Yesterday Sue and I made a quick afternoon drive up into Missouri to hike part of the Ozark Trail along the North Fork of the White River. Here is a link to a nice map of miles 15 to 26.
We parked at the campground in Hammond Camp and hiked the lovely 1/4 mile over to Blue Spring. That first section of the hike has rocky Dolostone outcroppings, great views of the river, and lots of riverside wildflowers.
The spring itself create a beautiful blue pool, maybe 30 feet across. At least 7 million gallons of icy water bubble up from it each day. At some point in the past huge flat chunks of rock were carefully positioned around it to create a sturdy walking ledge and steps leading to an overlook above the river. This spot is worth exploring for at least a half hour . . . if not a full afternoon.
On the far side of the overlook above the spring, there is an almost imperceptible path that winds its way steeply uphill. This horse path / foot path eventually connects to the Ozark Trail, but first you will climb about 300 feet in a bit over a third of a mile. This is the most difficult part of the hike but it is not dangerous.
At the top of the hill this path intersects with the Ozark Trail, which is flat, level, and spacious in this particular section. The trail evidently follows an old road along the top of McGarr Ridge, but the woods have taken over so your hike will be shady and comfortable. The forest is mostly deciduous with lots of colorful maples and hickories at this time of year.
After about a half mile you will notice the trail gradually descending. The descent steepens a little and cuts through some sandy, deeply rutted areas of the flood zone before butting up against the North Fork River just at one of its most lovely bluffs. This is a good place to take a swim, eat a snack, and enjoy the view of the river before heading back to your car.
This is a short hike--not more than three or four miles in all--but every section of
it is varied and interesting.
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| Lion's Mane Mushroom. |
Beautiful photos!
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