Boulder Ridge Trail

On this trail, you will pass through an area of large lichen boulders along a ridge. Enjoy several views of Lake of the Ozarks and pass through Oak Woodlands, rocky acres and a large area of huge sandstone boulders. Red blazes. Can be confusing at times as it crosses with other trails. Boulder Ridge Trail is a gravel surface trail that makes a loop around the long narrow ridge top southwest of the lake parking lot. The initial section of trail travels in a counterclockwise direction passing through oak woodland until a rocky area is encountered. At this point, the trail goes off to the right, down the slope to a county road. After crossing the county road, walk up an old roadbed making a left turn up stone steps to a loop section of this trail. Walk this loop in a clockwise direction. Hikers will travel through a rocky woodland area before a large area of huge sandstone boulders, bluffs and shelves encompass the trail. The trail passes through this area of large lichen-covered boulders along the ridge. Going through this area is tricky after leaf fall because leaves can obscure the trail and fill in deep voids between the rocks. Watch your footing and follow the red blazes to stay on the trail. The final segment of trail affords several views of Lake of the Ozarks. Eventually, hikers will return to the start of the loop, where they will return to the old road bed, then cross back over the county road.