38.909818, -94.418396).
Hiking Description: From the parking lot here (38.908587, -94.415512), head out on the concrete trail headed west, past the playground and the bathrooms. Shortly, you will come to a split, go right, going around the baseball diamond. After 200 feet, a trail will go off to the right. For now, keep straight. Keeping straight, the trail will curve to the left, and shortly the upper falls will come into view, just off to the right. After you’re done here, the lower falls is down the split trail mentioned earlier. Backtrack to this point, and take this trail. The trail will turn to wood chips after crossing a small bridge. The trail will go up a hill, and then turn to the left, with another trail split appearing. Keep left/straight. Shortly, you will be at the creek again, and the trail turns hard right. The falls are just beyond, down on your left. Some scrambling is required to adequately view the falls, unobscured.
Total Mileage: 0.6 total to view both falls
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)*
Date First Visited: September, 2019
Date Last Visited: October 12, 2022
*difficulty does not include the scramble down to the lower falls
Rank: A-
Upper Falls
Lower Falls
East Branch Falls
Description: East Branch Falls is a very small waterfall, but is still kind of interesting, and the park it’s in-James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area-has more trails to offer a good time.
Hiking Description: Start from the trailhead located here (38.872051, -94.316195). The trailhead starts in the southeast corner of the lot. Start down the trail, and the falls will be down on the left after .15 miles.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: May 5, 2020
Rank: B
East Fork Falls
Description: East Fork Falls does not flow often, but when it does, it is something to see. By far the largest waterfall anywhere near Kansas City (that I know of), it is not entirely natural, as it is part of the Crystal Lakes outflow, but it is still pretty awesome. I first came out to this place in October, 2022 to scout out the area. It had not rained lately, and the enture cliff face was dry. Later, in November, I came here after more than three inches of rain had fallen, with high hopes. I came to a similarly dry cliff face to the last time I was here. I still have no answer for this, as nearby Tryst Falls was also bone dry. How could any creek be dry after three inches of rain?? I do not know, but what I do know is that in August of 2023, almost a year past my initial discovery by this point, I returned after a similar amount of rain, but in a time where the past few weeks had seen more rain. What I was greeted with was a sight I never thought I would see in Kansas City, and that is the top photo below.
Hike Description: There is no official parking area, no signs, and I've seen no mention of this place online, so you'll have to get it from me. Park here (39.356146, -94.192889), on the west side of the road in a small pull-off near a rope gate. You are very near the dam here, and beyond this rope gate, you should see an old overgrown road leading south. follow this as it nears the river and swings hard to the right, now going west. You will stay by a treeline on your left, and soon one will approach on the right. After just 0.15 miles of walking, the falls will be on your left down a short, and somewhat steep bootpath. If it's flowing well, you will hear it well before you see it. Be careful going down this path, as it comes out at the falls atop a ten foot cliff. There isn't much room for viewing the falls here, but you can scramble down some boulders to get closer if you wish. Following my visit on August 13th, seeing it flying, I came back the following day, and it had much weaker flow, but I was able to get closer to it since the river had receded. The second photo is of the falls on the 14th.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: October 22, 2022
Date Last Visited: August 14, 2023
Rank: A-
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Legacy Falls
Description: Legacy Falls is a low volume waterfall in a very unassuming location that has very little media presence online. Getting there is weird, and it takes lots of rain to get it flowing. 2023 UPDATE: I SAW IT FLOWING GOOD!!! I went here after two inches of rain had fallen in October, 2023, and was met with an amazing sight (pictured below). As if that wasn't enough, I decided to do some wading since it was 65 degrees out. I found that if you hug the left bank of the creek, you can get all the way behind the falls, which is literally incredible. The water got about two feet deep at the deepest point, but it wasn't flowing fast by any means. I cannot explain to you how amazing it was walking behind this waterfall. I've only been behind a few waterfalls at all, and they are all far away from my home, and there I was, walking behind a waterfall 15 minutes from my house, and almost nobody knows about this place! Paradise! You can continue around the grotto to the other side for what might be my favorite view of the falls. I visited again on Christmas Day, 2023, after another two inches of rain, and it looked about the same, so I know that my visit in October wasn't a one off. I would reccomend waiting for a big rain in the spring or summer to come here so you can wade and maybe even get behind the falls. This is really a place to be cherished, and almost no one knows about it. I usually like to keep hidden gems like this quiet, but this place really deserves some attention, so visit! Let's put this place on the map!
