Somewhere in Branson, tucked behind the tourist shops and fudge factories, we decided to go full nature mode and hit the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area--which sounds way more intense than it actually is. I was half-expecting to see a bear with a banjo or a raccoon running a moonshine still. Instead, we got about 140 acres of surprisingly legit wilderness... with signs. Lots of signs. Branson knows how to label a rock. The trail started off innocent enough--wood chips, some chirping birds, a suspicious squirrel staring us down. Then came the stairs. Not like "oh look, a couple of steps," but 315 stone steps carved into the side of a bluff like Mother Nature was training for a StairMaster commercial. Whoever built these things must have been part mountain goat, part lunatic. Down we went, each step echoing with the soundtrack of my thighs weeping. Somewhere between Step 89 and existential crisis, we passed a little cave where I'm 83% sure a wizard lives. It was cool, literally and metaphorically. We didn't go in though--look, we respect magical real estate. At the bottom was a view of Lake Taneycomo so pretty it made me forgive the stair situation. There were trees, chirping birds, and a breeze that whispered, "Hey, good luck going back up." We lingered at a little waterfall trickle (emphasis on trickle--it hadn't rained much) and contemplated faking an injury to avoid the climb. Eventually, we powered back up, legs shaking, pride shattered, but hearts full. Or maybe that was just dehydration. Back at the top, we found a porch swing near the ruins of an old homestead, which felt like a reward from the hiking gods. If you ever wanted to swing gently while staring into the distance and pretending you're in a Nicholas Sparks movie, this is your spot. All in all, 5 stars would hike again. Just next time, I'm bringing hiking poles. read more

This is a beautiful hidden gem right in the heart of Branson. I found it here on Yelp and my friend and I decided to stop by and walk during one day we were in the area. It was fall and there were lots of leaves on the ground, but we could still make out the trails which was nice. The main, short trail is very wide so many people can walk it at the same time. The longer trails were more narrow. I only walked a short portion of one and realized I was probably not experienced enough for it lol - it was very steep and twisty. I liked that there are options for all fitness levels and every trail seemed to have nice views. They also have nice clean restrooms, picnic areas and a kids play area in the front. Great place to stop for a break while on the strip - and its FREE. read more

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Great activity to get the kids out of the car and work up a little sweat with some nice views. Would go back and do a different trail.

What a amazing Trail acrossed from HURTS donuts and the Dixie stampede had no clue it was ever there and right in Branson!!!!! maybe 3 or so miles if you take the whole thing. beautiful flowers and some history We will be back in the fall to do it again read more

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Beautiful hiking area, lots of scenic areas. Good shade in the trees. Cute little kid park too at entrance. Has bathroom at entrance. The stone staircase comes with a warning which should be heeded. I wouldn't say they are difficult to go up if you are reasonably in shape, but going down them is pretty tough on knees even with the railings, which aren't everywhere there are stairs. Less 1 star because interactive map isn't accurate. Paths appear to cross in areas but they are not passable. Things get dicey by the falls and you can't cross paths there. There were spots where trails were very narrow with slippery rocks and steep dropoffs so bring real shoes. Otherwise beautiful and well maintained. read more

This is the best hike I have found in Branson so far. Lots of different trails to choose from. The views are incredible. There are a lot of stairs on some of the trails but you can avoid them if you want. Great places for picnics. Lots of benches and tables. I totally recommend for a nice sunny day. read more

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Great Fall Hiking Location!! Going here in mid-November I could see why this would be a great location for local hiking. Though with the rocky terrain I wouldn't want to personally explore it during months where snakes are a bit more predominant, the numerous hiking trails this space provides accommodate those of all skill levels. During rainy season, a trail leads to a waterfall which is unparalleled. Visiting when I did this meant the falls was in fact dry and thus you could hike through the bed instead of having to double back to another trail. There are several small grotto caves which are scattered down the trail area and overlook the water below. My favorite trail was a series of stone steps which made for quite the challenge. You can access this area through two different trails which combine to work their way toward the shoreline. This path proved to be a challenge on the way back up with over 300 steps which stagger down the mountainside. Up at the top of the area just down a short flat path is a very interesting piece of history, the original someplace location with numerous signs of interest which explain the unique history of this location. This is a MUST hike when in Branson for those looking to get off the strip and do something in the great outdoors. Great views!! read more

