Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, Branson Travel Guide

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Discover Branson's natural side: Hike scenic trails, explore caves, and enjoy stunning lake views at Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area.

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Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Escape the glitz of Branson at the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, a 140-acre park with 5.3 miles of trails through rugged Ozark terrain. Hike past bluffs, caves, and a waterfall, and descend the famous 315 stone steps to Lake Taneycomo.

A brief summary to Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

412 Owen Ln, Branson, Missouri, 65616, US
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Monday 7 am-7 pm
Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
Thursday 7 am-7 pm
Friday 7 am-7 pm
Saturday 7 am-7 pm
Sunday 7 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area.

Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to hike the Bluff Trail with its 315 stone steps.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no concessions within the wilderness area.
Take a brochure with a trail map from the Branson RecPlex to help navigate the area.

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Explore Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Branson Theater District, head west on foot for approximately 2 miles. Follow Fall Creek Road south of Highway 76. The entrance is marked by a wooden log archway over an ornamental iron gate. There is no admission fee.
Driving

From the Branson strip (Highway 76), turn south onto Fall Creek Road. Continue a short distance to Owen Lane. Turn onto Owen Lane, and the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area entrance will be on your left at 412 Owen Lane. Parking is available at the trailhead. There is no fee to park.
Public Transport

Take the local bus service towards the Branson Community Center. From the center, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. Head east on E Main St toward N 1st St, then turn left onto Owen Ln. Continue straight until you reach the wilderness area at 412 Owen Ln. A single bus fare is approximately $2.

Discover more about Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area offers a serene escape into nature right in the heart of Branson. This 140-acre park features 5.3 miles of trails winding through wooded and rugged hill country.The park boasts diverse terrain, including bluffs, caves, and glades. A highlight is the challenging Bluff Trail, which incorporates a stairway of 315 stone steps leading down to Lake Taneycomo. These steps, built in 1938, offer a glimpse into the past with engravings from their construction still visible. Along the way, discover the historic Owen Homestead, established in 1911, and its stone walls, remnants of a bygone era. Though the home was destroyed by fire in 2015, the area still provides a connection to the past.Enjoy a picnic with lake views, explore the nature playground, or simply relax on the covered porch swing. Lakeside Forest provides a refreshing contrast to Branson's entertainment scene.