Dogwood Canyon Park Activities

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park sprawls across the Missouri Arkansas border just south of Branson, MO. Aside from a few amenities to make Dogwood Canyon Nature Park more accessible to our guests, the rugged landscape has been left untouched and, with just a little imagination, you can travel backward to a time when European settlers first entered the area or, even further, to explore the mark that native Americans left on these Missouri hills and hollows.

The first parcels of the property were acquired in 1990 by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops. It was his dedication to conserving our natural environment that has become the cornerstone for development of this spectacular wilderness experience. So many opportunities await you at this incredible 10,000 acre parcel of unspoiled Ozarks landscape.

Park summer hours may vary. See calendar below for available hours. For the safety of our guests and the protection of our wildlife, pets, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters and alcohol are not permitted. Activities subject to weather and availability. The park is accessible to guests with disabilities.

Dogwood Canyon Park Activities

Self Guided Walking Tour

Our round-trip paved trail covers 6 1/2 miles and is relatively level. It guides you past beautiful limestone bluffs and tumbling waterfalls, over bridges formed of native stone or hand crafted of wrought iron, and even a covered bridge of Amish construction. Our beautiful rainbow trout swim in clear spring fed waters, easily visible as you pass by. We are a wilderness park and you may expect to see a variety of native wildlife, your best chance being earlier in the morning. Allow plenty of time to absorb the beauty that surrounds you at any season of the year. A printed guide will interpret the history of the canyon.

Biking

Our beautiful walking trail is also shared by bikers and we offer a selection of bikes for the entire family as well as trail-a-bikes and kiddie carts for our youngest guests. Bikes are rented on a first come, first served basis.

Self Guided Catch and Release Trout Fishing

Self Guided Catch and Keep Trout Fishing

Half Day Guided Trout Fishing

One of Dogwood Canyon's greatest appeals is the sparkling, spring-fed water that is home to our beautiful rainbow trout. We offer half-day guided catch and release fishing, fly casting clinics, two day fly-fishing schools and hourly opportunities to keep or release. No license or trout stamp is required. Tackle and rental rods are available. Expertise, fishing pressure and seasonal conditions all affect your level of success. Spinning rod and reels or fly rods are available for rent. (Purchase your first hour of fishing here. Additional hours for fishing are $10.00 plus tax paid at main Dogwood Canyon office when you visit park.)

Guided Tour: Available Monday through Friday by reservation only. Includes guide and gear. Includes Dogwood Canyon Signature Fly Box with six flies.

Horseback Riding

Our horseback trails offer a scenic, leisurely ride exploring ridges and hollows that are not seen by tram or from the walking and biking trail.

Reservations are strongly recommended for this one hour ride. Offered March 2 through November 30. Ride times vary throughout the year. April 1 to May 22 ride times are 10:00 am, 11:30 am, & 1:30 pm. May 23 to October 30 ride times are 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 2:30 pm.

Adventure Pass

Our Adventure Pass provides a great value when combining multiple activities at Dogwood Canyon. With your pass you can enjoy access to self-guided walking and biking (rental bikes or bring your own), self-guided Catch & Keep trout fishing and the Wildlife Tram Tour when used during a single visit to the park.