Chinquapin Trail

The Chinquapin Trail may be one of the most central trails within the Table Rock State Park area while also being one of the harder to find, and consequently least crowded trails.Beginning at an unsigned trailhead opposite the front of the Park Office building near the park's middle entrance, the Chinquapin Trail follows a hard packed dirt single track as it weaves through the forest. Despite the park's main road lying just beyond some trees, this trail has the great quality of making the trailer user feel isolated and distant from a lot of the noise and activity in the state park.There are not many features along the path, instead it's just a nice hike following a gentle decline that eventually weaves around some limestone creek steps and comes to an end at an intersection with the paved Lakeshore Trail.One area of interest is the campground amphitheater, which offers benches to sit and rest on. Amenities like drinking water, bathrooms and covered picnic areas are located throughout the park near either trailhead.Overall, the Chinquapin Trail is a good 2.2 mile roundtrip path for those looking to get away from the crowded sections of Table Rock State Park and experience a quieter visit.All State Park rules apply. There is no entrance fee at Missouri State Parks.