Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks

       Here it is May already, and I know hiking season is winding down as the weather heats up for summer.   I want to take advantage of every opportunity I can get, for comfortable hiking conditions before it’s too late.   Two days ago was a beautiful day for hiking, much like today, and I went hiking in BNR at Kyle’s Landing (see: 228 Indian Creek Loop ) .   That hike was a lot rougher than I had expected, so today I’m looking for something shorter and easier. natural beauty abounds      Besides shorter and easier, I’m also hoping to steer clear of the tick infested tall grass and weeds that I encountered Thursday.   On another recent hike, this one in Gene Rush WMA, I stayed on the ‘firelanes’ and never found a single tick (see: 227 Quantum & Seed Tick ) .   So I’m thinking, some nice wide clean firelanes are just the ticket, for ‘tick free’ hiking this time of year.   With that thought in mind I head back to Gene...

    A while back when I was perusing the internet, I found ‘AGFC Mapper 3.0’ and was impressed with all the firelanes at Gene Rush that could be used for hiking.  I also noticed a road that I hadn’t ever seen on any map, called ‘Seed Tick’.  I quickly checked, using satellite imaging and confirmed this road does exist.  Well I knew right then I would have to check it out, since Seed Tick along with Quantum Leap should be a fine loop hike. nature's beauty on Quantum Leap Rd.        Driving all the way across Gene Rush from west to east, I realize I’m starting to get pretty familiar with the lay of the land here in the Wildlife Management Area, and make good time on the excellent dirt/gravel roads.  This increased familiarity comes from four recent hikes at Gene’s place:  210 Firelanes and Lick Creek , 212 Cave Creek , 220 Lower Lick Creek , 225 Maberry Loop , and I’m sure I’ll be back for more. inside the heavy-duty green ...

       I got out of the house a little later than usual this morning, and this afternoon is supposed to get pretty warm, around 80°.   So as I’m driving south, I make the decision to keep my hike short and try to keep the elevation gain to a minimum.  You can tell a lot about distance and altitude gain when you’re studying a topographical map, but in the end, it is what it is , and you never know until you go.  I end up in Gene Rush WMA, at the trailhead for a loop hike that should fit the bill. subtle beauty      This little loop involves a few WMA roads or ‘firelanes’ as they’re referred to in Gene Rush.   I’m going to call this the ‘Maberry Loop’ for the cemetery I plan to visit along the way.   My parking spot is outside the gate across NC 4543, it’s a good sized area, probably with enough room for six or more to park here.   Last December when I first decided to check out some of the ‘firelanes’ I was pleasantly ...