Rocks of ages on display at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
The spring a Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka State Park emits 48 million gallons per day into the Lake of the Ozarks.
USA Today readers named it the fourth best state park in America.
Trail Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Overview
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a premiere Missouri hiking destination (or is it the premiere destination?). Conde Nast Traveler called it the most beautiful spot in Missouri. What’s the hubbub about? To sum it up, Ha Ha Tonka is built around the erosion of “Rocks of Ages.” Water has worn down bedrock, resulting in collapsed caves, still-existing caves, sinkholes and a natural bridge. Ha Ha Tonka spring gushes 48 million gallons of water into the Lake of the Ozarks daily. Other highlights include 250-bluffs overlooking the lake, a natural island surrounded by rushing spring water and “The Devil’s Kitchen,” a massive overhang on the quieter side of the park. Although most people stick to the castle, cliffs and spring area, there is much more to the park. About 3,000 acres of oak woodland can be explored, featuring some trees that are more than 300 years old. The Missouri Department of Conservation calls it “one of the best open oak woodland landscapes in Missouri that has been restored and managed.” This area can best be explored via the 6.5-mile Turkey Pen Hollow Trail, which also provides access to three primitive camping sites.
A castle in Missouri?
Oh, and did we mention the castle? Yeah, there’s a castle at the top of a cliff with an incredible vista of the lake. The castle story, however, is more tragedy than fairy tale – yet its story likely resulted in the area being preserved for us today. The castle’s founder and visionary, Robert M. Snyder, died before it was completed. It was finished by his sons in 1922, but a chimney fire in the 1940s destroyed all but the stone walls. The stunning nature of the castle and the completion of Lake of the Ozarks in 1931 put Ha Ha Tonka on the map. Yet this stunning area remained abandoned until 1978, when it was opened as a state park. Snyder’s notes about the area still beckon visitors today: "Here I will spend my leisure, secure from the worries of business and the excitement of city life. I will fish and loaf and explore the caves of these hills, with no fear of intrusion." And so should you.
And what about the odd name? Ha Ha Tonka is generally attributed to an Osage tribe description that meant laughing waters, in reference to the spring.
Length There are more than 10 miles of trails on which to explore this park. (The state park website says there are 31 miles of trails, however, this is overstated because it includes “water trails” which are for canoe and kayak use.)
Address and location Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 State Road D, Camdenton, MO 65020; although many people park at the castle ruins, there are several smaller lots throughout the park.
Distance This park is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Downtown Kansas City.
Conditions There are several wheelchair accessible areas, but overall this park is rugged with steep elevation gains. The impact of the grade is lessened in some areas by stairs and bannisters. Wear sturdy shoes and beware of wet areas and loose rock. Trekking polls are recommended.
Kid friendly? Kids will need to be up for a strenuous hike.
How busy? This is one of the state’s most popular parks in one of the state’s most popular tourist areas (Lake of the Ozarks). If you want a quieter experience, go in the off season or from Monday-Thursday.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Restricted.
