59 Mt. Hersey Hole

     There are a couple ways to get to Mt. Hersey on the north side of the Buffalo River at river mile 70, either from Hwy.123 north of Hasty or from Hwy.65 west of Pindal.  Either way it’s about 5 miles down dirt roads, and both routes are in pretty good shape until you get close to the river.  My problem with this is the gravel bar is on the south side of the river and we don’t want to carry our stuff across the river.

    So, we’re trying a different route, this takes us across the Buffalo on Highway123 then east into the Gene Rush WMA.  Yes, this is the long way around, but the road is in good shape and seems to get a lot of use.  We turn left (north) and pass the Work Center/Headquarters compound for Gene Rush and continue northeast to the Buffalo National River boundary, from here the road gets worse the further we go.

    Overall, it’s not that bad but there are some pretty rough parts.  After getting to the bottom of the hill the road soon turns to deep sand, about halfway into the sand I decide it would probably be wise to stop and scout the road ahead on foot.  It's only about 100 more feet from here to the river but the roadway is pure deep sand so we back up to a spot where we can turn around and park here pointed in the direction of our exit.

Mt. Hersey Hole

   The road continues down the bank, over the gravel-bar and crosses the Buffalo at the old Mt. Hersey Ford, and it looks as though it has been used recently.  Here along the top of the bend the river is pretty shallow, from a little upstream of Davis Creek all the way around the river bend about 200 feet.  Just downstream of the shallows is Mt. Hersey Hole, so we head east to the hole.

    It’s a bit of a hike 100 yards or more, but we find a nice sandy and shady spot at Mt. Hersey Hole.  The beach here is great and the swimming hole is not too shabby either.  Walking in the river, it gets deep pretty quick but no sudden drop, and quite deep 12-15 feet.  My estimated depth at all these holes is determined by how long it takes to swim to the bottom, not very scientific.  I’m sure in a shallow hole my estimate is going to be a little more accurate than in a deeper one.

    Anyway, this is a really nice swimming hole and good sized too.  At the downstream end of the hole is a small creek coming down from the east and beyond that is Copper Bluff.  I try to explore the little creek but at its mouth thick brush has choked out any thoughts of going upstream, I return to the pool.

    We have a good time swimming and enjoying the gorgeous scenery, we don’t see anyone all day although we heard someone across the river back at Mt. Hersey blowing a car horn for some reason, but for the most part it was a great day visiting the natural world.  For an explanation of the ratings criteria used below read: Summer Swimming Adventures in the Nuts & Bolts.

    A rating for Mt. Hersey Hole, well I can only give it a 1 for accessibility due to the rough road with the sandpit at its end and then the fairly long walk across the gravel-bar to get to the hole.  Our little spot on the beach with lots of sand and plenty of shade along with the great swimming hole earns a solid 5 for amenities.

    I would have also given a 5 for popularity had it not been for that annoying horn blowing for over 15 minutes, we settle on a 4.  I know there has to be something around here that is special or unique, but I didn’t find it so today’s overall score for Mt. Hersey Hole: 10.