Grand Gulf State Park

Grand Gulf is what is left of a huge dolomite cave whose roof fell in, leaving a deep forked canyon that people call Missouri's Little Grand Canyon. Short walks lead to overlooks and a natural bridge, and the stream disappears into the rock at the bottom. The park is free and quiet, a good break on the road between the Ozarks and Arkansas.

Good to know

• Stay on the marked paths, the canyon edges are steep
• Combine it with Mammoth Spring State Park, a few miles south in Arkansas

Best time

Spring and autumn

Open

All year

Getting there

Paved and gravel roads off Route W, short walk to the viewpoints

Vehicles

Fine in any car

Dogs

Dogs on a lead

Facilities

• Picnic tables
• Toilets

Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.