If you are planning a vacation to Branson, you probably already know our landscape is one of the most beautiful ones in the world, but if you haven’t visited before, you still can’t know how much it will take your breath away or how much it will break your heart to leave it until you are actually here and experiencing it in real life. Sadly, many travelers will limit their views of the countryside to what they see from the balcony of their vacation rentals or from the windows of their rental cars as they drive from music venue to music venue. But you, our Sunset Nightly Rentals guest, want to get out and hike along its trails, linger in the shade of the canopies of the trees, and revel in the views of mountain peaks, flower filled meadows, and serene and tranquil lakes. We applaud your decision and welcome you with this ultimate guide to hiking in Branson, MO, ensuring that the best trails will be taken and that every day will be a magical jewel waiting to be unveiled!
Packing for Adventure
We’re not going to give you a packing list to cover every eventuality, but we are giving you an idea on what you need to pack to wear on your hikes through paradise, enabling you to be comfortable, safe, and relaxed as you explore our verdant landscape. But first, we want to offer a hiking don’t, a tip that will save you from what could have been a very uncomfortable mistake. Please feel free to pack jeans to wear during your dining, shopping, and show experiences, but do not wear them while hiking. Jeans are made from cotton, and when wet, will become heavy, cold, and very uncomfortable, and even though you may say you aren’t planning on getting wet, our weather can be unpredictable, you could get a little too close to the slippery edge of a brook, river, or lake and well, you know how this story ends. So, skip the jeans and follow the tips listed below.
Your ‘Fit of the Day
The most important part of hiking apparel is, of course, the shoes you wear, and as there will more than likely be paths that aren’t paved, gains in elevation, possibly even crossing of babbling brooks without a bridge, the shoes you wear should offer good traction. We aren’t going to say that boots are preferred, because it is the traction that is important and there are even some brands of hiking sandals that will do well. Socks are important as well, and like your shirts and pants, should be lightweight, moisture wicking, and preferably made not to chafe. If you are hiking during the fall and spring, you will want to dress in layers, peeling off as the sun rises and layering back on after rainstorms or when the sun begins to set. A backpack can hold the pieces you peel off and the water and sunscreen you will need. Hats and sunglasses are recommended as well, and packing a rain jacket may be a very wise decision.
Rules of the Trail
Now that you are dressed for your adventure, it is time to learn the rules of the trail, important to follow for your safety, that of the environment, and for other hikers you may come across during your wanderings. And before we get into the meat of the matter, remember that the number one rule for hiking in Branson, or anywhere else in the world, is to be considerate of others.
The Don’ts of Hiking
Negativity is a bad trait, but this list of don’ts is an important one for safety and protection of the environment. No guns or alcohol are allowed on trails through state parks, and there should be no smoking on the trails, either. No fires, no overnight camping, and in some areas of Branson, it will be posted that no dogs are allowed either (except for service animals, of course). Do not wander off the trails, delicate and vital vegetation can be destroyed if you do. Do not go where no trespassing signs are posted; respect for private property is important.
General Rules of Hiking Etiquette
We’ve done quite a bit of hiking ourselves, and some of the things we discovered during our research surprised us, such as the one that states on narrow trails, we should yield to uphill hikers. Just as on the roads, hikers must stay to the right of the trail, and the one time we recommend stepping off the trail is when you need to yield to hikers coming from the other way. Dogs are allowed on most trails, but they must be leashed, and if you come across wildlife—a squirrel, a deer, or yes, a bear—keep your distance, both for your safety and theirs. Carry out everything you carry in (in other words, no littering), and guard against harmful insects and poisonous plants, especially poison ivy.
Your Safety Matters
Don’t worry, we are getting to the good stuff soon, but these next rules are perhaps the most important. Always hike with a buddy, or at the very least, let someone know where you are planning on hiking and when you are planning on returning. Pay attention to weather reports, and if tornadoes or serious thunderstorms are in the forecast, don’t risk your safety by continuing with your hiking plans. Carry a fully charged phone, a map, and a compass (although phone service may be limited), and research the trail you are planning on taking, lessening your chances of needing the phone, map, and compass. And finally, know your limits. If a trail is listed as one for experienced hikers only and your hiking experiences have been limited to walks on the sidewalks in your neighborhood, skip that one and look for an easy trail that will still offer the views you are craving.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
We’re going to start with one of the easier hiking trails in Branson, the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, running just 2.2 miles in length and taking hikers on a leisurely journey around the lake you have been staring out at from the balcony of your Sunset Nightly Rentals retreat. The Dewey Short Visitor Center, 4500 Historic Highway 165, offers the entrance to this trail, and as you hike through this beautiful state park, perhaps with your leashed dog, the shade from trees forming canopies over your head will help you stay cool on the warmest summer days. This trail is a great place to spot bald eagles or to catch sight of shy deer and quick foxes, and it ends at the State Park Marina.
