Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

[rdsh]

This past Thursday we took our third tram tour. This tour is around 2 hours and takes us past many waterfall, cave entrances, and to Old Glory where there are many trout. The tram also crosses the Arkansas border going up into upper plateaus where we saw herds of bison, deer, elk, and Texas longhorns.

Last year we took some friends with us and this year our daughter and our 3 year old grandson. It was very hot this year, but there was a breeze and all seemed to enjoy it the tour.

At Dogwood Canyon there's also trout fishing, walking and biking trails, and horseback riding. It's a very pretty area.

Last year we were there also for their Christmas activity.

[pacecar]

We also went to the christmas deal last year. Hope to do it again.

[SemperFly]

At Dogwood Canyon there's also trout fishing,

Just to clarify that statement. It will cost you money to fish for those trout. You not only have to pay for a guide, but you also have to pay a useage fee. It is strickly catch and release (i have no problem with that, but a lot of people like to keep a couple for dinner)
I have a little problem with the way they Big Cedar says that Dogwood Canyone is a natural habitat. The trout and their surroundings are completly manmade! They are fed to get them large, and they arent too spooky of humans. Not too much of a challenge if you ask me.

In the fall (actually it has already started) the BIG browns start moving up towards the dam in Lake Taneycomo to begin their spawning season. These brown are large and very aggresive, hitting almost anything that is within reach of their mouth. Some of the biggest browns are caught at night using large flies or large baits from a spinning rod.

[stlsports4ever]

I have heard the place is just awsome, a little bit hit in cost but worth every penny!

Mr. Mike

[QueenAngie]

Thanks for the review!

We went in June to Dogwood Canyon.

My teenaged niece wanted to Kayak.
Her mother and I (we're sisters) in our 40's
had no desire to join her.

She had a great time on the river w/ the guide.

Sis and I did a relaxing walking tour and heard the snake lecture.

Many people were there biking (rental fee), walking, fishing,
and enjoying the day.

Then, we took the tram ride. It was wonderful & very relaxing.

We were not there to fish, but enjoyed looking at the trout.

[BeagleDad]

Originally Posted by QueenAngie

Sis and I did a relaxing walking tour and heard the snake lecture.

The last time I heard about a snake giving a lecture was in the Garden Eden!

(Sorry, but I couldn't resist!)

[QueenAngie]

**Giggles**

[Branson Junkie]

We've been to Branson several times in the past few years, but never went to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Is the tram tour worth the money, and will we have to pay a park admission on top of the tram tour price? It seems kind of pricey, but if it's a nice relaxing ride with some good scenery it might be worth it. We'll be there at the end of October.

[kidfuture]

Originally Posted by Branson Junkie

We'll be there at the end of October.

It's a fabulous place. And with the changing colors of the trees, that would be a great time to visit too.

[QueenAngie]

http://http://www.dogwoodcanyon.com/activities/

HIKING:

Our round-trip paved trail covers 6 miles and is relatively level. It guides you past beautiful limestone bluffs and tumbling waterfalls, over bridges formed of native stone or hand-crafted of wrought iron, and even a covered bridge of Amish construction. Our beautiful rainbow trout swim in clear spring-fed waters, easily visible as you pass by. We are a wilderness park and you may expect to see a variety of native wildlife, your best chance being earlier in the morning. Allow plenty of time to absorb the beauty that surrounds you at any season of the year. A printed guide will interpret the history of the canyon.

TICKETS:
$7.95/Adults
$3.95/Children (3-11 yrs.)
Stroller Rental: $5.00
Our hours of operation vary seasonally. All activities are subject to weather conditions and availability. Advanced reservations are recommended for all activities except walking and biking. Reservations are secured by credit card and are subject to 24 hour cancellation notification (72 hours for guided fishing). Rates listed apply to the 2006 season and are subject to change. Children under 2 years are free with some restrictions.

For the safety of our guests and the protection of our wildlife, pets, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters and alcohol are not permitted.

Bring your own picnic lunch and lots of drinks to enjoy during the day. There is a little snackbar too.

