Sometimes while visiting Branson, its nice to get away from all the crowds. Well The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is a perfect place to do just that. The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is located at 412 Owen Lane, in Branson, Missouri. For more information, click here. For directions to the park, click here.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is located in the in the heart of Branson and offers a nature escape with 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country and 5.3 miles of trails. Both visitors and locals can enjoy this unique park with its two woodland trails that wind through forest, along bluffs and across glades.
A set of 315 stone steps lead down toward Lake Taneycomo along a path that features a stunning waterfall and cave. The property also features almost 2,000 feet of hand-built stone wells. The park is located off Fall Creek Road just south of Highway 76.
An entrance feature with a large wooden log archway over an ornamental iron gate with a decorative native stone veneer welcomes visitors to the park. Other recent improvements include a nature playground and pavilion near the entrance.
A covered porch swing that utilizes stone columns and rock from the original home site, established in 1911, can be found near a picnic area that provides beautiful views of Lake Taneycomo.
The bluff trail (marked in blue) is my personal favorite, this trail takes you through a mature growth forest, and leads you to stunning views high above Lake Taneycomo. Follow the trail down to the lake and you will find a couple caves, and an epic waterfall. The hike is not easy but its totally worthwhile. As an added bonus, there is a unique spot to hit the lake at the very end of this trail. Its a great little cove to cool off in before hiking back to your car!
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