VAN BUREN, MO –Join us at Ozark National Scenic Riverways for a variety of hiking opportunities this fall! All activities and events are free of charge, and are scheduled for Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Now is the time to start planning fall and winter hiking adventures. Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes.
This fall, the new Current River Challenge hike/float adventure will be a featured activity. This self-guided activity includes three “legs” to complete: a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at any of the three park sites. At the conclusion of each “leg”, participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. The Current River Challenge is a self-guided activity that can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days.
Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans.
Fall Hiking Activities:
September 26: National Public Lands Day Activities at Round Spring
We will celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) by working on several trails in the park. Volunteering on NPLD is an opportunity to spend time outside with family and friends, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the benefits that come with the satisfaction of giving back. Join us at the Round Spring Ranger Station at 10 a.m. to work on trail projects in the park. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day outdoors. Volunteers at NPLD will receive a “fee-free” coupon, good for one year, for free one-day entrance into a federal recreation site.
September 26: Chubb Hollow, Lookout and CCC Trails near Big Spring
This 4.3-mile hike will explore three trail loops south of Big Spring, where you’ll experience beautiful scenery while learning about the cultural history of the original Big Spring State Park. Meet at the Chubb Hollow pavilion, just south of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins on State Route Z, at 10 a.m.
October 3, 10, 17 and 24: Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park
Hike the first leg of the new Current River Challenge hike/float adventure. Meet at the trailhead across from Carr’s Store at Round Spring to begin the 4-mile hike to Echo Bluff State Park. Parking will be in the upper landing parking lot behind Carr’s Store. Upon reaching Echo Bluff, hikers can collect a completion stamp, and then make plans to complete the other two legs of the Current River Challenge to earn their award! A shuttle will be provided to return hikers to Round Spring.
October 3: B.A.R.K. Ranger hike at Big Spring
Bring your furry, four-legged friends and join a Park Ranger for a short hike around Big Spring beginning at 10 a.m. Following the hike, all dogs will be officially sworn in as Ozark National Scenic Riverways B.A.R.K. Rangers and given an exclusive Riverways B.A.R.K. Ranger bandana. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times.
October 3: Cedar Grove to Susie Nichols Cabin
John and Susie Nichols built their home in 1910, where Susie lived until her passing in 1959. Today the park has stabilized the structures to preserve the sixty-year history of the Nichols Farm. Meet at Cedar Grove at 10 a.m. This hike is 4 miles, round trip.
October 10: Echo Bluff State Park to Current River State Park
Meet at 10 a.m. at the lodge at Echo Bluff State Park to hike the second leg of the Current River Challenge. This 4-mile hike concludes at Current River State Park where participants can collect their completion stamp. A shuttle will be provided to return hikers to Echo Bluff State Park.
October 17: Fall Colors Hike
Enjoy spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well at 10 a.m. to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail (2.7 miles) for a total of approximately five miles.
October 24: Fall Hike from Owls Bend to Klepzig Mill
Meet at the Ozark Trail trailhead located at the end of Shannon County Road 533, south of Owls Bend access, at 10 a.m. for this 5-mile hike to Klepzig Mill. A shuttle will return hikers to Owls Bend at the conclusion of the hike.
November 7: Hike to Honor Veterans
This hike will begin with a brief flag ceremony at 10 a.m. at Rocky Falls in honor of our veterans. Pack a lunch and hike 2.5 miles on the Ozark Trail to the top of Stegall Mountain. Following lunch, participants will hike back to Rocky Falls, for a total distance of five miles.
November 21: Prairie Hollow Gorge
Prairie Hollow Gorge is a hidden gem within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, located on State Highway V east of Eminence, approximately 1/2-mile before the Two Rivers Campground. Hikers will have a chance to view the gorge from above and from the bottom of the canyon, for a total hiking distance of approximately 1 mile. The gorge provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the geologic history of the Ozarks.
Trails are a major attraction for visitors to the area. Many come to float and paddle on the river trails. Horse enthusiasts travel from great distances to participate in area trail rides. The Ozark Trail passes through the park and local communities. Volunteer groups attract hundreds of people to build and maintain trails. Trails are an important part of the local heritage and of the recreational opportunities available in the Ozarks today. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all that the area trails have to offer.
For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or Skyler_bockman@nps.gov, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.
