Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks

       I have wanted to see Natural Bridge in Hurricane Creek Wilderness for a long time, but it’s not the easiest place to get to, although right next to Ozark Highlands Trail.   The nearest trailhead to the arched rock is Fort Douglas Trailhead, six miles one way.   Or Chancel Trailhead is seven miles one way, both these routes involve crossing Hurricane Creek.   There is a shorter way, but it also requires crossing Hurricane Creek plus trespasses on private property (see: 85 Hurricane and Rock Creek ) . Hurricane Creek      After doing some ‘map studying’ I’ve decided to try getting to Natural Bridge by hiking down the mountain from Parker Ridge with no 'wet' crossings.   It appears to be a pretty straight forward proposition and with a few old roads part of the way, and beautiful weather maybe today’s the day I’ll finally get to see The Natural Bridge of Hurricane Creek Wilderness.   I turn off Parker Ridge Rd. onto FR 9273...

       Today we’re supposed to reach the mid sixties then winter returns early next week, I had better go hiking to take advantage of the fine weather.  I head back to the Buffalo, but farther downriver I’ll begin at Dillard’s Ferry Trailhead on the combo Ozark Highlands-Buffalo River Trail.  Just south of the Highway 14 Buffalo River bridge I pull in to Dillard’s at the large canoe launch area parking lot. Hwy. 14 bridge over the Buffalo      Before hiking I head over to the other side under the bridge, here on the east side are a picnic area and restrooms (with plumbing) along with more parking.  After taking a couple pictures of the Buffalo beneath the bridge I drive back over to the top of the parking lot on the west side close to the OHT/BRT.  I wanted to get a perspective of the distance between river and bridge since this is where the water rose 65 feet during the big flood of 1982, all the way up to the roadway. large parkin...

       Another beautiful winter day, too nice in fact not to get outside and do something, so naturally I’ve decided to go hiking.   Headed south on SR 7 just before the Buffalo River I turn onto narrow and sometimes rough NC 2890, I don’t go far.   A little over half a mile is a nice parking area and ORT Trailhead, this is where I begin. Briar Bluff on the Buffalo      The Old River Trail heads south and soon past a gate, this is where I realize the trail follows an old road.   Now the ‘road’ curves around to the west as it heads downhill into a small drainage.   The little creek is flowing good and the trail crosses on solid bedrock, below the trail I climb down to check out the nice ten-foot Travertine Falls before continuing on the old road (ORT) which soon arrives in a big hay field. plenty of parking at the trailhead the ORT is in great shape     T he ORT turns southwest following the edge of this field which has a ...