Things to Do in Top of the Rock and the Ozark Outdoors
Bluffs, waterfalls, caves and canyon trails south of Branson.
See top-rated activities »About the Ozark Outdoors
The hills south of Branson, toward the Arkansas line, are where the Ozarks look their best: deep hollows, limestone bluffs, clear creeks and waterfalls that run hardest after spring rain. Two of the best places to see that landscape were shaped by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, and both sit close to his Big Cedar Lodge resort on Table Rock Lake.
Top of the Rock, in Ridgedale about fifteen minutes south of Branson, sits on a high ridge with a long view over Table Rock Lake. Its Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail is a self-driven golf cart trail through woods, past waterfalls and into a cave with a bar inside; the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum shows fossils and artifacts from the region; and the Chapel of the Ozarks, a small stone chapel, sits on the grounds. In the evening, a seasonal sunset ceremony with bagpipes and a cannon salute draws a crowd to the patio. Restaurants range from the Osage dining room to Arnie's Barn, and golfers can play the par-3 course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, near Lampe, protects about 10,000 acres of canyon country. Visitors explore it on foot, by bike, on horseback or on guided wildlife tours, and the clear spring-fed creek is managed for trout fishing. It is a good place to see the Ozarks at walking pace, with handmade stone bridges, waterfalls and bluffs along the main trail.
Closer to Branson, outfitters run zip-line canopy tours through the treetops and guided off-road rides on old logging trails, and small wineries around the area offer tastings. In Point Lookout, the College of the Ozarks, where students work in place of paying tuition, welcomes visitors to its campus, its museum and the Keeter Center, whose dining room is staffed by students.
Don’t Miss
Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail by golf cart, a natural history museum, a stone chapel, restaurants and a par-3 course with views of Table Rock Lake.
About 10,000 acres of bluffs, waterfalls and creeks to explore on foot, by bike, on horseback, on wildlife tours or with a fishing rod.
A large wilderness-style resort on Table Rock Lake with several restaurants, a marina and Top of the Rock nearby.
A work college whose students run the Keeter Center's lodge, dining room, bakery and creamery.
An easy paved trail along the lake near Table Rock Dam, good for a morning walk or bike ride.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Ozark outdoors
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Branson may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »the Ozark outdoors — FAQ
How long does the Lost Canyon Cave trail at Top of the Rock take?
Most visitors spend about an hour on the golf cart trail, longer if they stop at the cave bar or linger at the waterfalls. Time slots are reserved at busy times, so book ahead on weekends.
What is the best way to see Dogwood Canyon?
For a first visit, a guided wildlife tour covers the most ground. Active visitors can rent a bike or walk the main trail, and riders can book a horseback outing.
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