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Some paths on the island are narrow, steep, and potentially slippery when wet, while others are rocky and arid.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

Point to Point

755' 230 m

High

675' 206 m

Low

104' 32 m

Up

67' 21 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

It is illegal to enter or litter in any part of the spring, including and above the waterfall. Entrance to the cave is by permit only, and unlikely to be granted due to dangerous conditions inside and the risk of white nose syndrome on bats.

Description

The Island Trail begins at a bridge connection to the Spring Trail (at about 37.974176, -92.771760). The bridge is actually the remains of a mill that once used the spring for power. The "island" was formed when cave passages around it collapsed to become the Spring Canyon.

From the bridge, the trail climbs steeply up the island, on mostly natural terrain, with timbers for erosion control. From there, the trail becomes a labyrinth of branching footpaths, exploring the limits of the island. Diligent explorers may find the "balanced rock," a limestone boulder that, when seen from the correct angle, has an eroded layer almost entirely under it.

The north side if the island descends to the remains of a dam used to form the spring pool, which then provided enough of an elevation drop to power the mill. Spring water now cascades down the boulders like a waterfall. Despite the small size of the island, it contains a cave with an entrance that is likely to go unnoticed, if not for the "do not enter" sign. Some paths on the island are narrow, steep, and potentially slippery when wet, while others are rocky and arid as they pass through glades.

After exploring the island, the only option is to return to the bridge.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Garrison with improvements by Zac Nixon

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 8 votes

#7262

Overall
  4.5 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#192

in Missouri

#7,262

Overall
9 Views Last Month
1,366 Since Oct 29, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
0%
63%
13%
13%
0%

Photos

The massive bluff facing the trail. The castle remains are at the top of this bluff. Watch for rockfall if kayaking below, as pictured.
Dec 6, 2019 near Camdenton, MO
Black Snake along trail underneath walkway.
Jun 5, 2021 near Camdenton, MO
Walkway
Jun 5, 2021 near Camdenton, MO
Winter sunset on a calm day, looking across Lake of the Ozarks from the bridge connecting Ha Ha Tonka's Spring Trail and Island Trail.  About:  37.974176, -92.771760
Oct 27, 2018 near Camdenton, MO

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