Summary
It offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park's scenic beauty is one of its main attractions, as it is nestled in the rolling hills of the Ozarks.
One of the main reasons to visit Glen Hills County Park is to enjoy its hiking trails. The park has several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. The trails wind through dense forests and along creeks, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife and plant life.
Another popular attraction at Glen Hills County Park is its fishing opportunities. The park has two lakes stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bluegill. Visitors can fish from the banks or rent a boat to explore the lakes.
In addition to hiking and fishing, Glen Hills County Park has several areas for picnicking and camping. The park has several picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a group gathering.
Interesting facts about the area include that Glen Hills County Park is home to several rare plant species, including the Ozark Chinquapin and the Ozark Witch Hazel. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to many species of migratory birds.
The best time of year to visit Glen Hills County Park depends on what activities you are interested in. The park is open year-round, but the summer months are the busiest and offer the most opportunities for outdoor activities. However, the fall months are also a popular time to visit, as the leaves on the trees change colors and create a beautiful backdrop for hiking and picnicking.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Glen Hills Park - Picnic Area Campground
Glen Hills County Park
Glen Hills Park Campground
Prairieview Campground
Highland Ridge
Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir