From The Wilderness Society's homepage - www.wilderness.org
---------

Missouri boasts eight wilderness areas. One, the Mingo Wilderness
Area, is part of the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. This mostly
swampy area, best seen by canoe, was left when the Mississippi River
shifted course.

Other Missouri wilderness areas are part of the 1.5 million-acre Mark
Twain National Forest spread through the Ozark Mountains in the
southern part of the state. Largest of these is the Irish Wilderness
Area. Within its 16,277 acres lives a wide range of wildlife,
including deer, fox, bobcat and coyote. It also supports turkeys and
several species of raptor, along with a full complement of reptiles
including all three pit vipers found in North America: copperhead,
rattlesnake and eastern cottonmouth.

Others include the Paddy Creek Wilderness, 7,019 acres; Bell Mountain
Wilderness, 8,977 acres; Rockpile Wilderness, 4,089 acres (smallest
in the state); Devil's Backbone Wilderness, 6,595 acres, the Piney
Creek Wilderness, 8,112 acres, and the Hercules-Glade Wilderness,
12,314 acres.

The Hercules-Glade Wilderness Area includes some of the most scenic
landscapes in the American Midwest. The high points of Coy Bald and
Pilot Knob stand 600 feet above Long Creek and offer splendid views
of the drainage.

The Mark Twain also includes a designated Wild and Scenic River (the
Eleven Point), the largest spring anywhere on national forest land
(Greer Spring) and over 500 native species of wildlife.

Hi, MoTrailers:

FYI---"The Franzman" will be moving to Helena, Montana in mid-February
and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed exploring the trails with
so many of you!  It was great trekking the beautiful scenery in places
such as Cathedral Canyon (Lower Rock Creek), Council Bluff Lake and
Crane Lake.  If you ever are in Montana, "scoot" me an e-mail and I'll
give you some cool places to explore...

Happy Trails,

"The Franzman"

Scott

Bell Mountain Wilderness is also a good place to go and set up camp on
top then explore for a couple of days.  If you want to keep moving and
like to fish then you might try the Irish Wilderness and the White's
Creek Trail.  You can also backpack at Council Bluff Lake on the
Lakeshore Trail and always be around the water.  The Berryman Trail is
another good place but one of the longer loop trails - depends on
exactly how long you want to hike and how far you are willing to drive
from home for a weekend outing.

Danny

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@...> wrote:
>
> I am planning to go backpacking and stay two nights. Is there any
> trails anyone can recommend? I can't seem to make up my mind .
>

I am planning to go backpacking and stay two nights. Is there any
trails anyone can recommend? I can't seem to make up my mind .

I first want to thank everyone for there input. We actually chose
Mudlick trail. We took the shutin trail in and up the tough uphill
to the first backpack shelter, the views on the shutin trails were
very nice with lots of water flowing off the rocks there. We hiked
up to the first shelter and the view was absolutely gorgeous, the
other two shelters were about the same but the first has the best
view. and I would advise to do this trail with the leaves off as you
get a much better view . The mudlick creek is nice too with the
waterfalls. I would recommend this trail to anyone.

Scott

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, auxarx@... wrote:
>
> I have camped at the Fire Tower.   It was in a small camper.   It
did not say
> there was no camping.   There is some picnic tables there.   We,
of course,
> pack in and packed out.   We camped there to walk around the area
and take the
> Glade Top Trail.   It was in October.   There is signs at the edge
of the area
> with mileage markers.   I know they take horses on one of the
trails as we
> had some kids we taught that were coming up one of the trails with
horses.
>
>
>
> Mary
>
> Be not afraid of growing slower. Be afraid of standing still -
Chinese
> Proverb
>

So you are the Scott Sue and I ran into near the end of our Saturday
hike at Sam A Baker.  It was nice to run into other hiker/backpackers
from the board if sometimes only by accident.  I will say I never saw
the Mudlick loop (Mudlick Hollow portion) or Shut-Ins trail ever look
so good as it did on Saturday with all the waterfalls.  We lucked out
that we picked a good weekend.  I wish I had thought to bring a
camera.  I bet it got cold up there Saturday night.

