Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks

    Today the plan was to hike down into Bowers Hollow to the falls, but we didn't really 'plan' very well. We got a late start and after a quick pit-stop at the Ponca low water bridge, made our way south through Boxley Valley.  After topping out on Cave Mountain Road, we pulled in the parking spot ( 35.94593, -93.41659 ) for Hedges Pouroff. above Hedges Pouroff      It's a short and easy hike down to the top of the waterfall. From here you can't really see the falls and there’s no way to hike down to the base, as it's over 100 feet straight down. I suppose you could rappel down, but not me! The view though, of the Buffalo Valley below is spectacular, from here you can see the old Edgmon/Hedges Barn far below.   After enjoying the solitude for a while, we drive on. Kat near Hedges Pouroff    To Kapark Trailhead on FR1410B isn't bad at all considering the stories of huge  mud holes etc. But by now it's almost 2:00pm, and we realize that we probably won

     For the middle of winter, the weather today sure is nice, so we just had to get out and do something.  The goal then is easy, just get out for a nice drive, check out the campground at Richland Creek Wilderness and maybe find Keefe Falls. After stopping at Falling Water Falls for the mandatory viewing , we continue down to the campground. At the entrance we find a locked gate and sign stating, 'campground closed due to the government shutdown'. Falling Water Falls      Hmm...oh well, on to Keefe Falls!  Five years ago, we tried to find Keefe Falls but were evidently in the next drainage north. Today with better directions, we have no problem. There is a good trail that heads east up the hollow on the north side  of a little creek, then turns to the north where the creek forks. This trail crosses the north fork a couple times and soon ends at Keefe Falls. The falls are running a little weak today, but still pretty impressive. Tall Keefe Falls and the tight canyon are beau