Looking for an easy beginner hike?  Look no further than the north loop of Sorter’s Bluff Trail in Stockton State Park.  Alltrails rates this hike as generally easy, and I have to agree.  No technical parts, rivers to cross or bluffs to manage, just a straightforward trail that can easily include time in the water if it’s hot and you are comfortable going off trail to reach the water’s edge.

My daughter, Darby, her boyfriend, Tristan and I took off on a hot March Sunday-somewhat unusual for SW Missouri-and headed to Stockton State Park to check out the north loop.  I was really hoping to hike both the north and south loop, but weather and time played a big part in cancelling those plans.  Maybe next time.  

Armed with hats, snacks and water, we parked at the trailhead and covered about 4.5 miles with relative ease, stopping to check out Stockton Lake from the scenic overlooks on the way.  This particular loop juts out into the lake with bluffs falling mainly to one side with beautiful views of the lake. 

One of the nicest things about this trail was its navigability.  I’ve not been on a trail so well marked outside of the Springfield Nature Center https://howtodotheozarks.com/2017/08/20/springfield-conservation-nature-center/.  We could picture how shady the trail would be when the trees finally leafed out.  As it was, we all needed sunscreen due to the hot temps and virtually no cover.

If you are just getting started hiking the Ozarks, I would definitely encourage you to check this particular trail out.  Get out there!