After receiving an offer for a free weekend stay at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, we scheduled a late June getaway. While we enjoyed exploring Branson’s Unique Spots on our previous trip, the rain had limited our outdoor time.
We wanted to squeeze in as much ’outdoor therapy’ as possible on this trip. After taking a late morning walk around the resort, we began searching for places to explore.
After some online research, we decided to visit Dogwood Canyon. The waterfalls, trails, and great reviews put it at the top of our list. Learning it was dog-friendly made it number one.
Dogwood Canyon Mill
Dogwood Canyon is located near Lampe, MO, about a 50-minute drive southeast of The Lodges. We had no trouble finding a parking spot in their large lot, and we considered the walk our ‘warm-up hike’.
After purchasing our tickets at the ticket booth, we walked along the water towards the large Dogwood Canyon Mill.
We enjoyed our walk inside the Mill. However, Sadie was a little agitated by the ‘wild animals’ and insisted that I carry her.
Indian Cliff Falls
Directly behind the mill is Indian Cliff Falls.
This beautiful waterfall is one of many throughout the park. Unlike others in the park, which are partially man-made, Indian Cliff Falls is completely natural.*
The falls can be viewed from a platform just outside The Mill or from the trail.
*All sources checked indicated this was a natural waterfall.
Long Pine Crossing
Continuing on the trail, we came to a covered bridge. The Long Pine Crossing bridge has a span of 80′ and was constructed in 1992 by members of a Seymour, Missouri, Amish community. Fun fact: The beams on this truss bridge were salvaged from a 100-year-old Chicago warehouse.
After crossing the bridge, we continued our hike, stopping often to enjoy the scenery and let Sadie cool her paws in the water. When bicyclists approached us on the trail, we would step into the grass, often continuing our hike in the grassy areas between the paved trail and the creek.
Hope Wilderness Chapel
The Hope Wilderness Chapel, Station 5 on the map, is a replica of a small church built in the 1800s. The chapel was completed in 2002 by Dogwood Canyon staff members. It was constructed with local materials, including native shortleaf pine logs, rough-sawn oak flooring, and eastern red cedar for the ceiling.
It is also air-conditioned. After entering, we found other hikers relaxing and cooling off. The doors at the front of the church lead to a balcony with a view of waterfalls. The chapel seats 120 and can be booked for events through Dogwood Canyon.
Waterfalls
As we explored Dogwood Canyon, we saw a wide variety of waterfalls. Below are photos of the falls behind Hope Chapel and Thunder Falls, which is located at the trail’s one-mile marker.
Chuckwagon
As we neared the Chuckwagon pavilion – complete with restrooms and shade – we decided to take a break.
After exploring the area and cooling off, we headed back toward the entrance. Dogwood Canyon would be closing in an hour and a half. It had taken us that long to reach the Chuckwagon.
We didn’t want to rush on our way back.
Stopping along the way for pictures, exploring areas we’d missed on the way out, and letting Sadie sniff all the new smells, we arrived at the Treehouse with time to spare.
Treehouse
The Treehouse and gift shop were our last stops.
This one-of-a-kind treehouse was built by Pete Nelson and the crew at Animal Planet’s show, Treehouse Masters. When we passed it at the start of our hike, it appeared to be a favorite of the younger visitors, playing inside and outside the massive treehouse.
After taking in the tree house view, we made a quick stop at the Gift Shop for bottles of water.
When we entered the shop, a couple of workers immediately asked us if Sadie needed a drink. Before we could reply, they produced a bowl of cold water for her.
Thank you, gift shop employees, for taking care of our hot and thirsty pup! We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
As we walked towards our car, at the back of the large parking lot, we turned and took one last photo. And, talked about coming back in the fall!
To see more pictures from our Dogwood Canyon visit, click this link.
Peggy Staver, the author of this blog, is a freelance writer specializing in outdoor recreation and hospitality. You can contact her at PSCopywriting.com. The majority of photos are taken by Photography by Andreas. Visit his portfolio here.
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