Branson Waterfall Trail | A Great Family Adventure 2024
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Looking for a walking trail that is fun for the kids and, well, also easy enough for the kids!? Check out this trail in Branson Missouri that has a surprise at the end!
I get it, planning a hike with young children can seem daunting, when there are so many things you cannot have: ❌ Hills, ❌ lots of steps, ❌ steepness, there is a lot of trails that isn’t made for those who are younger, but the Branson Waterfall Trail offers a family-friendly adventure like no other.
If you’re wondering how to navigate this beautiful trail with your little ones, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you prepare for a fun and make memories as a family.
So, lace up those boots and get ready to explore nature’s wonders with your kids!
Choosing the Right Trail for Young Children
We found on our vacation that there is three trails in Branson.
With three kids, our youngest being 6, we had to pick a trail that was suited for us all.
Branson Waterfall Trail is only 1 ⅓ miles round trip, all one level, and known for being kid friendly.
The Dogwood Canyon is a 3 mile trail leading to waterfalls. The perks of this trail is that it is all paved , so you won’t have to deal with mud if it’s rained.
You can also rent bikes and etc to make a even memorable trip. Downside of it is that it cost money. For a one day for our family of 5, it would cost us $82.
Lastly we had a friend tell us about Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. She said it was great, but a lot of steps. In fact, there are over 300 stone steps that will take you to a waterfall.
The steps are a definite downfall for our 6 year old, we would of ended up carrying her on the way back up!
There are a few more trails around Branson that can be found here.
Off Roading Adventures more of your thing!? Check out this tour!
We chose the waterfall trail because it was flat and didn’t cost anything to walk the trail. We definitely were not disappointed.
What’s Great About The Branson Waterfall Trail for Young Adventurers?
Branson Waterfall Trail stands out as a great choice for hiking due to its kid-friendly features.
The trail boasts manageable land to walk on that is not too hard for little legs, a mostly shaded scenery that with it’s rocks, water, and beauty keeps young minds intrigued.
In a nutshell, Branson Waterfall Trail is a perfect destination for young hikers to explore nature.
Packing List for Hiking this Trail
Hiking adventures with your little ones can be an exciting and make memories to last a lifetime.
It can also turn into a disaster if you aren’t prepared! 😂
Supplies to Make This Trail Go From Good to Great!
To make the hiking experience more enjoyable and comfortable, consider these essential comfort and convenience supplies:
- Water Shoes or Old Shoes: Let the kids jump in the stream and have a great time! I know ours differently did! But also for the adults, we jumped over the creek by jumping across rocks. However it would have been so much more fun we were able to get in the creek too!
- Water: It is a little over a mile hike so hydration is key, so be sure to pack some water for you and your children to stay hydrated along the trail especially if you are hiking in the summer. Spring and fall, you will probably be fine without it. It is not a strenuous hike.
- Appropriate Clothing: This is a hike. So wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty, torn, wet, and muddy.
Set yourself up for a fun and stress-free hiking adventure with your family, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories.
Branson Waterfall Trail Parking
The trail is located just 300 feet north of the intersection of Roark Valley Road and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. However, when we drove by it, we completely missed seeing the head of the trail.
Also, parking is not necessarily by the trail. You have to drive past the trail to park. There is a sign saying “Waterfall Trail Parking” that is on the south end of the charcoal plant.
Then you’ll walk back up the street where you came from and on the otherside of the entrance of Westgate Resorts is the entrance to the trail.
Because it wasn’t well marked, we were actually confused on where it was, but the awesome security guard for Westgate Resorts got our attention and told us where to go to get started.
I hope they give that man a raise! ❤️
Practical Tips for a Smooth Hiking Experience
Just in case this is your first hiking adventure with your little ones I want to set you up for success. Hiking can be fun, but a smooth hiking experience makes it even better!
Start Early
Starting your hike first thing in the morning means less people and less heat!
It also gives you time to stop and explore. Our son (age 14) loved jumping the rocks and running around so much that there was several times we would have to stop and wait. He absolutely loved it!
Super small little ones? I would say let them explore with you by their side.
While we were there, there was this woman with a backpack carrier for her son who was probably 1 or 2.
She had a lot of trouble stepping on rocks to cross the river and had to really concentrate on her balance.
These guys I noticed didn’t get to see the waterfall at the end because they turned around early. Let them explore.
They’ll love the water and all the rocks. It’s okay, you’ll be there to watch them.
Encouraging Independence with Safety
As you navigate the trail with young children, it’s essential to strike a balance between letting them be independence and keeping them safe.
Our kids actually found a snake nestled cozy in some rocks. We didn’t freak out, we just told our kids the that they are more afraid of you than you are of it, back away and go around…we are in the snakes home. He’s not looking for us.
Encouraging children to take on small tasks, such as carrying a water bottle or spotting different things with this nature scavenger hunt, can keep them busy and focused on the trail rather than running around crazy.
You cannot go wrong embracing the joys of nature and instilling a love for the outdoors in your children that can create lasting memories.
Post-Hike Fun
Once you reach the waterfall, there is a trail to go up on top of the waterfall. If you walk across it you will find a trail that will take you to a deck with chairs (I’m pretty sure it’s part of the resort). But nevertheless, the view from the deck is pretty amazing as well.
Then it’s time to turn back and go back the way you came!
Friend, I hope you enjoy the journey! I know we did. There were smiles, laughter, shouts of discovery and so much more family time that I’ll cherish forever simply by discovering this trail!
