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. The fall hiking season will kick off with activities in the Round Spring area Saturday 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 four-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a four-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a four-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 (Carrs Canoe Rental, Echo Bluff State Park campground entrance station, & the bulletin board across the lake house at the Current River State Park). After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Pulltite 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 17: 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. A shuttle back to Round Spring will be provided.
• September 24: 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 Big Spring parking area at 10 a.m.
• October 1: 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 1: 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.
• October 8: Rocky Falls to Klepzig Mill
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Rocky Falls parking area. Hikers will be shuttled to Klepzig Mill to explore the historic mill and cascading rhyolite falls before departing on the 3-mile hike through the scenic mill mountain area. The hike will conclude at Rocky Falls. Participants are encouraged bring a lunch to eat at the Rocky Falls picnic area following the hike.
• October 15: Middle Current River Discovery
This hike will follow the Ozark Trail from the Powder Mill Trailhead to the Blue Spring Trailhead and back, for a 5-mile round trip. Rangers will share the history of elk in the Missouri Ozarks using Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s journal entries and will discuss the reintroduction and current status of the herd. Stops at the historic Owls Bend School and Ramsey Barn will include history of the community of Owls Bend. Meet at the Powder Mill trailhead at 10 a.m.
• October 22: Autumn Colors at Devils Well
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 29: “Howl”-o-ween B.A.R.K. Ranger Costume Hike
Bring Fido and Fluffy for a special B.A.R.K. Ranger costume hike around Alley Spring. Participants are encouraged to bring their dog all dressed up for Halloween. Participants will receive a B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificate and prizes for different categories. Meet at Alley Mill at 2 p.m.
• 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. Ozark Riverways Foundation 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 Josh Chilton at (573) 226-3945 or josh_chilton@nps.gov, or visit the park’s 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.
