PARK INFORMATION
Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and be on top of Missouri – literally. The park’s 7,500 acres include the highest point in the state. Located in the St. Francois Mountains, the park's wooded areas and rocky glades provide a beautiful, solitary experience for hikers. A series of trails, including a portion of the Ozark Trail, wind through the park’s picturesque setting and provide awesome views of the surrounding countryside. The park also has a 12-site basic campground, a special-use area for group camping, and a picnic area.According to the Missouri State Department of Natural Resources, "Want to fly your drone? There are no laws prohibiting drones on state park grounds, but we do ask that you keep it to the main, open day-use areas and be respectful of other visitors in the park. If you will be taking photos for professional use or sale, there would be a process to go through to gain approval for that.
Go to https://mostateparks.com/park/taum-sauk-mountain-state-park for more information.
Overview of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Drone UsageIs it worth flying a drone there? Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers incredible natural beauty with panoramic vistas, dense forests, and waterfalls that would make for stunning drone footage. The varied terrain and scenic landmarks can provide some breathtaking shots, making it potentially worth the effort for drone enthusiasts.Legality of Flying a Drone: Under current regulations, flying drones in Missouri State Parks is generally prohibited without special permission. You would need to contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the park's administration to inquire about obtaining a special permit for drone operations. Unauthorized drone flight could result in fines or other legal consequences.LANCE Authorization: LANCE (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization is required for drone operations in controlled airspace, usually around airports. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is in a remote location far from major airports, so LANCE authorization is not typically necessary. However, you should always check the specific airspace classification through resources like the FAA's B4UFLY app or the FAA website.
Additional Considerations- Restricted Areas: Even if you obtain permission to fly a drone, be mindful of restricted areas within the park and adhere to all regulations provided by the park authorities.- Wildlife and Environmental Impact: Make sure your drone operations do not disturb the local wildlife or the natural environment. Follow Leave No Trace principles.- Weather Conditions: The weather can be quite variable, so make sure to check the weather conditions before planning your drone flight. High winds, rain, or fog can make drone operation dangerous.- Non-intrusive Filming: Respect the privacy and space of other park visitors. Many people visit the park for peace and solitude; intrusive drone flights can detract from their experience.In summary, while Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers an excellent opportunity for breathtaking drone footage, it is crucial to adhere to all legal requirements and park regulations. Always contact the appropriate authorities to obtain permission and ensure you are compliant with both state and federal laws regarding drone usage.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
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