Long Creek Falls (Hercules Glades)

Long Creek Falls, also called just "The Falls", is a waterfall on Long Creek in Taney County. The waterfall is located in the Hercules Glades Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest.

Hike Length: 5.4 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Hercules Glades Wilderness (Ava Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 36.68510,-92.95971
Waterfall GPS: 36.68617,-92.93624

Directions:

From Branson, head east on MO-76 for about 12 miles and turn right on US-160 east. In 3 miles, turn right to stay on US-160 east. Go 5.1 miles and turn left on Cross Timber Road. Follow this for 3.1 miles to the end at the Coy Bald Trailhead.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the trailhead, hike straight from the parking to enter Hercules Glades Wilderness and at the split, go left onto Long Creek Trail. The trail initially heads down then crosses Long Creek and climbs up the ridge. In about 2 miles from the start, the trail drops back down to Long Creek again. Where Long Creek Trail goes left, go right and follow the trail past some campsites along Long Creek going downstream. The trail comes out at the falls. The creek is sensitive to water levels, so this one can dry up completely.

Blog Entries:

10-Oct-2018: Dogwood Canyon

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=21754