Mina Sauk Falls is known to be the tallest waterfall in Missouri coming in at 132 feet tall. It does require a hike to view, but the short trek comes along with some beautiful views.

One of the best kept secrets in Missouri is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, which is home to the states’ highest point at only 1,772 feet. Like most Missouri State Parks, Taum Sauk is completely free to visit.

Inside the park near the overlook of Missouri’s highest peak, you’ll find the trailhead to Mina Sauk Falls.

As a St. Louis native, I’d say that this one of the best hiking trails in Missouri. It’s not one to miss if you’re in the area and visiting during the right season to see the waterfall.

So here’s everything you need to know before setting out on the trail.

Mina Sauk Falls Trail Stats

Mileage	Elevation Gain	Duration	Difficulty
3 mile loop	440 ft.	2.5 hours	Moderate

How to Get to Taum Sauk Mountain

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located in southeastern Missouri. The nearest town is Ironton.

The park is only 1 hour and 50 minute drive from St. Louis. 

You can take the major highways there and it is paved most of the way through the park. The pavement ends and becomes a nice packed down dirt road once you pass the main overlook heading to the trailhead.

You do not need high clearance to access the trail, a sedan will make it just fine.

Mina Sauk Falls Trailhead

The trailhead is located just a minute or two drive from the highest point viewing deck which overlooks the St. Francois Mountains. 

You will find a few benches and a large parking lot at the trailhead. There are also pit toilets available here.

There is no fee to park at the trailhead.

Starting the Hike

As you walk from the parking lot to the start of the trail, the path is completely paved for a short distance. 

You will pass the bathrooms and you will see a sign pointing Mina Sauk Falls Trail to the right. A clear gravel trail will be to your right, but this is actually the beginning of the loop trail.

We didn’t even see it at the start of our hike but to the left of the sign, there is a trail going through the woods. It doesn’t have any gravel so it’s easy to miss.

You can start whichever way you prefer, but it does seem like starting to the right is more popular since it’s more obvious to see. 

If you do start on the right side, the trail will be gravel for maybe a quarter mile before it turns to a more rocky dirt pathway.

You will be going down a slight decline all the way until you get to the waterfall. It’s easy to twist an ankle on the rocks here so be mindful about where you step.

For the most part the trail is pretty easy to follow because it is blazed in red. However, I would have your AllTrails map pulled up because some parts were kind of confusing. With the map you should be perfectly fine.

Overlook

About a mile into the hike (if you start from the right side of the trail hiking the loop counter clockwise), you’ll come upon an open area where you can see the beautiful rolling hills of the St. Francois Mountains. 

Once you get to this part of the hike, just know the waterfall is very close! Just another 5-10 minutes of hiking and you’re there.

I think this section is one of the coolest parts of this trail. If you hike during autumn you’re bound to see some gorgeous fall foliage! 

Getting to the Mina Sauk Waterfall

You will be able to hear the waterfall before you see it. As you get closer to the falls the trail becomes even more rocky.

When you come up to the waterfall, you will actually be looking down at it flowing below. So if you aren’t up for some mild rock climbing you won’t be able to see it from the bottom, which is the coolest part!

If you are physically able to, I definitely recommend climbing down to the bottom of the waterfall to feel its cool water and powerful energy.

There are nicely placed rocks that make climbing down a little bit easier, so it’s nothing too crazy. It only takes a minute or two of rock scrambling to get to the bottom.

The only thing to be careful of is that some rocks at the very bottom are slick from the water. So if you do venture down to the bottom, take caution.

Ending the Hike

If you’re hiking counterclockwise, on your way back you will find yourself hiking along the small but mighty creek that creates Mina Sauk Falls.

This is another reason why I recommend starting this hike from the right side of the trail. You get to hike back to the relaxing sound of water trickling down the creek and you’ll see several other mini waterfalls. It is so gorgeous and peaceful.

You will follow the creek for just about a mile before taking a left turn into the forest which will take you back to the start of the trail. You will see red blaze markers on the trees that will help you find your way back.

Eventually you will reach the start of the loop where you’ll see the gravel trail that you started on.

Best Time to Visit Mina Sauk Falls

Spring, Summer, Fall 

If you want to see a greater water flow at the falls, then your best bet is to visit in the spring or after heavy rains/snowmelt.

I last hiked this trail the first week of February after the St. Louis area had gotten tons of snow weeks prior. It had also just rained a few days before I hiked and there was a pretty impressive water flow. 

If you go after heavy rain in the summer you should see lots of water flowing as well.

I would also recommend hiking this trail in the fall because this region of Missouri is known to have really beautiful fall colors. You may not see quite as much water flowing but there will be some great fall foliage on this trail in October.

More Places to Visit in the Area

I want to include a few nearby state parks because this region of Missouri has some hidden gems for hiking and spending time outdoors. Just like Taum Sauk State Park, both the below destinations are free to visit.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park is one of my favorite parks in Missouri, I’ve been going since I was a child! 

Just like its name implies, this park is known for hundreds of massive boulders lined up resembling a line of elephants.

There is a flat and paved trail that leads you around the rocks giving you great views of this unique geological wonder.

But you can also climb all over the boulders, which is pretty much the best part. There is no official trail on the rocks, you’re able to explore as you please.

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

This park is especially great to visit during the summer because the Johnson Shut-Ins are basically a natural waterpark! This state park is famous for its unique rock formations creating a series of rushing waterfalls and pools along the Black River.

It’s such a nice way to cool off in Missouri’s summer heat. Even if you visit during the off season, there are a few hiking trails in the park with beautiful views of the shut-ins.

If you have a couple days in the area I definitely recommend you visit Taum Sauk, Elephant Rocks, and the Johnson Shut-Ins because they’re all really close together. You can even visit them all in one day if you get an early start.

As a girl born and raised in St. Louis, these three state parks are my go-to places to visit when I need a quick getaway from the city.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy the hike to Mina Sauk Falls just as much as I did.