News Release

Fall Hiking Events Begin September 15 at Ozark Riverways

Join us for a Fall Colors hike starting at the Cave Spring Trailhead at Devils Well, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 21.

News Release Date: September 6, 2018

Contact: Dave Tobey, 573-323-8093

Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

Eminence, MO: 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 hiking and trail-building events planned throughout the fall. The fall hiking season will kick off with a celebration on Saturday, September 15, at Round Spring and will continue with special activities nearly every weekend through early November. Activities and events are free of charge. 

Trail Activities

September 15-16: Fall Kickoff and Trail Celebration 
Explore the trails along the Upper Current River with park rangers and volunteers from the Ozark Trail Association as we prepare for a fall Ozark Trail Mega Event. Meet at the north end of the pedestrian bridge at Round Spring on Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.  A trail celebration will follow on Saturday evening at the Bluff Top Pavilion at Echo Bluff State Park at 6:00 p.m.

September 22 and 29: National Public Lands Day Activities
September 22 is National Public Lands Day. We will celebrate by working on several trails in the park on both September 22 and September 29. Volunteering on National Public Lands Day 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. Volunteers can choose to help with trail maintenance, litter collection, or river cleanup. Join us at the Round Spring Ranger Station at 9:00 a.m. to work on projects in the park. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day outdoors. We’ll celebrate our efforts with an informal gathering at the conclusion of each work day.  

October 13: Ozark Trail Association Mega Trail Building Event at Round Spring
Join the Ozark Trail Association at Round Spring as they begin building the new hiking trail from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Meet in the Round Spring campground at 8:00 a.m. Saturdaymorning. Free camping for project volunteers is available in a designated group campsite.  
 
Fall Hiking Series 

Sunday, October 7: Fall Hike from Owls Bend to Klepzig Mill/Rocky Falls
We will meet at the Ozark Trail trailhead located at the end of Shannon County Road 533, south of Owls Bend access, at 10:00 a.m. You can hike 5 miles to Klepzig Mill or continue to Rocky Falls for an 8-mile hike.  

Sunday, October 14: Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail
Meet at 10:00 a.m. on the pedestrian bridge at Round Spring to hike the Round Spring spur trail of the Ozark Trail. Our guide will be a former resident of the old Lewis Farm, which is located along the trail. This hike will be approximately 4 miles.  

Sunday, October 21: Fall Colors Hike
Enjoy spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well at 10:00 a.m. to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring. We will return using the loop trail (2.7 miles) for a total of approximately 5 miles.  

Saturday, November 3: Hike to Honor Veterans
We will meet at Rocky Falls for a brief flag ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  Pack a lunch and hike 2.5 miles on the Ozark Trail to the top of Stegall Mountain. Following lunch, we will hike back to Rocky Falls.  

Trails have always been an important feature of the community. People in local communities are connected by a system of roads, trails, and water routes. Trails are also a major attraction for people who visit our area. Many come to float and paddle on our 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.  

 “Hiking is more than just fun. It’s good for you, too!” According to the American Hiking Society, countless studies and research have consistently shown that regular exercise not only improves our overall health and fitness, but lengthens and improves the quality of our lives. Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms, of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations and physician visits. 

For more information, contact Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

www.nps.gov/ozar

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.