To get a really fantastic look at the Ozarks, try a little hiking at Big Sugar Creek State Park, just 50 miles west of Branson.
Adventure through the green, rolling, and heavily forested hills, through the cool streams, and enjoy a little time with nature. The park is tucked deep within southwest Missouri, and it preserves a portion of the Elk River. This region of Missouri has many distinct features that aren't found in any other part of the state. Many plants, like the Ozark chinquapin tree, and animals are rarely found outside of the Ozark highlands.
The Elk River watershed, which includes Big Sugar Creek, is part of the Arkansas River BAsin that extends into Missouri. With it, comes a unique range of fish, including the Neosho orangethroat darter. This park is still in the development stages, so the only activity currently available here is hiking. Future plans for the park include the construction of a day-use area, a special-use area, and a canoe launch.
