The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

The long and narrow green angles back from left to right with a high mound on the back part of the green. Take in the views of the Ozark Mountains on this long downhill par 4. Keep your tee shot left to avoid the large bunker along the right side of the fairways. This green slopes away from left to right with multiple bunkers short of the green. The park offers a variety of campsites that cater to all comfort levels, including basic tent and secluded spots as well as group tent areas.

Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Are you a car camper or do you plan on socializing in friends’ backyards? Whether you’re looking for iPads or flowers, if you’re shopping for Mother’s Day gifts, today is your last chance to order from the following major retailers for delivery by Sunday.

Staying left gives you a shorter distance to the hole, but the right side of the fairway gives you an elevated look to the green without having to carry the greenside bunkers on your approach. This eye-catching peninsula green requires a solid iron shot to stay dry. The putting surface is sloped with a high central mound feeding the ball away from the center of the green. Enjoy the game’s pristine water features, large fairways and greens, and spectacular 19th hole—the Big Rock at Payne’s Valley™. While we may lack the towering peaks of the Rockies or Appalachians and the majestic shores of the coasts, the Midwest has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels. One state in particular that has a ton of hidden gems for outdoor activities is Missouri, often referred to as the “Show-Me State.”

Even better, because it’s the end of summer and there are a lot of great Prime Day deals going on, you can grab it from Walmart for just $197 rather than the usual $227. A brute on the scorecard, but this long par 3 plays drastically downhill. A large ridge runs down the middle of the green with the left side serving as the high side. Payne’s Valley is an homage to Ozarks-native and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Payne Stewart. It is the first public-access golf course designed by 82-time PGA TOUR winner, Tiger Woods and his golf course design firm, TGR Design.

Or challenge your buddies to a friendly closest-to-the-pin contest to decide who is paying for the post-round refreshments. It may be intimidating from the tee box, but the large green provides plenty of landing space with additional room right of the green for a safe miss. Avoid the left side to stay out of the heavy rough, deep bunker, and the lake.

It also includes loops to hang your trekking poles when not in use. We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top. Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. The Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Chair from Walmart, although similar to our pick in size, was far less comfortable, with rough-feeling material that was obviously of lower quality. We later found, after six months of frequent use, that the stitching along one arm had come unravelled and that the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half. But after half a dozen excursions, we found—as we had with the Renetto Original Canopy Chair—that having a chair you can easily carry without a bag is preferable.

As you prepare to experience the splendor that is Big Cedar Golf, take a hole-by-hole tour to get a taste of the courses that make up America’s Next Great Golf Destination. Callaway rental clubs are available for $80, including two sleeves of Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls. Truman Lake is a 55,000-acre reservoir that is mostly quiet and uncrowded, making it the ideal place to relax and cast your pole. This lake is also loaded with diverse fish populations, including trophy largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, providing fishers ample opportunities to catch something. In addition, you may fish Truman Lake year-round with some seasonal changes that ensure each visit remains fresh, scenic, and exciting. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more.

Whether you are setting off on a quick day hike, exploring the city, shopping, or anything else, the Ozark Trail 14 Liter Hydration Hiking Backpack will help you stay organized and hydrated while you are on the go. The Helinox Chair One weighs about 2 pounds, compresses smaller than a 2-liter bottle of soda, and is the most comfortable and easy to stow of the three top backpacking chairs we tested. Like competing chairs, the Chair One has a nylon and mesh seat and aluminum legs, which are linked ozark trail canopy with shock cord (the chair legs are made out of the same material as high-end tent poles). After six months of regularly using the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair, we think it’s the best choice for most people who are seeking an upright chair for car camping, tailgating, and outdoor gatherings. We noticed during the first of our three camping trips—a weekend in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, with a total of seven families—that, given the choice, campers prefer to take the biggest seat.

To reach the green on your tee shot, aim over the left edge of the right fairway bunker and watch your ball feed down towards the putting surface, or target a safe layup spot away from the fairway bunkers. Keep your tee shot on the right side of the fairway for the best opportunity to get home in two on this risk-reward par 5. This relatively small green is heavily protected by a creek and lake in front of the green with bunkers on the short and left side. Hitting driver could give you a great look at birdie, but it will also bring the bunkers short of the green into play. The wide fairway offers plenty of room for a safe layup shot and easy short iron or wedge into the green. But if there’s one park you must check out, it’s Castlewood State Park, which features nearly 17 miles of trails.

Truman Lake offers full-service marinas and local fishing guides to enhance your experience, whether you’re a beginner or a highly skilled fisher. The lake also hosts various fishing tournaments throughout the year, ozark trail outdoor equipment providing opportunities for anglers to socialize and connect with others. Missouri offers some of the best fishing across the Midwest, thanks to its over 568 lakes, 2,278 reservoirs, and hundreds of fish species.