*****************

BIKING WITH YOUR OWN BIKE:

You are welcome to bring your own bike and the following charges apply.

TICKETS:
$8.95/Adults
$4.95/Children (3-11 yrs.)
*********
BIKING WITH A BIKE RENTAL:

Our beautiful walking trail is also shared by bikers and we offer a selection of bikes for the entire family as well as trail-a-bikes and kiddie carts for our youngest guests. Bikes are rented on a first come, first served basis and are available year round.

TICKETS:
$16.95/Adults
$7.95/Children (3-11 yrs.)

**************

TRAM RIDES:

THE WILDLIFE TOUR provides a comprehensive journey into this special property, taking about 2 hours. You will travel beyond the Glory Hole into the more rugged reaches of the canyon, cross the Arkansas border, and ascend some 300 feet to our bison, elk, and longhorn pastures. When possible, your driver will bring you very close to these majestic creatures while sharing facts about their heritage and habitat.

TICKETS:
$23.95/Adults
$9.95/Children (3-11 yrs.)
Our trams, as well as other facilities within the park, are accessible to our guests with disabilities. Tram tours are suspended following Thanksgiving weekend and resume mid-March.

2006 Tram Tour Schedule
March 4-May 26 10:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
May 27-September 4 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm
September 5-October 28 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm
October 29-November 25 10:00am and 1:00pm

**********


ADVENTURE PASS:

Our Adventure Pass provides a great value when combining multiple activities at Dogwood Canyon. With your pass you can enjoy access to self-guided walking and biking (rental bikes or bring your own), self-guided trout fishing and the Wildlife Tram Tour when used during a single visit to the park.

ADVENTURE PASS
Adult: $34.95 per day
Child (ages 3 to 11): $19.95 per day
Children 2 and under: Free
WITH YOUR ADVENTURE PASS ENJOY ACCESS TO:

+ Walking
+ Biking
+ Wildlife Tram Tours
+ Self-Guided Trout Fishing (one session up to two hours. Rod rental fee is reduced with the Adventure pass and is subject to change)

FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE, ENJOY THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR ADVENTURE PASS:
Horseback Rides: $15.00 per person
Kayaking: $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per child (seasonal)
Jr. Horseback Rides: $5.00 per child (seasonal)
Paddleboats: $25.00 per boat (seasonal)

Arive after 1:00pm and you can complete your activities the next day with your receipt.
*************


PRIVATE GUIDED JEEP TOUR:
The newest of our tours provides a personal touch as it travels old logging roads with an informed guide to explore the Ozarks landscape as it may have appeared before modern development. The tour is approximately two hours in length and offered seasonally. Reservations are required and there is a three passenger maximum.

TICKETS:
$50.00/Adults
$35.00/Children (3-11 yrs.)

**********

HORSEBACK RIDING:

Reservations are recommended for this one hour ride. Offered March 4 through November 25. Call for seasonal schedule.

TICKETS:
$30.00 per person
Ages 12 and older. Weight limit is 260 lbs.

JR. HORSEBACK RIDING:
This 15 minute ride is available for children ages 3 to 11. Offered daily, May 27 through September 4 from 10:00am - 3:30pm.

TICKETS:
$10.00 per child
*************

KAYAKING:

Explore the waters of Table Rock Lake via kayak. Your guide will assist you in learning the basics of kayaking while touring in these safe and stable boats. The new adventure is available daily and lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. Only offered May 27 through September 4. Offered daily 10:00am - 4:00pm.

TICKETS:
$30.00/Adults
$20.00/Children (6-11 yrs.)
Ages 3 to 5: Free (must be accompanied by an adult) Tandem Boats and Paddleboats: $50.00 per boat

Hope this is helpful for you.

[QueenAngie]

"Arrive after 1:00pm and you can complete your activities the next day with your receipt."

I did not realize you could return the following day too!

[KCCutie]

Is the walking worth the $7.95 per person cost or would I be better off finding a hiking trail somewhere else in the area?

[Branson Junkie]

I agree with you about the price. I thought it might be nice to just drive through the park, but it sounds kind of pricey for two people in their own car.