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Ozarks Hiking at the
ROLF |
(click on
any picture for a larger image) |
Our 350 private acres offer many Ozark hiking
opportunities and adventures, featuring several
glorious native and rare flora and fauna
specimens, including the wake robin, black
cohash, and ferns of all species.
(click on the
picture to the right for a larger image to see
the Bald Eagle in the tree as seen from
Inspiration Point)
Take a picnic basket on the 3/4 mile hike to
Inspiration Point, where you may relax on a park
bench and enjoy the spectacular view of the
North Fork River. The trail is well marked and
at a gentle enough incline for almost anyone to
make the trip. |
A great view for a Missouri
hiking trip! |
The River of Life Spring |
On your Ozark nature hike, enjoy the River of
Life Spring as the small babbling brook it makes
on its way to the North Fork River.
While hiking, you're likely to encounter a few
of the many species of wildlife that inhabit or
visit the grounds including deer, turkey, bald
eagles, raccoons, and bob cats. As you explore
the woodlands, bluffs, ravines, cave, and
riverside you're sure to encounter a few of
these local residents, as well as others. |
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While streamside you might view a Missouri
wild rainbow trout come to the surface to
inhale a floating insect. Depending on the time
of day of your Ozark hiking trip, you could see
a great blue heron flying the river, looking for
dinner. Numerous wood ducks and others birds
also inhabit the North Fork River. What a great
place to go Missouri hiking. |
Great Blue Heron |
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(click on any picture for a
larger image)
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Ozark
Hiking in the Mark Twain National Forest |
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With the Mark Twain National
Forest almost surrounding the River of Life, we
can offer many Missouri hiking opportunities
within a short drive, while you enjoy the luxury
and privacy of one of our
lodges or cabins in the evening. |
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The Mark Twain National Forest
is dominated by a selection of oaks,
hickory, and short leaf pine. Dogwood, redbud,
and wild azaleas give the wilderness a
springtime burst of color, while Fall isn't to
be outdone when the oaks, sweet gum, and sugar
maple put on a show of yellows, oranges and
reds. Scattered lime-stone glades and other
openings provide some fantastic opportunities to
view wildlife. There are also numerous fresh
water springs and "wild" caves dispersed along
the river and its valley. |
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The Mark Twain National Forest
has about 175 species of birds, 50 species of
mammals, and 70 species of amphibians and
reptiles. Many of the species can be observed,
while enjoying a wilderness hike on one of the
maintained trails of the Devil's Backbone
Wilderness area, within the forest.
Nature hikes along the North
Fork can yield anything from a wild cave to a
family of turtles catching some sun.
Hammond's Mill Camp recreation
area also offers Ozark's hiking, caving, and
swimming opportunities, including a hiking trail
to Blue Spring. |
Ball Pond |
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Located within the Mark Twain
National Forest, near the North Fork, are two
popular hiking trails. The
Devils Backbone Wilderness offers 13 miles
of marked trails featuring awesome panoramic
cliff views of the North Fork River. As you hike
the trail, you'll pass Blue Spring, one of the
major springs that feeds the North Fork River.
(Click
here for a detailed description and pictures
of the Devils Backbone Wilderness)
The Ridge Runner hiking trail
is 22 miles long and extends from Noblett Lake
in the north to the North Fork Recreation Area
to the south. Two hiking loops will lead you by
some of Missouri's best
Karst topography. 334 species of mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and birds can be found in
the area.
For a great short hike,
Ball Pond
Hollow is close by. This is an off-trail
trek, but offers some great sites along the way.
For a detailed description and photographs,
click on the
link.
Several other local trails are
maintained and close by. The Mark Twain National
Forest offers something for everyone.
Be sure and
hike
safely! |
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