Truman Lake Missouri Hiking Trails and Abandoned Structures
There are a lot of hiking trails, marinas, bike trails, and more in this area of Benton County around Truman Lake in Warsaw Missouri.
The Shawnee Bend Bluff Trail is for hiking only. The trail goes through wooded terrain including evergreen forests, then out onto a trail along the bluffs. The scenic views from this area of the trail are beautiful!
The trails can get technical and were simple cleared paths and old gravel roads. It’s a 2.3 mile loop so be prepared for a bit of a trek. If you want to see the bluffs and structure with less of a walk, go left at the beginning of the trail. We went right and it was fun to finish the hike with these things closer to the end.
Since I also love abandoned structures this little gem was a great find along the trail:
Parks Around Truman Lake: Abandoned Homestead Along the Shawnee Bend Bluff Trail in Warsaw Missouri
This little homestead wasn’t far from the lake, and whoever had the experience of staying here must have loved it.
We finished this moderately challenging trail in a little over an hour, but we stopped to enjoy the bluffs and the abandoned homestead, so it would likely take less than an hour if you were there for the hiking only.
We went on a day that was dry and the footing was really good, but mud could be an issue in wetter seasons.
Parking was fairly easy but the lot is parking for a marina, so on busy marina days that could change. The trail wasn’t busy at all and doesn’t seem to see a lot of foot traffic.
DIRECTIONS:
(Warsaw Missouri): “Take the West Dam Access Road to Shawnee Bend Park. At the top of the boat ramp parking lot is the Shawnee Bend Trail head. Enter around the yellow gate.” – http://www.warsawchamberofcommerce.com/biking—lake-life.html
