Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks

       We want to get out today and do some hiking, but the weather people are predicting highs in the low 80’s, so we don’t want a very long hike.  And we want to get on the trail pretty early to avoid the heat this afternoon.  So, what we need is one or two short hikes that are close together and relatively close to home.  Hammerschmidt and Liles Falls would fit the bill perfectly.  We have been to these waterfalls more than once, but it has been over five years, so these two are overdue for a return visit. Upper Liles Falls      From the parking spot on the north side of Erbie Campground Road, we backtrack down the road about 50 feet or less to a faint trail.  This trail follows the small creek on the east side past a few lovely cascades about 500 feet to the top of Liles Falls, which is right after crossing the Buffalo River Trail. dripping bluffs at Hammerschmidt      From the right side of th...

       As we all know, things don’t always go as planned.  This morning we headed out bright and early with the intention of hiking to some waterfalls in Penhook Hollow.  But when unable to cross Snow Creek we abandoned those plans and explored the area a little on Middle Fork Road and Bayou Bluff Recreation Area. roadside falls      Afterwards, since it was still pretty early, we headed up towards Richland Creek Wilderness for at least a short hike.  We turned north off the highway onto Falling Water Road, not to be confused with Falling Water Cut-off, this road follows Falling Water Creek right from the headwaters north and eventually crosses the creek on the concrete bridge at the southern edge of the Richland Creek Wilderness. Falling Water Creek     But before getting to the bridge we have to stop at Falling Water Falls.  I have heard that it is mandatory to stop at this waterfall whenever you pass by, and w...

     This morning we got an early start with every intention of hiking to some waterfalls in Penhook Hollow. Besides being a long drive, there really isn’t a very direct route from the house, so we decide to take a leisurely route and check out some other places along the way. Once off the main highway we go through Dongola, then Snowball, Magic Springs and other remote locations. below Left Mitten Falls     Just over the Middle Fork Bridge, at the confluence of the East and Middle Forks of the Illinois Bayou. We turn north (right) onto Middle Fork Road.  This dirt road follows the Middle Fork Illinois Bayou north to where the road ends at the parking area for Penhook Hollow.  Along the way, with the river to our right and the steep hillside to the left are some nice roadside waterfalls. below Deception Falls      I later do some research and find out there are at least five of these roadside waterfalls here.  The last one we se...

     We have driven past Smith Creek Nature Preserve a few times on our way to places farther south, and always say “someday we need to check it out”.  Well, today’s the day, we pull in off Highway 21 down to the parking area, which can accommodate maybe ten vehicles, (if they’re small). Here at a closed gate is a bulletin board with loads of information and even trail maps . Who's There Elise?       We head downhill past the gate on the Main Trail to the first turnoff left, onto signed Elise Trail.   This trail is a little steep, but I’ve seen much worse. One nice thing about Smith Creek Preserve is that the trails are well maintained and easy to follow.   We soon come to the bottom and Smith Creek, after crossing we turn left (north) and follow the creek downstream on a volunteer trail. Smith Creek on the way to Elise Falls      Not far, maybe 100 yards we come to a side drainage flowing down from the west. Crossing Smit...

      This morning is warm and humid, more like what you would expect in late May not early April.  We head out south, with the intention of hiking to Little Cow Creek, Cincinnati Freedom Falls and other falls downstream from there. On the way there we first stop at Haw Creek Recreation Area to scope out the campground for future use. Big Piney Creek and Road      This Forest Service campground is right on the banks of Haw Creek, and Haw Creek Falls is just a short walk down the gentle bank. Haw Creek Falls is gorgeous and powerful, definitely a must stop to see whenever in the area.  The campground while small is also quite nice, so I'm sure it can fill-up fast on weekends.   From Haw Creek it’s just over 3 miles to the road up to Cow Creek. Haw Creek Falls      Getting to the Little Cow parking area on Pine Ridge Road (JC 5680) is easy enough, though we didn’t know until we got here that this week is spring tu...