Get ready to find outdoor adventure in Branson! While the Ozark town is best known for its fabulous shows, but there's more to Branson than music and bright lights. This region became a tourism powerhouse thanks to its scenic mountain setting, rugged hills, deep lakes, and lush forests—all the perfect setting for exhilarating outdoor fun. When you're ready for some amazing adventures in the great outdoors, we've got the best ways to enjoy everything wild and beautiful Branson has to offer. (Feature photo: Flickr/acradenia) Ride an alpine coaster: These unique one-person coasters are gaining popularity in the US after many successful decades in Europe. Ride a twisting, turning track down a mountainside in your very own vehicle, complete with braking so that you control the speed! Now Branson has its own alpine coaster, the Runaway. The only alpine coaster in the Ozarks, the Runaway can hit speeds of up to thirty miles per hour as you wind down the mountainside, offering a totally unique experience for coaster fans who have been there and done that, while remaining a family-friendly experience. Visit their website for details. The view from an alpine coaster: just you, your shoes, and the open track ahead! Photo: Flickr/dubswede Whizz down a zip line: There's a zip line adventure waiting for (almost) everyone in Branson. (Exceptions include: those with a fear of heights!) For a huge variety of zip line tours, plus fun for the family members who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground, consider Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours. Their tours take adventurers above the tree canopy and through the Ozark country. Combine a zip line adventure with a scenic hike on the Wolfe Creek Photo Safari, or stick to solid ground with a little mineral-panning at Ol' Blue Gemstone Mining. Take a look at their extensive tours and book online at BransonZipline.com. Table Rock Lake shimmers in morning golds. Photo: Flickr/freewine Sail down a (real) lazy river: The stunning lakes surrounding the Branson region are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. White River Kayaking and Outdoors can give you the tools for a relaxing day on the water, with expert advice and watercraft rentals, including pick-up and drop-off. Enjoy a slow paddle along the lushly wooded shores of Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake, spotting wildlife and getting a new perspective on Branson's shoreline. Bonus tip: If you're visiting in the summer, Lake Taneycomo's chilly water might just be the ultimate refreshment. The water from the dam is a chilly 46 degrees! Visit their website for details www.whiteriverkayaking.com Saddle up for a trail ride: Getting out into the Ozark hills on horseback is easy in Branson. Bear Creek Trail Rides and Stable can get you in the saddle on and the trail, with hour-long rides starting at just $30. Kids ages seven and up are welcome, and the experienced trail guides will match everyone up with the right horse. The rides take you through the forest, up and down somewhat rugged terrain, and might go right through a creek or two! No website, so visit their page on TripAdvisor and then call 417-337-7708 to book your horseback adventure. Take a walk in the woods: Sometimes, basic is best. Maybe a look at nature is all the adventure you need. Branson is full of beautiful spots to take in the scenery (see our post on natural attractions in Branson here). For an easy hike close to town, try the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, which offers a variety of paths through oak and hickory woods, scattered with open glades (called “balds”), historic homestead sites, and even a paved trail, leading to a hilltop observation tower. Find more information and directions at VisitMO.com. And if you're staying with us at Crown Club Inn Branson, you'll find Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area just next door, with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic homestead site. Saddle up and see the mountains the old-fashioned way. Photo: Flickr/acradenia Are you ready for outdoor adventure on your visit to Branson? Start planning your trip by checking our Branson resort and hotel locations. You can choose from Greensview Branson By Exploria Resorts, a condo-style community with all the comforts of home in multi-bedroom accommodations, or enjoy our hotel-style hospitality at Crown Club Inn Branson. Just click the Destinations tab for more information.