George


--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@...> wrote:
>
>    I first want to thank everyone for there input. We actually
chose
> Mudlick trail. We took the shutin trail in and up the tough uphill
> to the first backpack shelter, the views on the shutin trails were
> very nice with lots of water flowing off the rocks there. We hiked
> up to the first shelter and the view was absolutely gorgeous, the
> other two shelters were about the same but the first has the best
> view. and I would advise to do this trail with the leaves off as
you
> get a much better view . The mudlick creek is nice too with the
> waterfalls. I would recommend this trail to anyone.
>
> Scott
>
> --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, auxarx@ wrote:
> >
> > I have camped at the Fire Tower.   It was in a small camper.   It
> did not say
> > there was no camping.   There is some picnic tables there.   We,
> of course,
> > pack in and packed out.   We camped there to walk around the area
> and take the
> > Glade Top Trail.   It was in October.   There is signs at the
edge
> of the area
> > with mileage markers.   I know they take horses on one of the
> trails as we
> > had some kids we taught that were coming up one of the trails
with
> horses.
> >
> >
> >
> > Mary
> >
> > Be not afraid of growing slower. Be afraid of standing still -
> Chinese
> > Proverb
> >
>

From The Wilderness Society's homepage - www.wilderness.org
---------

Missouri boasts eight wilderness areas. One, the Mingo Wilderness
Area, is part of the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. This mostly
swampy area, best seen by canoe, was left when the Mississippi River
shifted course.

Other Missouri wilderness areas are part of the 1.5 million-acre Mark
Twain National Forest spread through the Ozark Mountains in the
southern part of the state. Largest of these is the Irish Wilderness
Area. Within its 16,277 acres lives a wide range of wildlife,
including deer, fox, bobcat and coyote. It also supports turkeys and
several species of raptor, along with a full complement of reptiles
including all three pit vipers found in North America: copperhead,
rattlesnake and eastern cottonmouth.

Others include the Paddy Creek Wilderness, 7,019 acres; Bell Mountain
Wilderness, 8,977 acres; Rockpile Wilderness, 4,089 acres (smallest
in the state); Devil's Backbone Wilderness, 6,595 acres, the Piney
Creek Wilderness, 8,112 acres, and the Hercules-Glade Wilderness,
12,314 acres.

The Hercules-Glade Wilderness Area includes some of the most scenic
landscapes in the American Midwest. The high points of Coy Bald and
Pilot Knob stand 600 feet above Long Creek and offer splendid views
of the drainage.

The Mark Twain also includes a designated Wild and Scenic River (the
Eleven Point), the largest spring anywhere on national forest land
(Greer Spring) and over 500 native species of wildlife.

Yes, it is I. I was wondering if you might notice my post and
realize it was me haha.  I will agree with you on the scenery , we
for sure picked a great weekend. I had the north face 20 degree bag
and a liner bag and at one point I had to unzip them from
overheating that night, so it was not as cold as I expected it to
be. I think it was being up on top , but more importantly, the wind
died down to almost nothing after sunset. I also have some pictures
I will try and post here later of my trip or I could send you a few
if you want. Again it was nice to meet you and Sue and to meet other
members of the board.

Scott

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, missourisatch <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> So you are the Scott Sue and I ran into near the end of our
Saturday
> hike at Sam A Baker.  It was nice to run into other
hiker/backpackers
> from the board if sometimes only by accident.  I will say I never
saw
> the Mudlick loop (Mudlick Hollow portion) or Shut-Ins trail ever
look
> so good as it did on Saturday with all the waterfalls.  We lucked
out
> that we picked a good weekend.  I wish I had thought to bring a
> camera.  I bet it got cold up there Saturday night.
>
> George
>
>
> --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@> wrote:
> >
> >    I first want to thank everyone for there input. We actually
> chose
> > Mudlick trail. We took the shutin trail in and up the tough
uphill
> > to the first backpack shelter, the views on the shutin trails
were
> > very nice with lots of water flowing off the rocks there. We
hiked
> > up to the first shelter and the view was absolutely gorgeous,
the
> > other two shelters were about the same but the first has the
best
> > view. and I would advise to do this trail with the leaves off as
> you
> > get a much better view . The mudlick creek is nice too with the
> > waterfalls. I would recommend this trail to anyone.
> >
> > Scott
> >
> > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, auxarx@ wrote:
> > >
> > > I have camped at the Fire Tower.   It was in a small camper.
It
> > did not say
> > > there was no camping.   There is some picnic tables there.
We,
> > of course,
> > > pack in and packed out.   We camped there to walk around the
area
> > and take the
> > > Glade Top Trail.   It was in October.   There is signs at the
> edge
> > of the area
> > > with mileage markers.   I know they take horses on one of the
> > trails as we
> > > had some kids we taught that were coming up one of the trails
> with
> > horses.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Mary
> > >
> > > Be not afraid of growing slower. Be afraid of standing still -
> > Chinese
> > > Proverb
> > >
> >
>

Thanks Danny,

Hey do you know where I can get some really good maps of these area's. I looked on the state sites and was no impressed with theirs.

Thanks
Lisa

Danny <mcmurfy1@...> wrote:

From The Wilderness Society's homepage - www.wilderness.org
---------

Missouri boasts eight wilderness areas. One, the Mingo Wilderness
Area, is part of the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. This mostly
swampy area, best seen by canoe, was left when the Mississippi River
shifted course.

Other Missouri wilderness areas are part of the 1.5 million-acre Mark
Twain National Forest spread through the Ozark Mountains in the
southern part of the state. Largest of these is the Irish Wilderness
Area. Within its 16,277 acres lives a wide range of wildlife,
including deer, fox, bobcat and coyote. It also supports turkeys and
several species of raptor, along with a full complement of reptiles
including all three pit vipers found in North America: copperhead,
rattlesnake and eastern cottonmouth.

Others include the Paddy Creek Wilderness, 7,019 acres; Bell Mountain
Wilderness, 8,977 acres; Rockpile Wilderness, 4,089 acres (smallest
in the state); Devil's Backbone Wilderness, 6,595 acres, the Piney
Creek Wilderness, 8,112 acres, and the Hercules-Glade Wilderness,
12,314 acres.

The Hercules-Glade Wilderness Area includes some of the most scenic
landscapes in the American Midwest. The high points of Coy Bald and
Pilot Knob stand 600 feet above Long Creek and offer splendid views
of the drainage.

The Mark Twain also includes a designated Wild and Scenic River (the
Eleven Point), the largest spring anywhere on national forest land
(Greer Spring) and over 500 native species of wildlife.

Lisa
Bella Sera

---

Brings words and photos together (easily) with
PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

Look forward to seeing the pics when you post them.

I may try to do a backpack and stay in one of those shelters myself
just for the novelty of it.  They on a smaller scale look like some
of the shelters along the AT in the Great Smoky Mountain National
Park.

George
--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@...> wrote:
>
> Yes, it is I. I was wondering if you might notice my post and
> realize it was me haha.  I will agree with you on the scenery , we
> for sure picked a great weekend. I had the north face 20 degree
bag
> and a liner bag and at one point I had to unzip them from
> overheating that night, so it was not as cold as I expected it to
> be. I think it was being up on top , but more importantly, the
wind
> died down to almost nothing after sunset. I also have some
pictures
> I will try and post here later of my trip or I could send you a
few
> if you want. Again it was nice to meet you and Sue and to meet
other
> members of the board.
>
> Scott
>
> --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, missourisatch <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > So you are the Scott Sue and I ran into near the end of our
> Saturday
> > hike at Sam A Baker.  It was nice to run into other
> hiker/backpackers
> > from the board if sometimes only by accident.  I will say I
never
> saw
> > the Mudlick loop (Mudlick Hollow portion) or Shut-Ins trail ever
> look
> > so good as it did on Saturday with all the waterfalls.  We
lucked
> out
> > that we picked a good weekend.  I wish I had thought to bring a
> > camera.  I bet it got cold up there Saturday night.
> >
> > George
> >
> >
> > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@> wrote:
> > >
> > >    I first want to thank everyone for there input. We actually
> > chose
> > > Mudlick trail. We took the shutin trail in and up the tough
> uphill
> > > to the first backpack shelter, the views on the shutin trails
> were
> > > very nice with lots of water flowing off the rocks there. We
> hiked
> > > up to the first shelter and the view was absolutely gorgeous,
> the
> > > other two shelters were about the same but the first has the
> best
> > > view. and I would advise to do this trail with the leaves off
as
> > you
> > > get a much better view . The mudlick creek is nice too with
the
> > > waterfalls. I would recommend this trail to anyone.
> > >
> > > Scott
> > >
> > > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, auxarx@ wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I have camped at the Fire Tower.   It was in a small
camper.
> It
> > > did not say
> > > > there was no camping.   There is some picnic tables there.
> We,
> > > of course,
> > > > pack in and packed out.   We camped there to walk around the
> area
> > > and take the
> > > > Glade Top Trail.   It was in October.   There is signs at
the
> > edge
> > > of the area
> > > > with mileage markers.   I know they take horses on one of
the
> > > trails as we
> > > > had some kids we taught that were coming up one of the
trails
> > with
> > > horses.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Mary
> > > >
> > > > Be not afraid of growing slower. Be afraid of standing
still -
> > > Chinese
> > > > Proverb
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I posted the pics to the photos section, under Sam A. Baker. The
shelters were different than a tent. Much more room though. I think
everyone should stay in one atleast once. Enjoy the pics..


