Grand Falls

Known as the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, Grand Falls is a must-stop photo op for visitors. Located on Shoal Creek just a few minutes downstream from Wildcat Park, “The Falls” plunges 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert before crashing into jagged crags and then flowing peacefully to the south.
There are no facilities at the Falls. Swimming is allowed.
Directions to Grand Falls:
For cars motorcycles and smaller modes (10’8” clearance limit)
Just south of the Interstate 44 Joplin exit 6 is the Glendale Blvd. roundabout (Hideout Harley-Davidson is just beyond the roundabout). Entering the roundabout exit at the first right (west) onto Glendale Blvd. Follow Glendale Blvd. for just under 1-mile on a narrow winding road. Turn left (south) onto the Jackson Bridge cross over Shoal Creek. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn right (west) onto Riverside Drive. Staying on Riverside Drive for approx. 1.4-mile Grand Falls cascades on the right side of the road.
For RV & higher clearance vehicles (note: significant hills)
From Interstate 44 take Joplin exit 6 and the Glendale Blvd roundabout continue south (second exit) for 1 mile. After crossing over Shoal Creek Bridge take the first right (west) onto Castle Drive. Stay right at the fork to keep on Castle Drive. 1.5-miles ahead passing under Interstate 44 (clearance is 20 feet+) the road becomes Riverside Drive. Continue for another 1.5-miles Grand Falls will be on the right (west) side of the road.
All vehicles:
From Interstate 44 Joplin exit 4 immediately behind the Love’s truck stop (southeast corner of exit 4 interchange) turn right (east) onto Deer Drive. At just under a mile Deer Drive will “T” with Dove Drive. Take Dove Drive to the left (north). Dove Drive is a significant downhill to Grand Falls. As the hill levels off Dove Drive turns into Riverside Drive and Grand Falls will be on the left (west).
Directions Leaving Grand Falls:
South from the Falls
All vehicles - Continuing south Riverside Drive will become Dove Drive. There is a significant hill climb just past Grand Falls. Just after the summit turn right (west) onto Deer Drive. Deer Drive will intersect with Coyote Drive. At Coyote Drive turning left (south) will go to Interstate 44 Joplin exit 4. A right turn (north) onto Coyote Drive will return to Joplin. Coyote Drive becomes Schifferdecker Avenue which at 7th Street (5.3 miles) intersects with historic Route 66.
North from the Falls:
Taking Riverside Drive north to the Jackson Avenue Bridge crossing over Shoal Creek the road Ts at Glendale Blvd. Cars motorcycles and smaller modes can turn right (east) from the bridge and return to South Main Street and Interstate 44 take Joplin exit 6.
For RV & higher clearance vehicles:
Take Riverside Drive north to the Jackson Avenue Bridge and either a) cross the bridge or b) continue forward. Option a): Crossing the bridge then turning left (west) [do not turn right-10’8” clearance limit] then taking the next right (north) onto Jackson Avenue will lead back into Joplin. This route is a series of rolling hills that will eventually intersect with 32nd Street. Turning left (west) after the bridge and continuing forward on Glendale Blvd. 1-mile the road will connect with McClelland Blvd. (north) and back into Joplin. Option b): Continuing forward on Riverside Drive after passing under the Interstate 44 overpass (clearance is 20 feet+) it will become Castle Drive. There is a significant hill and slow winding curves. Staying this direction for 1.5 miles the road intersects with MO Hwy 86. Turning left (north) on Missouri Hwy 86 will return to South Main Street and Interstate 44 Joplin exit 6.