Taum Sauk Mountain Mountain
Highest point in Missouri with rugged Ozark summit
Missouri's highest natural point, Taum Sauk Mountain draws hikers to granite highlands and nearby Mina Sauk Falls in Taum Sauk State Park; visitors come for Ozark ridges, forest trails and seasonal waterfall views.
Taum Sauk Mountain at a Glance#
Address: Taum Sauk Mountain, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Missouri
Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/taum-sauk-mountain-state-park
About Taum Sauk Mountain#
Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Missouri, with a summit elevation of 1,772 feet (540 metres). It is part of the St. Francois Mountains and lies within a state park that protects upland habitats and rocky outcrops.
The summit area and nearby Mina Sauk Falls are the primary draws - the summit offers exposed rocky ridgelines and panoramic views across the Ozark highlands, while Mina Sauk Falls is the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Trails and overlooks in the state park provide access to both features.
Geologically the peak is part of an ancient Precambrian igneous complex that forms the St. Francois Mountains. The area has been managed as public parkland to conserve its distinctive upland ecology and provide hiking and outdoor recreation.
The mountain lies in southeastern Missouri within Reynolds County, inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and adjacent public lands. The nearest towns are in the rural Ozark region; the area is accessed by county roads and park entrances.
- Elevation and park status: The summit reaches 1,772 feet (540 metres) and lies within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, which preserves upland oak-pine glades and exposed Precambrian bedrock.
- Waterfall and trail note: Mina Sauk Falls is seasonal and can be most impressive after heavy rain or spring melt; trail conditions can be slick on exposed rock surfaces.
What to See#
- Summit: A rocky summit at 1,772 feet (540 metres) above sea level that is the highest natural point in the state of Missouri.
- Mina Sauk Falls: Mina Sauk Falls, located on the mountain’s slopes, represents Missouri’s highest waterfall and is reached by trails within the state park.
How to Get to Taum Sauk Mountain#
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is in Reynolds County, Missouri. Drive via state routes from nearby towns like Ironton or Annapolis; the park has signed access roads and parking. Follow park maps for trailheads and Mina Sauk Falls viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Taum Sauk Mountain#
- The short trail to the Taum Sauk summit is steep but well-marked-be prepared for rocky footing.
- Visit Mina Sauk Falls during spring runoff when the waterfall is most dramatic.
- Carry water and sun protection-exposed ridge sections offer little shade.
Best Time to Visit Taum Sauk Mountain#
Late spring through autumn offers the best conditions for hiking and views; spring brings stronger waterfall flows.
Weather & Climate near Taum Sauk Mountain#
Taum Sauk Mountain's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1111 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 4° | -6° | 58 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 7° | -3° | 64 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 0° - 13° | 4° | 108 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 108 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 114 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 91 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 18° - 30° | 24° | 93 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 29° | 23° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 13° - 25° | 19° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 20° | 14° | 76 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 111 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 6° | -3° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |