March 29, 2024

Camdenton MO

Originally I went here to hike the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail but it was closed due to a controlled burn. So I took in some of the other trails and still managed to get in about 6 miles. When coming into the park at the main entrance there is a bathroom at the visitor’s center.

On the Dell Rim Trail you can climb the stairs and see the water tower structure which is the only thing still standing after it was burned. I followed the yellow trail (Colosseum Trail) around and saw the natural bridge and then moved over to the Carriage house and Castle ruins. Then I followed the Quarry trail around until I came to the red trail and followed it back up to the parking area.

Then I drove over and parked by the Post Office. (There is a outhouse style bathroom here). In the shelter there are game boards burned into the table tops.

I followed the Springs trail around and then down to the water and passed the Island Trail. This trail appeared to climb straight up and there were several people on it at this time so I just followed the blue then white trail back up to the parking lot.

Overall it turned out to be a very nice hike/day. There were a few wild flowers but still very few leaves and not much color. The trails varied from easy to moderately hard. There were a few steep spots and stairs but overall a very nice day.

You can also see additional photos on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836