--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, missourisatch <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
>
> Look forward to seeing the pics when you post them.
>
> I may try to do a backpack and stay in one of those shelters
myself
> just for the novelty of it.  They on a smaller scale look like
some
> of the shelters along the AT in the Great Smoky Mountain National
> Park.
>
> George
> --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@> wrote:
> >
> > Yes, it is I. I was wondering if you might notice my post and
> > realize it was me haha.  I will agree with you on the scenery ,
we
> > for sure picked a great weekend. I had the north face 20 degree
> bag
> > and a liner bag and at one point I had to unzip them from
> > overheating that night, so it was not as cold as I expected it
to
> > be. I think it was being up on top , but more importantly, the
> wind
> > died down to almost nothing after sunset. I also have some
> pictures
> > I will try and post here later of my trip or I could send you a
> few
> > if you want. Again it was nice to meet you and Sue and to meet
> other
> > members of the board.
> >
> > Scott
> >
> > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, missourisatch <no_reply@> wrote:
> > >
> > > So you are the Scott Sue and I ran into near the end of our
> > Saturday
> > > hike at Sam A Baker.  It was nice to run into other
> > hiker/backpackers
> > > from the board if sometimes only by accident.  I will say I
> never
> > saw
> > > the Mudlick loop (Mudlick Hollow portion) or Shut-Ins trail
ever
> > look
> > > so good as it did on Saturday with all the waterfalls.  We
> lucked
> > out
> > > that we picked a good weekend.  I wish I had thought to bring
a
> > > camera.  I bet it got cold up there Saturday night.
> > >
> > > George
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >    I first want to thank everyone for there input. We
actually
> > > chose
> > > > Mudlick trail. We took the shutin trail in and up the tough
> > uphill
> > > > to the first backpack shelter, the views on the shutin
trails
> > were
> > > > very nice with lots of water flowing off the rocks there. We
> > hiked
> > > > up to the first shelter and the view was absolutely
gorgeous,
> > the
> > > > other two shelters were about the same but the first has the
> > best
> > > > view. and I would advise to do this trail with the leaves
off
> as
> > > you
> > > > get a much better view . The mudlick creek is nice too with
> the
> > > > waterfalls. I would recommend this trail to anyone.
> > > >
> > > > Scott
> > > >
> > > > --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, auxarx@ wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > I have camped at the Fire Tower.   It was in a small
> camper.
> > It
> > > > did not say
> > > > > there was no camping.   There is some picnic tables
there.
> > We,
> > > > of course,
> > > > > pack in and packed out.   We camped there to walk around
the
> > area
> > > > and take the
> > > > > Glade Top Trail.   It was in October.   There is signs at
> the
> > > edge
> > > > of the area
> > > > > with mileage markers.   I know they take horses on one of
> the
> > > > trails as we
> > > > > had some kids we taught that were coming up one of the
> trails
> > > with
> > > > horses.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Mary
> > > > >
> > > > > Be not afraid of growing slower. Be afraid of standing
> still -
> > > > Chinese
> > > > > Proverb
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Scott,
        I looked at the pics and that last one sure is a beauty. Was it
taken at sunrise or sunset? Nice view of Big Creek down below.
                   .
                            .
                                     .
                                                  --- In
motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@...> wrote:
>
> I posted the pics to the photos section, under Sam A. Baker. The
> shelters were different than a tent. Much more room though. I think
> everyone should stay in one atleast once. Enjoy the pics..

