Hiking Adventures in Branson

Neil Sawford • December 15, 2023

Hiking Adventures in Branson

Hiking in Branson

Whether you're an experienced hiker or a novice, you'll have a great time on a flat, moderate trail appropriate for all skill levels. So be ready to don your coziest tennis shoes and enjoy the wonderful trails Branson offers. After taking an exciting roller coaster ride in Branson, hiking on some great trails is the perfect thing to enjoy. More than 200 miles of freely accessible public trails in Branson provide a variety of outdoor activities, whether you're looking for a short day stroll, an exciting bike ride, or a relaxing horseback ride.

You should check out these fantastic hiking routes, which include Table Rock State Park, Busiek State Forest, Murder Rock Trail, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and White Water Valley Trail System, to get an idea of where to go for an exhilarating hike.

The playground at Table Rock State Park, gorgeously situated on the lake's coast and has hiking trails for the whole family, is a terrific place to enjoy an adventurous picnic. A marina is nearby, and the park is an excellent spot to go fishing and engage in various other water sports.

From the State Park Marina and the Dewey Short Visitor Center, the Lakeshore Trail in this park follows Table Rock Lake's shoreline. After taking an exciting roller coaster ride in Branson, this trail is the perfect place to spend the afternoon on the lakeside.

It takes about 20 minutes to go north on Highway 65 from Branson to get to the Busiek State Forest, which is close to the city's historic downtown. This park is open from 4 am to 10 pm and has no entrance or parking fees.

Amazing hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, bird viewing, and even target shooting are great things you may engage in in this forested environment. There are campgrounds, picnic places, and public facilities in this paradise for hikers. The rugged landscape is traversed across eighteen miles via routes that offer panoramic views of the Ozark valleys, lovely fauna, and lush streams.

Another fantastic hiking trail in Branson is Murder Rock Trail, after a group of bandits ambushed pioneers passing through here during the Civil War. The route, which has a five-mile radius, parallels the former Springfield-Harrison Road.

Be prepared to view the remnants of Melva, a historic mining ghost town from the 1880s that included three landmarks: The Silver Moon Mine, The Josie B. Mine, and The King Solomon Mine, while you attempt to appreciate the breathtaking trekking on this trail. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, ATVs, and horseback riders but does not have a camping area.

The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, west of Branson, is primarily covered in trees but has five excellent trails, including Dewey Bald, Glade Exploration, Steamside, Shane's Shortcut, and Homesteaders.

These paths wind through the densely wooded regions of the enormous area. Once in the conservation area's parking lot, going to the Dewey Bald Trail is simple. The first trail that hikers can access is this one. This paved uphill trail, which is only 0.4 miles long, is great for novices but is also frequently used by seasoned hikers.

The 1.1-mile Glade Exploration Trail is a simple to moderate trek. It is also a simple and moderate trail to trek the 0.4-mile Streamside Trail. The Shane's Shortcut Trail is a little more challenging to hike and is also 0.4 miles long.

The Homesteader's Trail, which is 3.4 miles long and takes 3 hours to hike, is both the most challenging and the longest. You may explore Roark Creek, a 1,100-acre woodland area classified as an Important Bird Area, on a hiking excursion at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.

The Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, about 40 minutes drive from downtown Branson, is another fantastic location to enjoy fantastic hiking. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are just a few activities available in Dogwood Canyon to hikers.

There is plenty of room for every intrepid traveler to explore in the enormous Dogwood Canyon, which spans about 10,000 acres. You will undoubtedly love the park's natural landscapes, waterfalls, stone bridges, and crystal clear streams stocked with brown and rainbow trout, regardless of the entertaining activity you decide to partake in.

Another fantastic route in Branson that provides a difficult and fun outdoor experience for every hiker is the White Water Valley route System, close to U.S. Highway 61 and Table Rock State Park. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, most of the route is located on land that was utilized in the 1950s to build Table Rock Dam on the White River.

Mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy this distinctive trail system on its four loops: the Red Loop, Blue Loop, Green Loop, and Orange Loop.

Most thrill-seekers who have enjoyed a thrilling roller coaster ride in Branson need to discover additional thrilling activities by going on an exhilarating hiking excursion on one of Branson's breathtaking trails.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.