Hiking Description: Start from the this parking lot (38.942666, -94.314212). Head east along the road which ends shortly and then continue across the cut grass. You will be walking on a disc golf course at this point, but this is a public park, so just be cautious. Head in a east-northeast direction, headed for this point (38.943120, -94.309765) at the second tree line you pass. A trail heads off behind a blue disc golf hole. Use Google Maps or something to help you-there should be cell signal here. Once at this point, pick up a bootpath headed northeast and it will lead through some forested area and then to the top of the falls in a wide open area. All of what I've said so far may make this sound difficult to get to, but it's actually real easy. From the top of the falls, you can cut down the bluffline to get to the base, but this may be hard for some people as you will have to hoist yourself down (and then back up) a three foot tall vertical bluff.
Total Mileage: 0.4 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy) to top, 6/10 (Moderate) to bottom
Date First Visited: November 5, 2022
Date Last Visited: December 25, 2023
Rank: A+
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Top left: View from base/dry land
Top right: Behind the falls!
Center: US behind the falls!
Bottom: My favorite perspective/in foot deep water
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Line Creek Waterfalls
Description: There are two waterfalls on Line Creek that are worth checking out here. The upper falls are very scenic, and the lower falls are great for wading. The route of least mileage would require you to park at two different trailheads, but it is possible to make it one, longer hike.
Hiking Description: This will be described in the way you would do this hike if you start from the two different trailheads. For the lower falls, you will want to start here (39.203198, -94.611740). Start walking down the wide concrete trail headed west. Shortly, you will come to a “T”-turn left. You will be at the falls within five minutes. Access is very easy. Coordinates for the upper falls are (39.212289, -94.616151). For the lower falls, the closest parking lot is here (39.216565, -94.619844). Head out on the trail headed east. Shortly, the trail will turn to the south and go down a hill. At about .2 miles, you will junction with 67th Street, and from beyond this point, this trail is also a road, so watch out for occasional traffic. It’s quite peculiar, as it still just looks like a trail, but there will be a few driveways with cars in them and mailboxes and all. You will come to the falls at .6 miles from the trailhead. Some scrambling may be required to get the best views, but it’s not too bad. Coordinates for the lower falls are (39.200844, -94.612443).
Total Mileage: 0.5 total for lower falls, 1.2 total for upper falls (from separate parking areas)
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) for lower falls, 2/10 (Easy) for upper falls
Date First Visited: October 3, 2019
Date Last Visited: October 26, 2023
Rank: A
Upper Falls
Lower Falls
Prairie Creek Falls
Description: Prairie Creek Falls is a nice, wide falls that can be found on a pleasant walk, just outside of town.
Hiking Description: From the parking lot here (39.321314, -94.778981), head on the concrete trail headed east. It will go down a hill, then turn hard left and cross Prairie Creek on a large bridge. Right after the bridge, there will be a split-keep left/straight. From here, you will go up a hill, and then it is rather uneventful walking until you reach the falls after 0.8 miles. It is right after you cross a second bridge, off on a paved spur trail to the right. Boot paths lead to the base, but the view is nice from the top too. Coordinates for falls: (39.328661, -94.772406).