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If you want a nice representation of the Ozarks in a civilized park, this is a place for you. Despite being within city limits, you get those million dollar vistas that the region seems to have no shortage of. read more

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We definitely enjoyed our hike today and recommend this trail . A little rocky and especially in the rain. We will be back. read more

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Branson, Missouri

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Beautiful area! The fall was mostly dry when I went, but the trails were mostly clean, there is lots of shade, the hike was a bit challenging due to a bit of mud and the steepness (look, I'm from the Gulf region where it's flat, okay?), and there were beautiful scenic views. I wish the signage were more clear, though. We were never really sure if we were on the blue, pink, red, purple, or whatever other color trails they had. Despite that, we found our way and enjoyed the scenery and light workout. I could enjoy this area regularly if I lived nearby. It was most definitely worth the visit! read more

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A beautiful forest walk with trails for all levels of hikers. The staircase is a difficult track and not well suited for anyone with heart or lung related problems. read more

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We were in town on a trip and looking for a place to hike. This place was great! It was easy to find and the trails were well marked and easy to follow. Be aware if you want to see the waterfall there are tons of stairs. We went after it rained for almost a week straight and the water was flowing. We got done with our hike and were soaked from all the rain water running off the hill onto the trails but it was fun. read more

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Highly recommended seeing and hiking this. It's sad to say I've living the area 15 years and didn't even know it existed. It took a guest looking for hikes in the area that found it. Guess in all these years I've never had a reason to go down this particular street even though it's only a block off main drag of 76 strip. There are many things to see and explore depending on your fitness level. read more

About six miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult...right in the middle of Branson. Pretty cool, and even as a couple who love to hike and come to Branson a few times per year, we had never heard of Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area until we happened to drive past. It's a very good place to get in some exercise while visiting Branson, especially if you are not as big on theme parks or outlet mall shopping. Those things are fun, but to me this was much more interesting! We hiked several of the trails here and found all of them to be moderate by our opinion from hiking trails including many National Parks. I really was a bit puzzled by the levels assigned to several of the trails, but if you like to hike you probably won't have any trouble here, either. A homestead site is within some of the easier trails and quite interesting although the home structure was destroyed by fire, outbuildings and a swing remain, as well as picnic areas. There are some really fantastic views although the majority of the trails are indeed in deep woods. Be very aware of all the spiderwebs! Especially if you come earlier in the morning as we did. There were dozens upon dozens especially on the red and blue trails near the entry area a bit further from Lake Taneycomo. We spotted lizards, squirrels, and fortunately for me, no snakes. Lovely place and fairly well kept. The trails aren't blazed as clearly as I'd prefer which is the reason for the four star rating. One could easily find themselves puzzled about which trail is which. For those who may have younger children and/or just want to stop and stretch their legs, the entrance right off 76 does have a great small, newer playground and some picnic tables along with park-type restrooms. read more

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Some nice trails with informative placards about the property's history. The old settlement had gorgeous oak trees. Had lunch at the picnic tables and went for a hike. Nice place to spend a couple hours with a family for free. read more

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This was my first time getting to experience this area, and so far I really like it. Many of the spots I experienced so far weren't too challenging of a trek, yet still they were stimulating. I love indulging in smartphone photography personally and this location makes for a good one to snap some interesting or great shots. I look forward to going again here soon to spend some time with my dog! read more

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We had a very nice hike! We were disappointed that the waterfall was dried up. However, the hike was enjoyable, with nice scenery and it was challenging. We loved that it was right in town! read more

Great hiking trail! Take it easy or hike the stone stairs. Well established trail. Great views!

Nice park. Staircase was a nice surprise. Well built. A couple of the caves were neat to see and learn the history of how a man hid out in the cave during the war. Saw snakes and lizards and frogs. We questioned a couple on which trail we should take. So we took their advice. We went down to where the waterfall would have been but it was dry at this time. Which is still ok. We continued on and hugged the bluffs. The trail said it ended. People at the park said you would have to turn around near where the waterfall was. But we didn't. We continued on and kept seeing hiking trail markers so we thought it would be ok. Until we got lost in the woods. We had to find a road out. No trail to walk on. And had to walk half mile back to the car!! We ended up being behind people's properties. But it was fun! I was just glad that I didn't get any poison ivy. Only a few scrapes from going through brush! read more