Winter Hiking Rocky Falls in Missouri's Ozark National Scenic Riverways

#hikingmissouri #rockyfallsmissouri #ozarknationalscenicriverways
I set out on one of the coldest winter days of the year to hike Rocky Falls to Klepzig Mill in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways outside of Winona, Missouri. Unfortunately I couldn't complete the hike due to the water level of Rocky Creek being too high to cross. I did however experience a frozen Rocky Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Missouri.
AllTrails Route Details:
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The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is actually a National Park. It’s the first national park established to protect a river system, specifically the Current River and Jackson Forks River. Rocky Falls is a beautiful Missouri waterfall along the Current River.
The plan was to hike from Rocky Falls to Klepzig Mill, which is a 6 mile out and back trail. This section of trail is part of the Ozark Trail, specifically the Current River Section (miles 7-9). There are two crossings of Rocky Creek within the first mile of the trail, the first basically at the trailhead. I was able to get across the first Rocky Creek crossing, but my foot did get a little wet. Not great when the temperature was in the teens.
The next half mile was a beautiful section of trail through a pine grove alongside Rocky Creek. It was flat and really enjoyable. Then I hit the next crossing of Rocky Creek. This was a span of about 30 feet, with a small island in the center. There was a skinny branch that would help with the first section to cross, but they were covered in snow and ice so it was a bit treacherous. The second section had roughly 10 feet of water I would need to wade through. I decided to call it quits.
I’m bummed I didn’t get to complete hiking Rocky Falls to Klepzig Mill. The small portion I experienced was beautiful though. Rocky Falls is pretty spectacular. I’ll be back when it’s a bit warmer to hike the full trail.
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00:00 Rocky Falls Missouri
00:46 Rocky Falls to Klepzig Mill
02:24 Starting the Trail
03:49 Rocky Creek Impasse
04:26 Not Completing the Hike

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

What's your favorite Missouri waterfall?

[@t20sgrunt36]

Always went there in late spring, summer and early fall. Very magestic in the winter.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

I feel lucky I was able to get down there after a snow and everything being frozen. I'm sure it's beautiful all year long though

[@bartetzenhouser2943]

Such is hiking in the winter. 😢 C'est la vie.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Very true. Still worth the trip! I also hike Greer Spring while I was down that way so the 3hr drive was worth it

[@jcwoodstl]

Honestly the footage of the falls in the winter was well worth the video.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

I appreciate that. It was worth the trip to be able to experience the falls in winter

[@ervinslens]

Phenomenal winter scenery friend, gorgeous upload!

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Thank you! I was blessed with a beautiful day

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Good idea not risking it! Nature has a way of taking you away from your initial plan. There's always next time 👍

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

It’s a bummer when it happens, but the trail isn’t going anywhere! I’ll make it back there

[@chrissyfuhrie]

Ooooh I need to go here in the winter. Beautifully shot video. Thank you for sharing!

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Thank you for watching! And yes, if you can make it there in the winter it's definitely worth the trip to see the falls frozen in ice.

[@piscesvlog3488]

Wow happy hiking wonderful sharing so amazing video my friends,👍👍👍👍👍👍 nice to meet you🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Really appreciate you watching. Thank you!

[@piscesvlog3488]

@@MichaelShepherdJordan you are welcome my friends🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Cheers!

[@jakesterling2190]

Gutsy move to try that hike with how cold it has been around here. Gotta give yourself top marks for even getting out there. I haven't been to Rocky Falls in the winter, you're right that it's really something. Although Mina Sauk after a really heavy rain is something to see!

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

I was lucky it was sunny and calm. The cold I can handle and no wind was a bonus. I’ve been to Mina Sauk a couple times, but it’s always been a dry trickle for me 😂🥲 Need to make a trip after a good rain

[@catpatrick3838]

Winter hikes can go that way. Icy cold water crossings, below freezing temps, short days...I'm kinda shocked you were even out there tbh. You must have had a severe case of cabin fever that day. Gorgeous, snowy waterfall you shared with us. Love the drone footage. And there is always another day to take a hike. 😊

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

I know. I knew there was a chance. It was worth the trip though. Seeing the frozen falls was beautiful! I’m glad I made it out. Thank you for watching 😊

[@catpatrick3838]

@@MichaelShepherdJordan The falls definitely made it worth getting out there. With this latest cold snap I've been tempted make the trip to go hike the Glory Hole Waterfall trail in the Ozark-St Francis NF. I would love to see it as a frozen column and I'm pretty sure it is right now. Not sure I really want to make the 5+ hour drive for it though.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

That’s would be amazing to see! 5+ hours is tough. It was hard to do this 3 hr (6 total) drive.

[@KonaDawg411]

I saw these falls for the first time last summer and I think I remember 3 three water crossings on the trail. I tried to hike past the mill on the OT but it was almost too overgrown in early May. I was hoping a winter hike might be a better prospect. I saw your video and was wondering how the water crossings would be flowing during winter but now I have my answer. Thanks for posting as it is really cool to see the falls with snow and ice.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

With all the snow and wet we’ve had the water was probably a little high, but I have a feeling any time of year crossing the creek will mean getting wet. Still an awesome section trail though. Glad this helped! It was beautiful

[@cassandracartwright1268]

Is this north of St.Louis? What is the town called? The falls are beautiful! You should get some waterproof boots with good gripping on the bottom. I never buy hiking shoes or boots but always look at the bottom of shoes when I purchase. I have a pair I specifically wear in the winter because I hike a lot of steep areas and always go through water. That’s my favorite part of hiking is always the water and the views at the top!

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

This actually about 3hrs south of STL. Closest town is Winona, MO. I switched from boot to trail runner when hiking years ago and have never looked back. The North Face shoe I had on in this video did have some water resistance but it wasn’t going to help at the second crossing. Too deep. I love a good water feature too!

[@cassandracartwright1268]

@@MichaelShepherdJordan okay, so that is hwy 60 this is actually a closer distance from where I live. I haven’t looked in the north face shoe. I’m actually very cheap when it comes to buying clothing and shoes. I probably should do better buying shoes but so far the shoes I’ve had have worked great 😂 I wasn’t even thinking about the depth of water. The snow and rain sure helped the rivers and lakes.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

@@cassandracartwright1268 if the shoes you have work and you like them, then stick to ‘em! It’s all about what’s right for you imo 🤙

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

@@cassandracartwright1268 my thought is if what you’re wearing works for you then stick to it! That’s all that matters

[@cassandracartwright1268]

@@MichaelShepherdJordan true, but I do need to invest in better shoes for summer. My boots have upheld good but I’m horrible about wearing out tennis shoes.

[@mkillackey]

Do you know of any good places to see bald Eagles in the area?

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

It's pretty amazing that the bald eagles winter in Missouri. I've seen a couple this winter driving to different hiking trails. I don't have a go to spot for eagle watching, but the Visit Missouri website does! Here's the link: www.visitmo.com/articles/bald-eagles-put-on-a-show-in-missouri