Total Mileage: 1.6 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: October 9, 2019
Date Last Visited: April 21, 2023
Rank: B+
Tryst Falls
Description: Tryst Falls is a surprisingly scenic 10 foot drop waterfall just minutes from suburbia. It is just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, and five minutes from either Excelsior Springs or Kearney. Access couldn’t be much easier. After lots of rain, the falls can get much wider, as seen in the left picture. I’ve been here many, many times, with my family going here when I was really young, hence the “unknown” date of first visit. It was probably around 2009 or something like that!
Hike Description: Not much to say here-there is an upper parking lot and a lower parking lot, and it’s just a few steps on grass from your car to perfect views.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Unknown
Date Last Visited: March 22, 2022
Rank: A
Watt's Mill
Description: Watt's Mill is a great urban waterfall in Kansas City that is continually getting destroyed by encroaching civilization. Just in the photos provided, you can see the destruction in action. The first photo is from 2020, and the second is from 2023, and in the second you can see the large open space in the background where trees once stood. And what better than a bunch of American flags to make it better? LOVE AMERICA!!! That's the parking lot for a car dealership if you're wondering. You can still get good photos of this place if you zoom in close, and I personally still enjoy this place, but it's no paradise (anymore). One last note is that this falls flows year-round! No rain needed, but the two photos provided were taken after rain. A half inch of rain hits and Indian Creek starts flooding. For some stupid reason I don't have any photos of this falls during normal conditions-that's a goal for soon, perhaps during the fall foliage.
Hike Description: Most people park in the aptly named Watt's Mill Shopping Center, but if you're not going into these businesses this is technically trespassing, but nobody's going to care. Trust me on that I've been here like 10 times or more. Furthermore, the wonderful Kansas City Parks and Rec doesn't have an official parking spot within a mile of this place, even though there is activity everywhere. Once again, LOVE AMERICA!!! Anyways just go down on the bike path and head right. The falls are audible from the parking lot, but the remnants of the old mill block it from view. Bootpaths lead to closer views. You can also cross the creek on the 103rd Street Bridge and explore the other side. Should be plenty of room since they cut down all the trees! While here, take a minute to admire the eternal garbage patch that is caught in the falls' tailwater. Once again, this is a really nice falls, but just about everything that can go wrong at a waterfall has gone wrong here. The only thing that could make it worse is if they made you pay to enter, or perhaps timed entry permits haha.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Unknown
Date Last Visited: May 31, 2023
Rank: Unranked
View from east bank, 2020
View from west bank, 2023, notice the cleared area
White Branch Falls
Description: White Branch Falls is a very scenic waterfall in the town of Parkville. It is likely not entirely natural and part of a spillway, but it is pretty nonetheless. Access is easy and the trail is fun, so plan a visit after a good rain.
Hike Description: Start here (39.194970, -94.680985). If you head east, you'll go down a short staircase that ends at the trail. Head left. This is the Old Kate Trail, and you'll follow this all the way to the waterfall. The upper falls is the first you'll see, followed by the middle falls which is just a dam, and then the lower falls. There are benches next to both falls which are great to sit on and just look at the falls.
Total Mileage: 0.9 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 22, 2019
Date Last Visited: June 30, 2021
Rank: A-
Upper falls
Lower falls
Southwest Missouri
Finley Falls
Description: Finley Falls is an odd one. It is probably on private property, yet I was able to snag this view from straddling the edge of the fence. I’ve been here one time and one time only, and this was quite a while ago, so the conditions may have changed. It’s probably best to just skip this one. You have to park on the road, and there is a ford right above the falls.
Hike Description: There’s no hike. It’s just below the road, but it may be impossible to (legally) get down below the falls. Enter at your own risk.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: Fall, 2019
Rank: B-
Grand Falls
Description: Grand Falls is a massive waterfall on Shoal Creek (more like a river) that is roadside. This is a great place to hang out, and is one of the rare waterfalls that actually looks best in photos when it’s sunny.
