Johnson’s Shut-Ins: Explore an erosion-carved canyon and miles of trails
This popular state park is also home to the state’s largest wilderness area.
Trail Trails at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Overview
Johnson’s Shut-Ins is one of Missouri’s most celebrated state parks. Its namesake is a canyon cut by the East Fork of the Black River. Erosion has chiseled numerous chutes and waterfalls into the bedrock granite, creating a maze of whitewater. It’s spectacular to view and is also a playground for kids of all ages. A boardwalk trail provides access so you can hike, splash and climb the shut-ins as you desire. But there’s much more here beyond the shut-ins. This 9,000-acre park features 37 miles of trails through remote areas including the East Fork and Goggins Mountain wild areas. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is part of Missouri’s premiere hiking region.
Trails
Shut-Ins Trail: 2.1-mile loop
Black River Trail: 3.1 miles
Horseshoe Glade Trail is a 1.5-mile loop.
Scour Trail is 1.4 miles.
Goggins Mountain Trail is a 10.1-mile loop.
Address and location
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656
Distance
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is about five hours from Downtown Kansas City, making it ideal for a long weekend trip.
Conditions
There are a diversity of trails in the park, ranging from paved surfaces and boardwalks to rugged natural surface paths. Natural surface trails include steep elevation changes and rocks and roots underfoot. Difficulty will increase in wet or icy weather.
Kid friendly? Johnson’s Shut-Ins is a kids favorite. The splashing stream and waterfall are a destination for many families. Water safety is required. Paved and boardwalk trails are accessible to children and strollers, but the park’s natural surface trails are more rugged.
How busy? In season, this is a high-traffic area and popular destination.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise indicated).
Area Attractions: Trifecta of trails
Taum Sauk Mountain, Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks state parks are within 30 minutes of each other in the Arcadia Valley in southeast Missouri. There are also numerous trails in nearby Missouri Conservation areas. In addition, the 430-mile Ozark Trail runs through the region. Black River canoeing is a popular activity.
