Chasing Waterfalls at Johnson’s Shut-Ins
#johnsonsshutins #missouristateparks #visitmissouri
I went chasing waterfalls at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park just outside Middle Brook, Missouri. I waited for a day after it rained for my solo hike on the Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail hoping to see some great waterfalls and I wasn’t disappointed. Unfortunately I couldn’t down on the rocks of the shut-ins themselves because the water was too high, but it still made for an awesome Missouri hiking adventure!
AllTrails Stats
Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail | Missouri
Type: Loop | Rate: Moderate | Traffic: Heavy | Length: 2.4mi | Elevation Gain: 285ft
I hiked the trail counter-clockwise leaving the shut-ins as my destination rewards, but you can easy go straight down the boardwalk to the shut-ins if you want.
Who’s Johnson and What are His Shut-Ins?
Tucked away in the St. Francois Mountains region of the Missouri Ozarks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks. Every year nature lovers visit the shut-ins of the Black River and the chutes and waterfalls of this natural Missouri waterpark. The term “shut-ins” refers to a place where a river is confined by hard erosion resistant rock creating the waterpark feel.
The park is named after the Johnston family who were Scots-Irish settlers from Appalachia (the “t” was later dropped). In 1829 the family had settled into the valley establishing a farm and working the land. Three generations of Johnstons inhabited the land up until the early to mid 1900s. In 1955 St. Louis resident Joseph Desloge bought most of the land a subsequently donated to Missouri to be established as the state park it is today.
Taum Sauk Reservoir Breach
In December 2005 the Taum Sauk Reservoir hydroelectric power station breach sending 1.3 billion gallons of water rushing down into Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Significant portions of the park were destroyed including the original campground, but thankfully no one was on the grounds at the time. There are some strong tents out there, but I doubt any of them could handle a wall of water. It took until 2009 for the river portion of the shut-ins to be fully reopened.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail Review
The Shut-Ins trail is 2.4mi loop trail that had 2 distinct waterfalls when I hiked it. There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to the shut-ins themselves .3mi from the parking, but I recommend if you’re able jumping on the trail first and leaving the shut-ins for the reward at the end of your hike. As far as a Missouri hiking trail goes, Shut-Ins Trail is pleasantly technical. Solid hiking shoes are a requirement (I’m a big fan of Nike Wildhorse trail runners). The second half of the trail runs along the Black River which makes a great additional swimming hole and/or lunch spot.
Follow me on Instagram @mshepjordan9 for more photos from my hike!
More YouTube Hiking Videos
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