My morning route would continue to push north, closer towards home. I was enjoying the windy rural Missouri roads so I kept driving them at first for no particular reason at all. A short time later I checked the map and realized I was near the state’s highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
To reach the highpoint just follow the signage on the Mina Sauk Falls Trail. I didn’t know there was a falls here and didn’t budget time to do the 3 mile loop; most other places I’ve been have been low water flows due to the season so I wasn’t mad on missing it this time but would definitely do it if I went back. Reaching the “summit” is much shorter and less than 1/4 each way in & out which is very easy to do with limited time
Still some color left in the trees which is surprising. It’s a beautiful day outside temperature-wise, the sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze. No better place to be, not many days left like this before winter sets in. It was Saturday now and the parking lot was active and full but trail traffic was minimal.
The entire path to the marker is paved, flat, and accessible for everyone. Signs clearly mark the area, and at the “summit” you’ll find a resting bench and other evidence that you have reached the destination.
At many highpoints, the guest register is a black mailbox. Here it is a wooden box with a divided compartment. Sometimes you’ll find small trinkets left by past visitors, here it’s just some paper pages for signing in.
And finally on the small patio you’ll find a pink granite marker monument listing elevation of 1,772 feet above sea level. That makes 10 highest points checked off my list now, hopefully many more to come!
A quick walk back to the truck and I was on the road again. I was a bit torn on whether to hike more and camp nearby for the evening, but my desire to make more miles on the road won out this time. Onward to what comes next.
Hiking Data
Here’s the hiking (walking) map. Beyond the highpoint it’s a 3 mile loop to the falls.
Distance to the highpoint is a small 0.4 miles, just barely enough to feel my pulse rise. A 50 ft elevation gain isn’t even perceptible and the path is paved and 100% accessible. Enjoy the peaceful walk in the woods.
