Branson, Missouri, has been declared the "live music capital of the world" by "60 Minutes" and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. However, there is more for you to do in the area than see musical acts. The area's location in the Ozark Mountains offers you plenty of thrilling outdoor activities to choose from during your visit.
Fishing
The nearby Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes offer you plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Fish found in this area include trout, bass, crappie, bluefish and gill. You can fish from the lakeside or rent a boat or fishing guide for an expedition on the lake. You must have a permit in order to fish in any of the lakes. Nonresidents of Missouri can purchase a daily permit for $7 or a yearly fishing permit for $40 as of 2010.
Hiking
The adjacent Mark Twain National Forest is a perfect location if you want to take in some spectacular scenery while hiking in the area. There are 742 miles of trails within the park offering routes of varying lengths and difficulties. Some of these trails are specifically set aside for hikers, and others are mixed-use routes. All hiking routes follow the "leave-no-trace" policy of not leaving trash and reducing evidence of your presence along the route.
Spelunking
The area of the Ozark Mountains that includes Branson sits on the Ozark Plateau, which includes many geological irregularities including sinkholes, underground streams and caves. There are many private caves in the area that offer paid tours along with more than 570 caves in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Geocaching
Outdoor activities meet technology when you engage in the popular activity of geocaching in the Ozark Mountains near Branson. This activity is a modern version of the classic scavenger hunt, inviting you to find hidden "treasures" based on their waypoints or longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates. Global positioning satellite devices guide you to the exact spot.
Treasures found can range from small gifts to logbooks to sign. Geocaching websites can help you find a list of caches currently available in the Branson area.
Bicycling and Off-Road Vehicles
Along with hiking, there are plenty of mountain biking opportunities for you near Branson. The Mark Twain National Forest has several bicycle-friendly trails including Mecca, an 8-mile trail made of crushed stone and designed for advanced riders.
The Reno Valley Road just north of Branson offers slowly rolling hills and wide lanes if you are a less adventurous bicyclist. Motorized personal vehicles such as ATVs and motorcycles also can ride on certain trails in the forest.
Horseback riding is another popular activity in the area. You can ride through the trails of the Mark Twain National Forest or take a private horseback journey through the Ozark Mountains while being assisted by professional guides.
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