St. Francois Mountains Waterfalls
Although there are many more out there, here are some waterfalls in the St. Francois Mountains region of Missouri that have formed in volcanic rock.
Black Mountain Falls, 350ft. cascade.
Best seen after rainfall.
Located alongside Highway E in Madison County, Black Mountain Falls is one of the greatest waterfalls in the state. The bottom falls can be seen from the road, the top falls require a 350ft. climb up the cascading creek. There are numerous falls and cascades between 5ft and 50ft tall up this creek.
Mina Sauk Falls, 132ft., Missouri's tallest waterfall.
Flows year round, best seen after rainfall.
Located in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Missouri's tallest waterfall always has at least a little bit of water in it. The surrounding scenery makes the 3 mile loop hike worth it even if there is little water. More info here.
Pinnacle Falls, 100+ft.
Best seen after rainfall. 2nd tallest in MO
Unfortunately this waterfall is located on private property, but it would make an incredible state park or conservation area. It is only visible from the Little St. Francis River. When there is water in the waterfall there are likely class II-III rapids along the river, which is what makes this waterfall ver difficult to see. Photo courtesy of 413 Open Air on YouTube.
Slot Canyon Falls, 50ft.
Flows after rainfall. Lots of falls occur all along this creek on Marlow Mountain. Water flows through a very narrow but deep crack in the rock. Definitely one of the most unique falls in the area. Pictures do not do it's height justice.
Johnson Shut-Ins
Flows year round. Multiple cascades.
Very easily accessible, located at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. Very popular swimming hole in the summer. More info here.
Castor River Shut-In
Flows year round.
Multiple cascades and large drops are what allowed this shut-in to make the waterfall list. It can be seen in Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. More info here.
Mudlick Mountain Falls, ~20ft.
Best seen after rainfall.
Located off of the Shut-In Trail at Sam A. Baker State Park. Lots of cascades are located along this trail that only flow after rainfall. More info here.
Cedar Falls, ~50ft.
Best seen after rainfall
This waterfall is located in Mark Twain National Forest between Patterson Mountain and Black Mountain. There is no trail to get here and it is difficult to get a full view of the entire waterfall.
Upper Mina Sauk Falls, ~30ft.
Flows year round, best seen after rainfall.
Located above Mina Sauk Falls. See above for more info.
Little Rock Creek, drops 110ft. in 0.5 miles
Flows year round, best seen after rainfall.
Located off of Highway E in Madison County on the south side of Black Mountain. Lots of scenic cascades exist here. There is no trail available.
Marlow Mountain Falls, 12ft. tall
Best seen after rainfall.
Waterfalls exist all up and down the creeks on the side of the mountain.
Marlow Mountain Falls East, 15ft.
Best seen after rainfall.
One of many on Marlow Mountain.
Claybaugh Creek Falls, ~30ft.
Best seen after rainfall.
This large cascade is located on the very edge of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. It is extremely difficult to visit and requires lots of bushwhacking through rugged terrain and dense brush.
Mud Creek Shut-In, drops 150ft. in 1 mile
Flows year round, best seen after rainfall.
Located near Silver Mines Recreation Area, very impressive and large shut-in. No trail is available, a very intense but mostly flat 2 mile bushwhack is required to reach it.
Crane Lake Shut-In, drops 80ft. in 1/4 mile
Flows year round, best seen after rainfall.
Located at Crane Lake Recreation Area. It can be seen off of the Ozark Trail at the end of the lake near the dam. Very scenic and worth a visit. More info here.
Bridal Veil Falls, 25ft. tall
Best seen after rainfall.
I named this fall Bridal Veil Falls because there are nearly forty that share the name within the US, none being in Missouri.
