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1,772 ft · St. Francois Mountains, Missouri

Taum Sauk Mountain

Taum Sauk Mountain is a 1,772 ft peak in the St. Francois Mountains, Missouri. The standard route is the Taum Sauk Trail: 0.4 mi, 9 ft of gain, Class 1.

Taum Sauk Mountain in the St. Francois Mountains, Missouri

Taum Sauk Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation1,772 ft540 m
  • RouteTaum Sauk TrailClass 1
  • Distance0.4 mi9 ft gain
  • Time20 – 40 minWalk-up effort
  • SeasonSep – May
  • RangeSt. Francois MountainsMissouri

Climbing the Taum Sauk Trail

From Ironton, Missouri, take Highway 21 south to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Short paved trail leads to the high point marker with interpretive signs about the area. Hot summers with high humidity so carry plenty of water. Mina Sauk Falls, a nice waterfall, is a popular addition to the hike. Shaded forest trails offer some relief from the heat. No fees or permits required. Family-friendly destination with easy trails. Best visited September through May for comfortable hiking conditions. The park has basic facilities including restrooms.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Trail Shoes
  • Midlayer
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff
  • GPS Device

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Storms

Taum Sauk Mountain on Yak

Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Taum Sauk Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Taum Sauk Mountain

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Taum Sauk Mountain?

Taum Sauk Mountain is 1,772 feet (540 m) tall. It is in the St. Francois Mountains, Missouri.

Is Taum Sauk Mountain the highest point in Missouri?

Yes. At 1,772 feet, Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri.

How hard is it to hike Taum Sauk Mountain?

The Taum Sauk Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates it a walk-up: 0.4 miles with 9 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Taum Sauk Mountain?

Most people take 20 – 40 minutes round trip on the Taum Sauk Trail, covering 0.4 miles with 9 feet of elevation gain.

Can a beginner hike Taum Sauk Mountain?

Most people can. It is a short walk of 0.4 miles with 9 feet of elevation gain, about 20 – 40 minutes round trip.

When is the best time to hike Taum Sauk Mountain?

The usual hiking window is September to May. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Taum Sauk Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list