Celebrate Your Hike at Celebration Cove
Sunset Nightly Rentals offers quite a few retreats that are just a short distance away from the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, including our charming condos in the Celebration Cove community. Comfortable, luxurious, and often featuring deep soaking tubs that will feel great on aching muscles at hike’s end, these spaces will certainly be worth celebrating, offering the prize of an excellent night’s sleep every night of your stay!
The Grand Hiking Loop of Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a 1500+ acre plot of land, donated (and sold) to the state by the Hennings. Paul Hennings was one of our local celebrities, known for the television shows he produced, including the Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres, but today, we are bringing it to your attention as another place to experience a wonderful hike. The Grand Hiking Loop of Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a moderate one, extending out 5.7 miles and offering an elevation gain of 748 feet. The hike begins at the conservation area parking lot that can be found off Country Boulevard West 76 and combines four different trails, taking hikers through meadows filled with wildflowers, alongside streams, and past a series of waterfalls, giving a wonderful representation of the Branson countryside.
Branson Hills Golf Resort
After a nearly 6-mile-long hike, you will be more than ready to get off your feet and explore some relaxation time in one of our Sunset Nightly Rentals Branson Hills Golf Resort properties, which are located just 7 miles away from the Grand Hiking Loop. A community pool can help you cool down after your hike, but we have a feeling a nap on the couch with a ceiling fan will be more interesting.
Waterfall Trail
The Waterfall Trail is an exceptionally easy one, stretching out just over a mile and accessible from the trailhead and parking area that can be found near the intersection of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road. Offering a lovely stroll along Roark Creek, the dirt trail can get muddy and wet during the rainy season, but it is still an easy walk, and the waterfalls you see along the way will make it worth the extra effort. It should only take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, but if you want to spend some extra time exploring around the main waterfall that has no name but stands several feet tall, you could probably kill even more time.
Emerald Pointe Resort
The Waterfall Trail isn’t just a short and easy one; the entrance to Emerald Pointe Resort is located not far from the trailhead, ensuring that you can finish the hike and be home relaxing in front of a roaring fire in no time at all. The resort community also has its own community swimming pool, so summer visitors can relax poolside if they wish.
Red Loop in the White River Valley Trail System
The White River Valley Trail System is another series of trails that run through Table Rock Lake State Park, with each trail offering a colorful name. The trails include the Blue Loop, Orange Loop, Green Loop, and of course, the Red Loop that we are discussing today. It begins at Trailhead 1, which is 1 mile south of Table Rock Dam on Highway 165. It is only about a 3-mile-long hike but is considerably more difficult than the trails we have listed thus far, even as it is still considered a moderate hike. Hiking, biking, and birding are popular activities on this trail that runs through creeks and wooded areas, and the area features a filtration pond that is the ideal spot to stop, relax, and watch beavers busily working to build their own dams.
Pointe Royale Resort
The Point Royale Resort is known for being one of Branson’s top gated communities and also for being home to some of our most popular Sunset Nightly Rentals retreats. Offering basketball courts, tennis courts, and a pool, the community is a lovely one, and our properties located within match the charm of the resort. Deep and jetted tubs invite you to soak away your aches and pains, perhaps while sipping a glass of wine; hydration is important before, during, and after a hike.
Lakeside Bluff Trail to Cave in the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
Our last hiking trail of the day, the Lakeside Bluff Trail to Cave in the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is another moderate trail, this one lasting just under 2 miles out and back. The entrance to the wilderness area and to the trailhead that will lead you to and past several small caves can be found at 412 Owen Lane. There is an elevation gain of about 308 feet, offering steep drops and rocky parts that can be slippery and a little more difficult to traverse. Offering views of the lake and shaded by mature trees that add a magical air to your hike, this might be one of our favorite hikes.
Stonebridge Resort & Golf Course
Our Stonebridge Resort retreats, located just over 8 miles away from the Lakeside Bluff Trail, are amongst the largest properties we offer, featuring homes that offer between 2 to 6 bedrooms. These spacious cabins spring from the landscape as if planted, and the property you choose could offer views of forest lands, golf course, or even Table Rock Lake that is located not far away.
