Missouri may not be at the top of most people’s travel list, but there are plenty of beautiful places to visit. Recently, I hiked along Hercules Glades in the Mark Twain National Forest to find the water falls. I’ve been told if you go too late in the season you’ll find the falls completely dried up. Fortunately for us there had been plenty of rain and therefore, plenty of good swimming spots.
According to the USDA, Hercules Glades Wilderness is 12,413 acres and combines a variety of grasslands, rocky hillsides, and water sources. You’ll see a variety of wildlife including birds, raccoons, deer, turkey, and lizards. We spot a few animals on our way down the trail. It’s a long trek to the waterfalls known as Long Creek Falls, but once you arrive, it’s absolutely worth it.
Other trails in the area include Hercules Tower which heads east, the Coy Bald Trailhead to the west, and then Cane Creek. The hike was not an easy one and I was pretty exhausted by the end of it, but then again, I’m not in the best of shape. This is probably a good thing as it discourages too many visitors, so we weren’t surrounded by people. I’d love to come back and visit in the fall when the leaves are starting to change, but I also want to go for another swim later in the summer. Hopefully the falls won’t be dried up by then. It’s definitely worth a visit!
