Cold mornings bring out a side of our hills that most people miss while they wait for spring. Once the leaves drop, the bluffs, caves and long lake views that hide behind summer green open right up. The trails get quiet, the ticks and spiderwebs disappear, and a thermos of coffee tastes better at an overlook than it ever does at home. If you have been looking for a reason to get outside this season, these winter hikes in the Ozarks are worth every layer.
We rounded up our favorite trails along the Springfield to Branson corridor, including Fellows Lake, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, plus two Northwest Arkansas favorites that make an easy day trip.
Why Winter Hikes in the Ozarks Are Worth It
- Bigger views. Bare trees mean you can actually see the lakes, ridgelines and bluffs you walk right past in summer.
- Better waterfalls. Winter and early spring rain is what keeps our seasonal falls and creeks flowing.
- Fewer crowds. Popular trails that are packed in October feel like your own private woods in January.
- No bugs. Enough said.
1. Fellows Lake Nature Trail, Springfield
Just north of town, Fellows Lake is one of the easiest winter hikes in the Ozarks and one of the best ways to feel far from the city without a long drive. The Fellows Lake Nature Trail runs about 2.5 miles one way on a natural surface path that hugs the shoreline, and on a still winter morning the water is beautiful.
- Trailheads: Gate 3 at Miller Park (4200 E. Farm Road 66) or Gate 4 near the dock and restrooms
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Want more miles? The trail connects to the Dirt 66 trail system, with more than 25 miles of natural surface trails
- Good to know: Expect uneven ground, and part of the trail can flood during high water
2. Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, Branson
If you want lake views with easy footing, this is your trail. The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is a paved, mostly flat path of about 2.3 miles one way, running from the Dewey Short Visitor Center near Table Rock Dam to the Table Rock State Park Marina. Walk it out and back for roughly 4.6 miles.
- Best for: Families, strollers and anyone easing into winter walks
- Look for: Little side paths down to the shoreline, some rocky and some with small beaches
- Tip: The first stretch is the most wooded and sheltered, which is nice on a windy day
3. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area and the Taneycomo Trail, Branson
This hidden gem sits minutes from downtown Branson and feels like a storybook in winter. The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area covers 140 acres with about 5.3 miles of trails, a historic set of 315 stone steps leading down toward Lake Taneycomo, plus caves, a grotto and a waterfall.
Our pick is the Taneycomo Trail, about 1.2 miles along the edge of the lake. You will pass Old Soldier’s Cave and the Grotto, which turns into a waterfall after a good rain, and end at a rock formation locals call the Eye of the Needle.
- Address: 412 Owen Lane, Branson
- Winter hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Good to know: Those stone steps are steep and can be slick, so wear shoes with real grip
4. Hercules Glades Wilderness, near Forsyth
For a true adventure, head about 10 miles northeast of Branson to Hercules Glades Wilderness. Established in 1976, it is Missouri’s oldest wilderness area, with more than 12,000 acres of open limestone glades, forested ridges and roughly 30 miles of trails.
The favorite winter destination is Long Creek Falls, a roughly 10 foot waterfall reached from the Blair Ridge Trailhead via the Long Creek Trail. The trail crosses the creek several times and passes smaller cascades along the way, and the falls are at their best after wet weather.
- Best for: Experienced hikers who are comfortable with rugged, rocky terrain
- Good to know: Trailhead parking is limited, so go early, and plan for wet feet at creek crossings
5. Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area, Highway 65
Halfway between Springfield and Branson, Busiek State Forest offers just over 2,700 acres and about 18 miles of trails through hollows, ridges and creek bottoms. It is an easy one to fit into a Saturday morning, and the winter woods here are quiet and peaceful.
- Best for: Longer loops and hikers who like a little elevation
- Good to know: Trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, and this is an active hunting area, so check Missouri Department of Conservation season dates and wear blaze orange
6. Lost Valley Trail, Ponca, Arkansas
If you only make one day trip this winter, make it this one, because it is easily one of the most rewarding winter hikes in the Ozarks region. The Lost Valley Trail along the Buffalo National River packs a lot into a short hike, and it is an easy to moderate trip that takes about two hours.
- Natural Bridge: A small waterfall pours through an opening in the bluff into an emerald pool
- Cob Cave: A massive bluff shelter that is incredible to stand inside
- Eden Falls: A 53 foot waterfall tumbling down the cliffs, with a cave waterfall above it if you bring a flashlight
- Good to know: Pets are not allowed on this trail, and the climb near the end is steep
On the drive in, keep an eye out for elk in nearby Boxley Valley, especially early or late in the day.
7. Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Pair a winter hike with lunch and a stroll through downtown Eureka Springs. Lake Leatherwood is one of the largest city owned parks in the country at about 1,620 acres, with an 80 acre lake and more than 25 miles of trails. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, and its hand cut limestone dam is worth the walk on its own.
- Best for: A weekend getaway with a little bit of everything
- Look for: The trail that loops the lake, mossy bluffs near the dam overlook, and rock formations like Pivot Rock
What to Pack for Winter Hikes in the Ozarks
- Layers you can shed as you warm up, plus a hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots for creek crossings and muddy trails
- Traction for icy mornings, especially on steps and bluff trails
- A thermos of coffee or hot cocoa for the overlook
- A headlamp or flashlight, since winter daylight goes fast
- Blaze orange during hunting season on public land
- A charged phone and a plan shared with someone at home, since service is spotty in the hills
Make a Day of Your Winter Hikes in the Ozarks
Our favorite way to do winter in the Ozarks is a crisp morning on the trail, a warm lunch somewhere local and a slow drive home with the heater on. Whether you stay close with a lap around Fellows Lake or chase waterfalls across the Arkansas line, these winter hikes in the Ozarks are proof that this season has its own kind of beauty.
Looking for more ways to get out this season? Browse The Ozarks Edit events calendar for local happenings from Springfield to Branson.
-Kiley