Here's my report of our most recent hike of the Middle Fork. I hope
it provides inspiration for hiking the Ozark Trail this winter.
Gwen
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Trip report: 3-day backpacking trip on Middle Fork section of Ozark
Trail
By Gwen Fuehring

On February 3, 2006, Robert Smith, David Fuehring and I commenced a 3-
day backpacking trip of the Middle Fork section of the Ozark Trail.
We covered 22 miles, starting from the Highway 32 and DD trailhead
and going south to the Highway J trailhead east of Oates. Maps of the
Middle Fork section can be found on at www.ozarktrail.com.

It was a perfect, sunny winter day when we departed the 32 and DD
trailhead in mid-morning. Robert brought Floppy, his cocker spaniel,
along to lead the way on the trail and entertain us in camp. After
lunch, we flushed a flock of turkeys from the trees beside the trail.
In mid-afternoon after covering 6 miles, we reached the charming
little waterfall in Wolfpen Hollow and decided to camp on a knoll a
little further down the trail. A cheery campfire kept us warm and
awake until bedtime.

We awoke to temperatures in the 20's and slush in our water bottles.
The day was sunny and windy but not very warm. A short hike down the
trail and across Highway 49 brought us to a pine forest and a creek
with picturesque rapids. Robert tried to filter water from the creek
but his filter was frozen. The highlight of the day was crossing
Neals Creek and hiking the foot path above Bartons Fen. The height of
the large beaver dam in Neals Creek has been limited by a cage-like
device inserted into the dam to prevent the dam from flooding the
fen. We lunched on the stone walkway built during the American Hiking
Society Volunteer Vacation in May 2005. The walkway carries the foot
path along Neals Creek next to a cliff. A few miles further we
filtered water from the creek in Gunstock Hollow hoping that no
beavers lived upstream. We climbed out of the hollow and over another
ridge to camp near Little Creek next to the beaver dams and pond
beneath a cliff. After dark, we heard several barred owls hooting and
competing for territory as we enjoyed bright stars in the sky. Floppy
growled and barked at the owls. Our hiking distance for the day was
10 miles.

Saturday night and Sunday morning were even colder than we
anticipated. The low just before dawn was about 19 degrees but, even
so, we were greeted with bird song at dawn. The remainder of the hike
was on the most recently finished portions of the Middle Fork
section. A short distance down the trail, a number of large maple
trees were being tapped for sap. Each tree had 1 or 2 taps attached
to hoses which ran to covered plastic buckets. We reached Strothers
Creek after about 1.5 miles and crossed on a tree fallen across the
creek. Dave dropped his hat and gloves in the creek while crossing
and had to chase down the bank after them. Robert carried his pack
across and then came back for Floppy. We stashed our packs in the
woods near Asher Cemetery and walked the last 4 miles unburdened to
the Highway J trailhead which we reached about 11:30 am. The packs
were retrieved at the cemetery and we returned to the 32 and DD
trailhead. Our hiking distance for the day was 6 miles.

Observations: Winter is a fine time of year to hike the Middle Fork
(or any other part of the Ozark Trail). The trail itself is moderate
in difficulty, with good tread and switchbacks to ease the climbs on
big hills. We noted a few trees fallen in the trail and a few places
where reassurance markers are needed, and we've reported these minor
maintenance problems to the Ozark Trail Association. The streams were
running making water easy to find.  Some of the creek crossings such
as Neals Creek may require water shoes after a heavy rain. Water from
streams should always be filtered or purified prior to drinking. It
may be a good idea to avoid drinking water from Neals Creek or Little
Creek below the beaver dams to avoid Giardia (beaver fever). We also
avoided drinking from Strothers Creek and Neals Creek as they lie
below tailings ponds. Poison ivy, insects and ticks were not
problems. We enjoyed solitude and did not encounter anyone outside of
our group on the trail during the 3 days.

