Discover Taney: Nature, Trails, and Culture

Lake Taneycomo is primarily a trout fishery: About 90 percent of the fish caught by anglers are rainbow trout. Location-specific regulations are also important when planning a fishing trip. In the upper three-mile stretch between Table Rock Dam and the mouth of Fall Creek, only artificial lures and flies are allowed. Above the Highway 65 bridge in Branson, anglers need a trout permit to fish in Lake Taneycomo. Check the current fishing regulations before setting out, as rules may change.

Hiking Trails in the White River Hills

West of Branson, in western Taney County, lies the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area in the White River Hills. The area covers 1,534 acres of steep hills, typical upland oak-hickory forest, and scattered scenic glades. Trails and viewpoints include 5.6 miles of hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and an observation tower. Roark Creek also shapes the landscape: The area includes about half a mile of the creek, considered a relatively undisturbed Ozark headwater stream and bordered by bottomland forest.

In the White River Balds area, the Glade Trail is a 1.1-mile loop through the landscape. Combined with the Streamside Trail, it makes a 1.5-mile hike, distinguishing the shorter individual loop from the longer combined route. Boulder Bald adds a literary touch: The location is mentioned in The Shepherd of the Hills. The Drury-Mincy Conservation Area is on a different scale: It covers 4,134.8 acres and has almost 20 miles of roads and trails.

At Top of the Rock, the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail combines natural features with a cave. The trail passes waterfalls and striking rock formations and includes a four-story cave with a cascading waterfall. Top of the Rock is considered the highest-elevation point in Taney County.

Lakes and Rivers, Different Experiences

The lakes offer a range of ways to spend time on the water. Table Rock Lake is one of the lakes in Taney County suited to boating, fishing, and water sports. In eastern Taney County, the management areas along Bull Shoals Lake offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.

Beaver Creek connects several landscapes: It flows southwest from Douglas County through Taney County and empties into Bull Shoals Lake just below Powersite Dam. The creek is a destination for float trips, and wading opportunities are also available upstream. Boats can be put in at Beaver Creek Campground in Brownbranch or at the Highway 76 bridge in Bradleyville. Floating and wading are two different ways to experience Beaver Creek.

In Forsyth, a paved, accessible trail system runs along Bull Shoals Lake from Shadowrock Park to Empire Park at Powersite Dam. The route connects the two parks along the lake and offers another way to explore the shoreline on foot.

History, Museums, and Theaters

The White River Valley Historical Society documents historic sites and buildings and offers exhibits and educational programs. The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum focuses on artifacts, images, and interactive exhibits about the development of the Ozarks. The Branson Centennial Museum presents the history of Branson and surrounding Taney County through rotating exhibits.

Branson adds another cultural highlight: Hundreds of theaters line Highway 76. Together with the museums and the work of the Historical Society, the region offers a range of ways to explore its history and culture, as well as its lakes and hiking landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Branson, Rockaway Beach, Table Rock, Ridgedale, Hollister, Merriam Woods, Cass County, and Jasper.

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