Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

Scenic spot · Oliver

Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

Scenic spot · Oliver

150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Highlights

Self-guided golf-cart tours along a scenic trail with dramatic waterfalls & a cave with a bar.

150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739 Get directions

topoftherock.com

@atlasobscura

The Most Remote Restaurants in the World

"In the Missouri Ozarks, the Bat Bar gives new meaning to the term “watering hole.” It’s next to a waterfall within a mountaintop cave. The good thing is it’s never all that crowded, unless you count the bats. Visitors park at the Top of the Rock welcome center and take two- or four-person golf carts through a 2.5-mile woodland path over streams and bridges, stopping at both a butterfly garden and a scenic overlook called Eagle Pass. Shortly into the trip, the trail dips into the Lost Canyon Cave, wherein lies the one-of-a-kind bar. Tipplers remain in their carts as they park next to the wood-built bar constructed in 2014. “Better Settle Your Nerves,” reads a paint-splashed board below the counter. They can choose from a number of cocktails, from John L’s Hoop-de-Hoo (vodka, tonic, and grapefruit), the Cannonball (amaretto, bourbon, and pineapple juice), or Bat’s Blood (vodka with strawberry and peach lemonade). Bottled beer and wine by the glass are also available. Take your time rolling through the Lost Canyon Cave: It’s home to a natural waterfall, a live bat colony, and the skeletons of both a saber-tooth tiger and a short-faced bear. Visitors aren’t allowed to walk around the cave itself, but a railed pathway snakes around the waterfall pool at the heart of the lantern-lit cave. If the bar does get the best of you, Big Cedar Lodge always has overnight housing available." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/remote-restaurants-around-the-world

View Postcard for Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

Alina Y

Google

This is a definite must do when visiting the area! Beautiful and serene trail with lots of waterfalls to see. The park is well maintained and cared for. There was a large crowd on the day we were there, but it didn't feel crowded on the trail. Trail took about 2 hours after stopping to enjoy the view and for photo ops. Drinks and snacks are not only in the Bat Bar, they had a mobile cart out on the trail too!

Alicia G

Google

The Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri, offers a captivating journey through the Ozarks' natural beauty. This 2.5-mile electric cart tour meanders through lush landscapes, showcasing cascading waterfalls, impressive rock formations, and scenic lake vistas. The nearby Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is also well worth a visit. It's beautifully curated, featuring fascinating exhibits on Native American history, prehistoric creatures, and regional artifacts. Together, the cave trail and museum make for a memorable, well-rounded experience that blends natural wonder with rich cultural history. A very well done property worth a visit!

Tony Boswell

Google

My wife and I absolutely loved this place. The waterfalls, the cave... And being able to have a self guided tour on our own golf cart. Absolutely beautiful park. We were actually a bit rushed fir time but still spent a good 45 minutes on the golf cart touring the park!

James Leonard

Google

It was so much fun. The people here were friendly and helpful with a wheelchair issue. The drive in the galf cart was enjoyable, and all the people that we ran across were so friendly. As a whole, it was enjoyable. Some waiting in lines, but they do move quickly. One more thing is that it's not cheap, but i think it's worth it.

Kristy C

Google

I think this place has the potential of being really cool. They need more things to see along the way. I think it would be cool to have more of the cave experience. But the bridges and waterfalls are pretty. Halloween and Christmas would be cool here. What to know before you go: $10 to get in when you arrive. No matter what you are doing here. Next you can park right by the golf cart experience. use restrooms before you go. The line for shirts/hats is the same for tickets. Overall wait for tickets and a cart was about 30 minuets. And that was a non crowded day. If you have never driven a golf cart, ask how. They did not show us. Just turned us loose. People stop everywhere. Getting around them was very stressful. other then the waterfalls, bridges, and short cave...not much to see. They do have an overlook that has a great view of the construction they are doing. When you return, you have to take a shuttle to the museum. We did not have time, so we just left. Again, if they added some stuff to see along the way, this could be really cool.

Christopher Clark

Google

We had an amazing time. The golf cart tour was even longer and more beautiful than I expected. I can not recommend this gorgeous place enough for someone that visits the area. The staff was great, the area was clean and all around one of the most memorable things we did while in the area for a week. Definitely coming back again!

Jeanette Wiskow

Google

A great way for people of all ages to enjoy the natural beauty of the land. We drove a motorized golf cart along a 2.5-mile path winding through the trees, rock formations, caves, and waterfalls. You could go at your own pace and make stops to take pictures and videos, or just rest and soak in the views. There was even a bar ( Bat Bar) in one of the caves to purchase a snack and beverage if you wish. So beautiful. A must see if you come to the area,

Rodney Shaffer

Google

Amazing end to our trip. This is a must see! Worth every cent. The golf cart tour through the cave was amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. Would love to come back at night to see the trail lights. The museum is incredible. So many artifacts and history of our heritage! The chapel is a perfect placement to display the areas serenity and love of nature and God's Grace.