Central Missouri / Missouri River Corridor
Painted Rock Conservation Area overlooks the Osage River bluffs
Painted Rock Conservation Area is a Missouri Department of Conservation area on the Osage River bluffs in Osage County, with a hiking trail and river overlooks; check the MDC area page for trails, parking, and rules.
Painted Rock Conservation Area sits on the bluffs above the Osage River in Osage County. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) runs it. You can hike here. The Osage Scenic Bluff trail leads to boardwalks and spots that look out over the river valley. The area covers about 1,480 acres, and it is roughly seven miles west of Westphalia off Highway 133.
People have used these bluffs for a very long time. MDC says there is evidence of Native American use going back thousands of years, including an old burial cairn along the bluff trail. If you want the full story, read MDC’s own area page rather than rumor.
Because this is a state conservation area, MDC is the place to check for the current trail map, parking, rules, and any closures. Look at the MDC area page before you go, so you know what is open.
References
Where this fits: this note belongs to Osage County. See every local note for the county on its page.