Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Travis Marshall IV

I spent 4 hours all over this trail. I don’t think there’s a part I didn’t traverse. 😅 Enjoyed every minute of it!!! 🤩 I’ve done 3 different trails in Ozarks & this has been my fav! Has a lil bit of everything… big boulders, lake/creek, rock walls, caverns, 30+ flights of man-made stairs, local history, beautiful 🌳. Some parts of path were paved, some gravel/dirt, some rock & thick roots. Some of this was NOT for beginners! (But map will tell you what is & isn’t.) Absolutely amazed at how the 95-100 degree heat was not so bad due to most of trail being shaded well by natural forest as well of it so close to parts of water!!! The 384 steps I did down 2x & 1 time up. Times myself going ⬆️ (from the very end where the last wooden steps open into the big boulder cavern & water) & did whole thing in 5:42. Not bad for doing at the end of a total 5 mile hike! 😅

Kevin Carlow

If you are in Branson and looking for a convenient, free place to get out in nature - look no further! With the proximity to all the commercial Branson stuff, we were skeptical of this nearby Wilderness Area, but it did not disappoint. There are several trail paths with varying difficulties, so any level can have enjoyment here. We are experienced hikers and took the Red (Ridge) and Purple (Taneycomo) trails, which were labeled as Moderate/Advanced difficulty, and they were indeed fairly steep and challenging in places. Good hiking boots strongly recommended! If you go after a rain I suspect you’ll see some waterfall action, but if you go when it’s dry then it’s also cool because you can hike across the dry waterfall bed. The Purple (Taneycomo) trail along the river was quite scenic and well worth the effort. The trails were well maintained and there are benches scattered throughout the trails. There are also public restrooms next to the parking lot. Take a break from the bustle of Branson and get out in nature at Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area!

Adolf Reynolds

Good well maintained trail head & trail system. Restrooms & picnic area @ the entrance trail head. They have a yellow 🟡 trail that goes down the middle then a red trail around the ridge a short blue 🔵 & a purple that is moderate difficulty following the river and bluffs out & back on this 1.

Scott Howell

Well worth the effort! There are trails for every level of hikers, from flat and easy to more challenging, for moderate hikers. Beautiful scenery around every corner. If you take the bluff trail, going up, it will be several steps to the top, with several areas to rest. A hidden gem in Branson.