Rocky bluffs, eagles and vistas abound at Truman Lake State Park
Truman Lake State Park offers three trails that explore the rocky bluffs, forests and glades of a 1,400-acre peninsula that rises sharply from the water.
This central Missouri location resembles the rugged landscape of the Ozarks.
Trail Trails at Truman Lake State Park
Overview
Missouri’s Truman Lake doesn’t usually generate excitement among hikers. That’s for fishing buffs, right? Yet there is spectacular hiking to be found. Part of the confusion is that the lake is massive, with 55,000 acres stretched across parts of four counties. That means topography varies. For example, the well-traveled section of Highway 13 that runs south of Clinton crosses the lake in a fairly flat area. Meh. However, a few miles east, Harry S Truman State Park offers some of the most scenic trails in central Missouri. A rocky, forested peninsula rises about 150 feet above the lake, creating a rugged and scenic playground for hikers. Trails afford distant views across the reservoir and region. The park is also an excellent place to view wildlife, including eagles and birds of prey soaring above the water. Wildflowers and woods stretch across the peninsula from shore to shore.
Length There are about four miles of trails throughout the park. These are:
Bluff Ridge Trail, 1.8 miles
1,000th Mile Trail, 0.9 miles
Western Wallflower Trail, 0.8 miles
Address and location Harry S Truman State Park, 28761 State Park Road West, Warsaw, MO 65355
Distance The park is less than two hours from Downtown Kansas City, near Warsaw, Mo.
Conditions There are three natural surface trails that are well marked and maintained. There is moderate elevation gain on each.
Kid friendly? Trails are natural surface and not conducive to strollers. There are also some steep drop-offs, so parental supervision is required.
How busy? This park is a popular camping destination, so it can be highly populated in summer and on holidays. Visit in the off season or on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
View from a blufftop on the 1000th Mile Trail at Harry S Truman State Park.
Cliffs rise sharply from the lake on the Bluff Ridge Trail at Harry S Truman State Park.
The Western Wallflower Trail at Harry S Truman State Park explores savannah and glade environments overlooking the lake.
Harry S Truman State Park is a prime location to view wildflowers and wildlife.