Hike Description: From the road, it is within eyesight, and you just have to walk on some exposed rock to get up close. It’s not too hard.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: Unknown
Date Last Visited: July 20, 2021
Rank: A+
Ozarks
Big Spring
Description: Big Spring is not much of a waterfall, but there are some rapids, and it’s a pretty amazing water feature regardless. It’s maintained by the NPS, and is an easy drive and walk. It is the largest spring in Missouri by volume, and one of the largest in the US as well.
Hike Description: It’s about a minute walk down a sidewalk. You can get very near to the source of the spring. It’s a very nice area.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2018
Date last Visited: October 14, 2021
Rank: A-
Dillard Mill
Description: Dillard Mill is a famous and scenic mill in rural Missouri. Nothing natural here, but it's worth visiting nonetheless.
Hike Description: From the parking area here (37.719942, -91.204514), head out on the trail headed west. Shortly you will cross a bridge over a tributary, and it won't be long after this that you will see the main view of the falls (as seen in the picture below). If you continue on the trail, it will wrap around to the south, and lead right up to the mill and falls, which you can get quite close to. Easy access to all locations.
Total Mileage: 0.4 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: June 2, 2021
Date last Visited: June 2, 2021
Rank: B
Falling Spring
Description: Falling Spring Mill is a wonderful spot in the middle of nowhere that is easy to get to. The only reason not to visit is if you don’t want to test your luck with the gravel road to get there. It is a rather rough and narrow drive down a forest road to get there. The falls is fed by a spring, so it flows all the year, but it may have more water flow during wet periods.
Hike Description: It’s about a minute walk from the parking lot. It is a nice boardwalk and crushed gravel to get up near to the mill and falls. It’s really nice.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: September 26, 2022
Rank: A-
Hodgson Mill
Description: Hodgson Mill is one of the most photographed locations in Missouri, and it’s viewable from a state highway. It doesn’t get much easier.
Hike Description: N/A
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: Unknown
Date Last Visited: June 10, 2020
Rank: A-
Johnson's Shut-Ins
Description: Johnson's Shut-Ins is not much of a waterfall, but it is such a cool place you've just got to see it. A shut-in is where the water of a river is forced through a maze of boulders, and it's pretty amazing, ESPECIALLY when you can swim in it! Yes, I've swam in the shut-ins, and I've made my way through the complex, which is not easy, but none of that is required to see the shut-ins. That part is easy. The shut-ins is part of a lovely Missouri State Park (my favorite after Echo Bluff). Access to the lower pool below the shut-ins requires a steep, rocky trail, but this is also not required to see the shut-ins proper.
Hike Description: From the parking lot here (37.540358, -90.843563), head out on the paved trail to the left of the visitor center. Follow this very easy trail for a tenth of a mile where it turns to a boardwalk as you walk along the river-getting very scenic right around this point. Another tenth of a mile down and the river starts to get antsy. Around this point you'll come to the first of a series of overlooks. This is where the main view is. If you continue on the trail, it will go up quite a few wooden steps, pass a very great overlook of the mountains, and then the boardwalk will end at a trail split. Go left on the steep downhill trail to get to the lower pool. This trail is a bit difficult, so only try this is you have good balance. It may be dangerous during wet weather.
Total Mileage: 0.6 total or less
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) to overlooks, moderate beyond
Date First Visited: June 2, 2021
Date Last Visited: August 3, 2022
Rank: A+
Reed Spring
Description: This is a quick one, where you can see a mill, a dam (pictured), and a spring within 30 seconds. Roadside access. Parking coordinates: (37.433748, -90.948806).
Hike Description: N/A
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: June 2, 2021
Date Last Visited: June 2, 2021
Rank: Unranked
Rocky Falls
Description: Rocky Falls is a wild and scenic waterfall in the Ozarks that is easy to get to. There's a great swimming hole here too that I will swim in one day hopefully.
Hike Description: From the parking area here (37.094792, -91.210305), head out on the trail going south. After a whole of one minute or so, you will come to the sandy beach below the falls. Enjoy!
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: October 26, 2018
Date Last Visited: June 2, 2021
Rank: A
