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Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814
Contact: Skyler Bockman, 573-323-8093
VAN BUREN, Mo. –Join us at Ozark National Scenic Riverways for a variety of hiking opportunities this fall! All activities and events are free of charge and pre-registration is not required.Now is the time to start planning fall and winter hiking adventures. Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes. For hikes where shuttles are offered, masks will be required for visitors on the shuttles. The fall hiking season will kick off with activities in the Round Spring area Saturday, September 18, and continue with special activities nearly every weekend through early November.
Fall is a great time to try the Current River Challenge hike/float adventure. This self-guided activity includes three “legs” to complete: a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at any of the three park sites. At the conclusion of each “leg” participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. The Current River Challenge is a self-guided activity that can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days.
Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans.
Fall Hiking Activities:
September 18: Fall Hiking Season Kickoff
The fall hiking season will kick off with a hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Complete the first leg of the Current River Challenge hike/float adventure and learn about other trail opportunities throughout the park. This 4.25-mile hike begins at 10 a.m. at the Round Spring pavilion parking lot. At the conclusion of the hike the Ozark Riverways Foundation (ORF), the official Friends Group for Ozark National Scenic Riverways, will host a celebration for hikers at Echo Bluff State Park with food, refreshment, and games. A shuttle back to Round Spring will also be provided by ORF.
September 25: National Public Lands Day Activities at Round Spring
We will celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) by working on several trails in the park. Volunteering on NPLD is an opportunity to spend time outside with family and friends, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the benefits that come with the satisfaction of giving back. Join us at the Round Spring Ranger Station at 10 a.m. to work on trail projects in the park. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day outdoors. Volunteers at NPLD will receive a “fee-free” coupon, good for one year, for free one-day entrance into a federal recreation site. In addition, ORF will sponsor a NPLD celebration full of fun, food, and a free concert at Echo Bluff State Park. Food and fun will be 4-6 p.m. at the picnic area near the amphitheater, followed by the free concert featuring singer/songwriter Collin Nash at 7 p.m.
September 25: Chubb Hollow, Lookout and CCC Trails near Big Spring
This 4.3-mile hike will explore three trail loops south of Big Spring, where you’ll experience beautiful scenery while learning about the cultural history of the original Big Spring State Park. Meet at the Chubb Hollow pavilion, just south of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins on State Route Z, at 10 a.m.
October 2: B.A.R.K. Ranger hike at Big Spring
Bring your furry, four-legged friends and join a Park Ranger for a short hike around Big Spring beginning at 10 a.m. Following the hike, all dogs will be officially sworn in as Ozark National Scenic Riverways B.A.R.K. Rangers and given an exclusive Riverways B.A.R.K. Ranger bandana. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times.
October 2: Cedar Grove to Susie Nichols Cabin
John and Susie Nichols built their home in 1910, where Susie lived until her passing in 1959. Today the park has stabilized the structures to preserve the sixty-year history of the Nichols Farm. Meet at 10 a.m. at Cedar Grove, near the restroom and parking area east of the bridge. This hike is 4 miles, round trip. Following the hike, ORF will provide hikers with refreshments at a nearby campground.
October 9: Echo Bluff State Park to Current River State Park
Meet at 10 a.m. at the lodge at Echo Bluff State Park to hike the second leg of the Current River Challenge. ORF will offer hikers a “quick start breakfast” prior to departure. This 4-mile hike concludes at Current River State Park where participants can collect their completion stamp. A shuttle back to Echo Bluff State Park will be provided by ORF.
October 16: Fall Colors Hike
Enjoy spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well at 10 a.m. to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail (2.7 miles) for a total of approximately five miles.
October 23: Prairie Hollow Gorge
Prairie Hollow Gorge is a hidden gem within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, located on State Highway V east of Eminence, approximately 1/2-mile from the Two Rivers Campground. Hikers will have a chance to view the gorge from above and from the bottom of the canyon, for a total hiking distance of approximately 1 mile. The gorge provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the geologic history of the Ozarks. Due to limited parking at the trailhead, hikers should meet at the Two Rivers Campground at 10 a.m. for shuttling to the gorge.
October 23: Howl at the Moon Hike
Come howl at the moon with park rangers as we go in search of coyotes. Meet at the Alley Spring General Store at 7 p.m. for a hike down Alley Hollow Road, approximately 2 miles round trip. Park rangers will emulate coyote calls during the waning gibbous phase of the Hunter’s Moon and try to get them to respond. Visitors will learn about coyotes and other nighttime creatures roaming the Ozarks.
November 6: Hike to Honor Veterans
This hike will begin with a brief flag ceremony at 10 a.m. at Rocky Falls in honor of our veterans. Pack a lunch and hike 2.5 miles on the Ozark Trail to the top of Stegall Mountain. Following lunch, participants will hike back to Rocky Falls, for a total distance of five miles. Bring your favorite veteran or just come show appreciation for others. ORF will provide special recognition for all veterans in attendance.
Trails are a major attraction for visitors to the area. Many come to float and paddle on the river trails. Horse enthusiasts travel from great distances to participate in area trail rides. The Ozark Trail passes through the park and local communities. Volunteer groups attract hundreds of people to build and maintain trails. Trails are an important part of the local heritage and of the recreational opportunities available in the Ozarks today. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all that the area trails have to offer.
For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or Skyler_bockman@nps.gov, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
www.nps.gov/ozar
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.
Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar. Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.
Last updated: September 7, 2021