Administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as part of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, this nine-mile, two-hour boating excursion runs from Public Beach #1 (near the Lake's east end) northwest to Grand Glaize Beach. One may start from either end. A booklet with a map and more detailed explanations are available at the park office (573-348-2694).

Each of the trail's 14 stops are marked with an orange and white buoy, pointing out such things as Lumberman's Logging Chute, a gap in the bluff used a century ago to push railroad ties down into Grand Glaize Creek (before it was covered by Lake of the Ozarks) to be floated downstream.

A Natural Heritage
Station A. Lumberman's Logging Chute, described below.
Station B. Limestone & Dolomite fracturing: bedrock cracks or "joints".
Station C. Naturally Solar Heated Bluff: Red Cedars, Lip Fern.
Station D. Nature's Apartment Houses: overhanging rock outcroppings: possibly used as shelter by Indians.
Station E. Example of sediment extending the cove banks.
Station F. Lichens: plant life growing right out of rock.
Station G. Remains of lake reefs developed in ancient seas.
Station H. Cave, typical of the region's "karst" topography, which also includes sinkholes, underground streams, large springs and natural bridges.
Station I. Glade, Missouri's version of a desert.
Station J. Natural chert gravel beach.
Station K. Best growing conditions in the Ozarks.
Station L. "Pigeon Holes"
Station M. "Slumping" and "Creeping".
Station N. Nature's window in the bluff: "Slice Arch".

Information provided by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources