Missouri State Parks Near Waynesville

Bennett Spring State Park is known for its spring-fed trout fishing, wooded bluffs, and the historic Bennett Spring Lodge. The park also offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and seasonal outdoor activities in a scenic Ozark setting.

This historic site centers on the Vance family home, a restored log-and-frame house set in a rural mountain landscape. Visitors can explore exhibits, historic structures, and the grounds to learn about Appalachian life and one of North Carolina’s most prominent 19th-century figures.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of Missouri’s most iconic natural and historic destinations, combining Ozark geology with the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone mansion. The park’s trails lead to natural bridges, sinkholes, a large spring, and panoramic overlooks above the Lake of the Ozarks.

Mount Mitchell State Park centers on the 6,684-foot summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The park offers panoramic overlooks, picnic areas, and access to a unique spruce-fir ecosystem that feels more like New England than the southern Appalachians.

Gorges State Park features steep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and diverse plant and animal life along the Blue Ridge escarpment. It is a favorite destination for hiking, photography, and exploring one of North Carolina’s most scenic mountain settings.