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Might as well do the hike... by imike  If you are at the trailhead for the Mina Sauk Falls hike, it is likely you arrived as a "highpointer", one of those odd ducks who find some kind of value getting to a variety of arbitrary high points, this one being the highest point in the state of Missouri... a less than challenging car trip, capped off with a short walk up the paved sidewalk to the peak... ... fortunately, once you're here, well, might as well do this hike... And, it is a nice one. The 132' tall falls is the highest in the state, and is accessed along a pleasant 3 mile long loop hike... the falls are named after the legend: According to the legend of Mina Sauk (the daughter of Chief Taum Sauk), a spring in the mountain which contributes to the flow of the falls was formed by a bolt of lightning sent by the Storm King. The chief of a hostile tribe who had made love to Mina Sauk was captured and killed and, according to the legend: "... the young captive was thrown from ledge to ledge, being caught on the points of up-lifted spears. His grief-stricken bride, calling a curse down on her tribe, leaped from the highest ledge and was dashed to death beside the body of her slain lover. The Great Spirit invoked the Storm King, causing a cyclone to utterly destroy the people of Taum Sauk. A bolt of lightning striking the mountain top caused the stream of water to flow over the ledges into the gorge below, to wipe away the blood of the young lovers. On the banks of the stream sprang up flowers of crimson hue, which grows there today, by the overflowing water and which are known as Indian Pinks." This information was excerpted from a book by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources titled "Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri". Camping fees are required in the park area. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Review
Mina Sauk Falls
Getting High in Missouri
i was in st. louis for work for a few weeks, and i finally had a day off, so i decided to check out missouri's state high point, about two hours away. when i got there, i discovered that i had lost my memory card for my camera, so i took all the photos with my phone.
i started on the nicely paved 1,000 foot trail to the high point. some hikers were resting nearby and asked me what i thought of the state high point. i said that my home in tucson is higher than this. they had just done the mina sauk falls loop and were decked out in hiking gear, with trekking poles, as i would if i were hiking in arizona. they said that it was a hard trail. i could tell they were sizing me up with my jeans and tennies, and carrying no snacks or water. i said that i thought i could handle it, and i was on my way.
the trail, the weather, the surroundings - were just depressing. gray sky and stick trees are not my idea of scenic beauty. but still - i was out in nature by myself. it was nice to do this after a month.
as i drove my way back down the mountain, i turned on a side street labeled "tower." i had no idea, but it makes sense that the highest mountain would have a fire tower on it. total bonus.
i started on the nicely paved 1,000 foot trail to the high point. some hikers were resting nearby and asked me what i thought of the state high point. i said that my home in tucson is higher than this. they had just done the mina sauk falls loop and were decked out in hiking gear, with trekking poles, as i would if i were hiking in arizona. they said that it was a hard trail. i could tell they were sizing me up with my jeans and tennies, and carrying no snacks or water. i said that i thought i could handle it, and i was on my way.
the trail, the weather, the surroundings - were just depressing. gray sky and stick trees are not my idea of scenic beauty. but still - i was out in nature by myself. it was nice to do this after a month.
as i drove my way back down the mountain, i turned on a side street labeled "tower." i had no idea, but it makes sense that the highest mountain would have a fire tower on it. total bonus.
2012-03-07 cindyl
