Glory Hole

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

The Glory Hole is in the Dismal Creek Special Interest Area (AR 21/16 between Fallsville and Edwards Junction), though there are no signs to tell you that or anything else.  There are guidebooks that can supply the details.  The trail is only about 2 miles round-trip but the return is uphill almost all the way.

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Alum Cove Natural Bridge Geological Area

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

About 20 miles south of Jasper AR, the main feature here is the 130′ natural bridge.  There is a short trail down to the top of the bridge with a loop immediately below.  There is a large overhang adjacent to the bridge.  The two features formed a large cave until the center section of the roof collapsed.

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Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

Containing both the Pedestal Rocks and King’s Bluff trails, this place gives you double the pleasure!

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Mount Nebo

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

With a State Park at its top, Mount Nebo overlooks Russellville and Lake Dardenelle and appears to be a very popular place.  There used to be hotels, bowling alleys, stables, and all kinds of other stuff.  Now there’s just a visitor center, picnic areas, camp grounds, swimming pool, and many private  homes/cabins.  There are trails too, but I passed them by this time.

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Mount Magazine

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

The first stop on the Memorial Day Road Trip after leaving Fort Smith was Mount Magazine – the highest point in Arkansas at 2753 feet.  There is a 9.5 mile multipurpose trail that runs from Cove Lake to near the top but I drove (this time).  There are a couple scenic overlooks  on the way up and at least three more at the top plus a great visitor center, several picnic areas, a campground, and even a place to launch hang gliders.

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An Arkie to be – a Memorial Day road trip

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Michael R

I’ve thought about it and talked about it for a year or so and have recently decided it’s now or never – I’m moving to Arkansas.  I kept thinking Harrison would be a nice central location but once I started checking the mileage from there to various points I realized it was still too far north.  This weekend I signed the lease on an apartment in Fort Smith.  Once I get settled there I’ll get more familiar with the area and look for a house to purchase – probably between there and Russellville.  Of course, I still need to move my stuff and sell my house in KC but that’s just details right?

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Smith Creek Loop backpacking

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Michael R

What is likely to be my last backpacking trip around here until autumn was a one-nighter on the Smith Creek Loop southeast of Columbia MO this weekend.  I and two others started at the Boydsville trail head and hiked around the south side to the bluff above Cedar Creek to set up camp.  A high temperature of 87 ensured we never felt very comfortable.  🙂  We encountered lots and lots of ticks.  I was well protected by permethrin but the others were in continual battle.  The overnight low was 73 so I didn’t even need a sleeping bag.  Shortly after beginning the hike out Sunday morning, it rained for a couple minutes and made conditions very muggy.  Basically, it was exactly what one expects this time of year!

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Ozark Highlands Trail – Ozone to Big Piney

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Michael R

I’ve returned from a 4 day trip to hike section 5 of the Ozark Highlands Trail – from the Big Piney trail head west to the Ozone campground trail head. Continue reading →

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Kaintuck Hollow #3

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Michael R

I spent another weekend in the Kaintuck Hollow area – this time with a small group from the local Sierra Club’s semi-annual “Backpacking 101” class.

We hiked-in to the natural bridge Friday, set up camp, and explored the watershed feeding the creek flowing through the natural bridge.  There are at least three springs.  Saturday we hiked the long way to Wilkin’s Spring and then hung-out there watching the geese and muskrats.  Wildflowers were abundant – violets, bluets, spring beauty, but also henbit and chickweed, which are just weeds when they’re in my lawn.

Temperatures Saturday AM were pretty brisk but the afternoons were warm and sunny.  We saw surprisingly few people.

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Hercules Glades in the Spring

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Michael R

I spent the weekend in the Hercules Glades Wilderness with a small group from the Sierra Club.  It was my third visit but the first in the spring.  I was hoping there would be a lot more water in Long’s Creek to provide a good show at “the falls” but it was not to be.  Still, there was more water than in previous visits. Continue reading →

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