Every Hike Deserves a Happy Ending
Come home to Sunset Nightly Rentals after every hike and recuperate in style and comfort!
Sometimes when you vacation, you travel to places where there aren’t as many attractions to visit, while at other times you travel to places where there are so many attractions, you realize you missed out on some of the big ones after you have returned home. Branson is the latter, a town where there is always something to see and do, and because we care about your entire vacation experience, we are here to guide you to some of the most popular attractions in town! Grab your family, put on your walking shoes, and prepare to experience our favorite mountain village in a way that only our Sunset Nightly Rentals guests can! These are just some of the best attractions not to miss in Branson!
Silver Dollar City
Anyone who has ever heard of Branson has probably heard about this 19th Century-themed amusement park. Home to some of our favorite summer festivals, exciting rides, and the opportunity to experience life as it was in 1880s Branson, Silver Dollar City is one of the best attractions in Branson that it’s almost illegal to skip! Oh, and we can’t forget that entry to Marvel Cave is included in your admission fee. Located at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway in Branson, this theme park has something for everyone!
Table Rock Lake
The best attractions in life don’t always come with a price tag, and Table Rock Lake is one such experience. Watch a sunset from the shore, frolic in the waters, or participate in any one of hundreds of fun things to do at the lake. This body of water is more than just a pretty sightseeing attraction to look at; it offers the perfect family vacation adventure that will be remembered for years to come!
Fritz’s Adventures
Vacationing with children may not always be the bonding experience you dreamed of, but a visit to Fritz’s Adventures is definitely a step in the right direction! Located at 1425 Missouri 76, this family friendly amusement park allows all members of your traveling party the opportunity to partake in safe adventures. Rappelling, rock climbing walls, underground tunnels, and an outdoor flying adventure are just some of the attractions guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
We couldn’t end our guide without mentioning at least one of the many show extravaganzas that have helped put Branson on the map, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the perfect combination of talent, style, and showmanship! Featuring horses, music, and racing pigs, if you can only see one show during your Branson vacation, this is the one! Find this popular attraction in Branson at 1525 West Highway 76.
Quiet, Peaceful, and Unforgettable!
No matter what adventures you partake in, your stay in one of our Sunset Nightly Rentals charming vacation getaways will be the cherry on the top of a very delicious sundae! Enjoy quiet moments of contemplation on the deck as you watch the sun set over the lake, family moments of togetherness spent playing board games around the dining table, or revel in the sensation of soaking tired and achy muscles in a hot tub overlooking the Ozarks. Reserve your vacation escape today!
Welcome to Branson, MO, home to every type of entertainment and amusement imaginable, with unique museums and attractions, some of the largest shopping malls in the world, plenty of outdoor activities for those looking for fresh air and natural beauty, amazing places to eat, and plenty of live shows. With so much to do, you will never get bored, but sometimes what you need most is just to get away from it all and go on a beautiful hike. Branson has miles and miles of amazing hiking trails to fill that need. Below are just a few of the local favorites, with options for beginners as well as for some of the most experienced hikers.
White River Valley Trail System
The White River Valley Trail System is made up of a 2.9-mile loop located just outside of Branson. This trail is rated as “difficult” and as such, is best suited to more experienced hikers. With a high point reaching 239 feet, there is plenty of diversity in views, including rocks and dirt areas that are flat and durable, and areas with views of rivers and nearby Lake Taneycomo.
Glade Exploration Trail
Located near Branson, this trail is an easy one for all skill levels and includes thousands of wildflowers and lots of trees. The trail also offers a variety of activity options such as bird watching, wildlife sightings, and trail running; it’s a hike that happens to be kid friendly.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
Covering just under 3 miles, this trail located right outside of Branson, MO features a beautiful lake and accompanying beach. With beautiful forests, fishing spots, trail running opportunities, and kid friendly trails, it’s a great hike for all skill levels.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is a continuous loop trail that includes a beautiful lake. Many hikers love to take their dogs for walks along this trail, though dogs must always be kept leashed. Hiking is accessible all year round and includes rocky terrain, a cave, a lake and waterfall, beautiful views and plenty of wild flowers.
Hercules Glades
The Hercules Glade Wilderness offers miles and miles of hiking trails, which include gorgeous views of the Ozark Mountains, cedar trees, sprawling prairies, hickory and oak trees, and plenty of pines. Many of the trails in the area are only suitable for the most experienced hikers, while other areas are great for the whole family, so be sure to check a map of all the trails in the Hercules Glades Wilderness to pick the best spots.