Taum Sauk Mountain State Park — Attraction in Bismarck

Visited here on June 2nd weekend. I went hiking on the Mina Sauk falls trail, the view on the trail and on the drive to the trail was really beautiful. Only disappointing thing was that the water level was very low in the falls. I'd probably recommend visiting here between March end to May mid. In spite of the low water level, it was still worth hiking. The view throughout the hike was amazing and different from the usual Missouri state parks.

Plan to drive to the Mina Sauk falls trail head. On the way there is a panoramic viewing wooden platform where you can park close-by and enjoy the valley view. From the trail head parking lot the highest point in Missouri is just a 5 minute walk. It's just a bragging point, there is no view or anything. It's just a slab that says that this is the highest point (as shown in my picture).

Within 5 minutes drive away from the Mina Sauk falls trail head there is a watch tower, do visit it. You are free to climb on top of the tower and enjoy the view. You can cover all these spots within 4-6 hours depending on your hiking speed. There was ample parking available and it wasn't crowded despite being a weekend. It's definitely a must visit state park...

The St. Francois Mountains "Francois" is original name given by explorers "Francis" was added in the early 1900's by the people. I don't know how you name something officially, but in this case I see no officialness at all. You could call them the Lesser Andes for all that matters? Most people call them the Ozarks, but they're not and in fact incredibly much older. 1.5 billion year old weathered and worn down to solid granite ancient volcanoes. This is from the highest point around and you can see for miles and miles, no older place in North America exist except one. It's drop dead gorgeous in the fall, drought was bad this year and leaves have thinned greatly (2017). I would say this must be a prime without doubt one of the best Forest Bathing spots in North America..... I suffered heart failure, strokes, and heart attacks continuously for 7 years until I started making what has become regular pilgrimages to this area (btw filled with the richest lead deposits in the world) to open my inner self and allow mother earth and her forest to restore me ..... not one heart related issue since 2012 now. You try and convince...

This state high point may be in the bottom ten for elevation, but it is a beautiful little mountain in a region that most people do not associate with mountains. It is an easy drive and a walk down a small path to the summit. There is an overlook just down the road, a fire tower not too far away, and a campground as well (no facilities other than a vault toilet). If you want to get a hike in, park near the fire tower, hike down past Mina Sauk Falls (best in April when it is actually flowing) to Devil's Tollgate, then come up another trail to the summit, then backtrack to the main trail and get back to the tower. Highpointers must not forget to visit Jack Longacre's memorial and signpost forest just down the road....