Katy Trail accomplished, it was time to head home – after just one more thing.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is just a couple of hours south of St. Charles and just barely out of our way. Located in the St. Francois Mountains, Taum Sauk Mountain is part of the Ozarks and home to the highest point in Missouri. Like we could really pass that up!
Shortly before the high-point trailhead, we reached Taum Sauk Lookout Tower. I'm not passing that up either. The tower is only 72 feet tall, but that's enough to get above the trees for a unencumbered view of the lush surrounding mountains. A catwalk around the little cabin at the top allows for a 360-degree view. Very cool.
Taum Sauk Lookout Tower
Tower-top selfie
Missouri from above
At the end of the mountain road, we came to the trailhead leading to Missouri's highest point. The peak is a modest 1,772 feet, but a high point is a high point, and we bagged it! Totally worth driving 50 miles out of our way and walking less than a mile.
Jana at the trailhead
Missouri's high point, 1,772 feet!
Jana and Tom bag another peak
Long drive, short narrative: We drove 580 miles today and arrived home at 10:15 p.m. Another successful adventure in the books!
We sure did - Now it's your turn