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One Christmas we decided to ditch the holiday chaos and made a beeline for Echo Bluff State Park, in Eminence, Missouri—a little slice of outdoor heaven. The the park is new Between the stunning views and super cozy digs, it was exactly what we needed to unwind. (Georgia, our dog, got her own holiday being spoiled by her second grandpa. Win-win!)
The Cozy Charm of Echo Bluff Lodge
Echo Bluff Lodge is winter magic in the Ozarks. Picture this: a crackling fireplace, rustic woodsy vibes, and panoramic views that feel straight out of a snow globe. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or enjoying a meal at the Creekside Grill (more on that later), this spot screams holiday coziness.
Can’t find a room at the lodge? No worries! You can still visit the lodge to enjoy its cozy atmosphere and grab a meal at the grill. Meanwhile, hop on Booking.com or VRBO to snag a nearby rental. There are plenty of options close to the park, so you can enjoy all the charm of Echo Bluff while staying just a short drive away.
Creekside Grill: Christmas Feast
We weren’t about to spend Christmas cooking, so we hit up the Creekside Grill at the lodge. Open on Christmas with a special menu, it delivered comforting, hearty meals that hit the spot. Perfect for when you’ve earned those calories on the trails!
Painter Ridge Trail
There is always something nice about the quiet of winter hiking. There are rarely other people in the trail. The air is crisp with the winter air. I am certainly not a fan of the winter weather and I usually dread the winter months but when it comes to winter activities I enjoy hiking the most. It is a chance to be with your thoughts, reflect on the things that happened that year or would be happening. The quiet allows for a walking meditation of some sort.
The first trail we wanted to tackle was the Painter's Ridge Trail. Altough certainly not the longest trail that the park had to offer, we wanted to warm up before our big hike the next day so we thought that a 1.8 mile hike and some awesome views would do us some good.
Another good thing about winter hiking is that there is not a whole lot of foliage but there are views that you would probably miss if the foliage was there. Like this bird's eye view of the lodge.
Hiking the Current River Trail
For the main event, we tackled the Current River Trail—an 8-mile out-and-back hike that’s the ultimate Christmas Day adventure. Starting at the park’s southern end, this trail winds through scenic spots, wildlife habitats (yes, even sassy deer), and the campground, all the way to the beautiful Current River.
The hike from Echo Bluff State Park to the river is about 5.25 miles one way, and the part within the park itself is around 1.3 miles and continues on to the Current River State Park until it hits the Current River itself. You get some upclose and personal experiences with wildlife... like this deer who looks offended that we were hiking.
Deer: WTF are you here?
Charmaine: I like winter hiking
Deer: (Stare down)
Charmaine: (Walking away)
Be mindful that there's this easy crossing over Highway 19, but keep your eyes peeled for traffic, safety first!
There have been plans to make this trail a real long-distance champ. The south expansion starting from from Echo Bluff, weaving through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and hooking up with Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry and the Ozark Trail.
It was uncharacteristically warm. The trail was easy and we listened to Harry Potter, Chamber of Secrets audiobook while we hiked. It was nice and quiet in the trail. We rarely see people in the trails during winter time and it makes for a quiet Christmas Day.
The trail eventually hits the Current River and the quiet and serenity of the river is really an enjoyable experience. All you hear is water and leaves rustling.
Fun fact about the Current River, it along with the Jacks Fork River are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. If you have not been to Southern Missouri or Northern Arkansas, then you are missing out on some of the most scenic and beautiful rivers in the United States. We took a canoe trip on the Current River on a different trip and will share memories of that trip in another entry.
Cave Spring Loop Trail
On our last day before heading home we wanted to see the Devil's Well which is part of the Cave Spring Loop Trail nestled near Akers just off Route KK. I am not sure how Kevin finds these trails but it looked cool so off we went.
This wonder formed when the ceiling of a massive underground cavern, home to a pristine hidden lake, gave way, creating an expansive sinkhole with a visible opening to the lake's depths. Southern Missouri is full of these types of sinkholes and springs due to the large amounts of limestone and underground streams that wash away the rock to form caves.
To see the underground lake that is the "Devil's Well", there is a "spiral staircase" for prime viewing. Heads up, though—the road leading here is a bit rough and steep, not really cut out for trailers or those big ol' motorhomes. But guess what? There's no entry fee, and the place is open every day while the sun's out.
You have to go to a platform stands about 100 feet above the water's surface.
As you descend you get a glimpse into the Devil's Well, which is an 80-foot-deep lake which depending on the weather shifts 8 to 10 feet.
Oh, and they've got this nifty light switch near the stairs to brighten up the scene. But hey, pack your own flashlight or spotlight, just in case!
If you are up to more adventure there's a 4.6-mile foottrail leading from Devils Well straight to Cave Spring on the Current River. You can actually follow the water's trail from the Devil's Well to its outlet at Cave Spring. It's a decent hike, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
And hey, if you're itching to know more, they've got some cool exhibits waiting for you at Devils Well. Want a sneak peek?
Why Echo Bluff Should Be Your Next Winter Getaway
From peaceful trails to geological wonders like Devil’s Well, Echo Bluff State Park is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly! Snag great deals on cabins and lodges through Booking.com or find a charming home base with VRBO.
Have you hiked Echo Bluff’s trails or visited during the holidays? Drop your experiences (or your funniest winter hiking story) in the comments below. Let’s share some travel inspiration!
TTYL! 🌲
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