DNR
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Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Trails vary from accessible, paved walkways to rugged, rocky trails providing a diverse experience for hikers.
Castle Trail - 1/4 mile (one way)
Overlooks near the castle provide views of Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. This trail is mild terrain.
Quarry Trail - 2 miles
Quarry Trail starts by the castle and leads to open views of the lake and two old quarries. It is moderate terrain.
Dell Rim Trail - 1/2 mile (one way)
This wooden boardwalk begins near the water tower and descends a series of steps to an overlook above the Whispering Dell Sinkhole. The step portion of this trail is strenuous. The steps continue to the spring below.
Colosseum Trail - 1/2 mile
This trail starts at the natural bridge parking lot and winds under the natural bridge and through a large sinkhole (the Colosseum). It is moderate terrain.
Spring Trail - 1 1/2 miles
Spring Trail starts at the spring/lake parking lot. One-way distance to the spring is one-half mile, mostly paved. Wooden stairs lead above the spring bluff to the old post office. The step portion of this trail is strenuous.
Island Trail - 3/4 mile
Making a loop around the island and past the balanced rock, this trail starts at the millrace (on the Spring Trail) and is rugged terrain.
Boulder Ridge Trail - 1 1/2 miles
This trail begins at the Spring Trail trailhead. The trail passes through an area of large lichen-covered boulders along a ridge and is moderate terrain.
Cedar Trail - 1/4 mile
Beginning by the Post Office Shelter, this trail makes a short loop around the picnic sites. Look for tree identification labels. It is mild terrain.
Dolomite Rock Trail - 2 miles
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is recognized for its interesting geology and native plant communities. This 1/2-mile, self guiding trail has a corresponding brochure explaining geologic features, plants and animals in this area and their association with the park's dolomite bedrock. The second section of trail starts with an uphill climb that traverses a woodland complex and a large hilltop glade. This trail is moderate terrain.
Park at the lot east of Hwy. D, between the park's castle and spring entrances for the following trails.
Oak Woodland Interpretive Trail - 450 feet
This is an accessible trail with four interpretive stops.
Acorn Trail - 3/4 mile
Prescribed burning helps maintain this open woodland. A brochure and eight interpretive stops tell more about this savanna landscape. The trail is moderate terrain.
Devil’s Kitchen Trail - 1 mile
Visit unique geologic features, including Devil’s Promenade. This trail is rugged terrain.
Turkey Pen Hollow Trail - 7 miles
Backpack camping is allowed on this trail that winds throughout the Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area. It is rugged terrain.