Hi all,  we've been reading all your messages but never left one before.
We love hiking in Missouri.  We only had half a day to play with
Monday and so went to Hawn and did the north loop and Pickle Creek.  I
was curious about the other trail - White Oak?  Has anyone been there?
By the way, the 6 miles we did get were great.  No bugs, not another
person in the park!

-----Original Message-----
From: Gwen Fuehring [mailto:g_sunshine.geo@...]
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:58 PM
To: motrails@yahoogroups.com
Subject: MOTRAILS Backpacking the Middle Fork section of the Ozark Trail

Here's my report of our most recent hike of the Middle Fork. I hope
it provides inspiration for hiking the Ozark Trail this winter.
Gwen
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Trip report: 3-day backpacking trip on Middle Fork section of Ozark
Trail
By Gwen Fuehring

On February 3, 2006, Robert Smith, David Fuehring and I commenced a 3-
day backpacking trip of the Middle Fork section of the Ozark Trail.
We covered 22 miles, starting from the Highway 32 and DD trailhead
and going south to the Highway J trailhead east of Oates. Maps of the
Middle Fork section can be found on at www.ozarktrail.com.

It was a perfect, sunny winter day when we departed the 32 and DD
trailhead in mid-morning. Robert brought Floppy, his cocker spaniel,
along to lead the way on the trail and entertain us in camp. After
lunch, we flushed a flock of turkeys from the trees beside the trail.
In mid-afternoon after covering 6 miles, we reached the charming
little waterfall in Wolfpen Hollow and decided to camp on a knoll a
little further down the trail. A cheery campfire kept us warm and
awake until bedtime.

We awoke to temperatures in the 20's and slush in our water bottles.
The day was sunny and windy but not very warm. A short hike down the
trail and across Highway 49 brought us to a pine forest and a creek
with picturesque rapids. Robert tried to filter water from the creek
but his filter was frozen. The highlight of the day was crossing
Neals Creek and hiking the foot path above Bartons Fen. The height of
the large beaver dam in Neals Creek has been limited by a cage-like
device inserted into the dam to prevent the dam from flooding the
fen. We lunched on the stone walkway built during the American Hiking
Society Volunteer Vacation in May 2005. The walkway carries the foot
path along Neals Creek next to a cliff. A few miles further we
filtered water from the creek in Gunstock Hollow hoping that no
beavers lived upstream. We climbed out of the hollow and over another
ridge to camp near Little Creek next to the beaver dams and pond
beneath a cliff. After dark, we heard several barred owls hooting and
competing for territory as we enjoyed bright stars in the sky. Floppy
growled and barked at the owls. Our hiking distance for the day was
10 miles.

Saturday night and Sunday morning were even colder than we
anticipated. The low just before dawn was about 19 degrees but, even
so, we were greeted with bird song at dawn. The remainder of the hike
was on the most recently finished portions of the Middle Fork
section. A short distance down the trail, a number of large maple
trees were being tapped for sap. Each tree had 1 or 2 taps attached
to hoses which ran to covered plastic buckets. We reached Strothers
Creek after about 1.5 miles and crossed on a tree fallen across the
creek. Dave dropped his hat and gloves in the creek while crossing
and had to chase down the bank after them. Robert carried his pack
across and then came back for Floppy. We stashed our packs in the
woods near Asher Cemetery and walked the last 4 miles unburdened to
the Highway J trailhead which we reached about 11:30 am. The packs
were retrieved at the cemetery and we returned to the 32 and DD
trailhead. Our hiking distance for the day was 6 miles.

Observations: Winter is a fine time of year to hike the Middle Fork
(or any other part of the Ozark Trail). The trail itself is moderate
in difficulty, with good tread and switchbacks to ease the climbs on
big hills. We noted a few trees fallen in the trail and a few places
where reassurance markers are needed, and we've reported these minor
maintenance problems to the Ozark Trail Association. The streams were
running making water easy to find.  Some of the creek crossings such
as Neals Creek may require water shoes after a heavy rain. Water from
streams should always be filtered or purified prior to drinking. It
may be a good idea to avoid drinking water from Neals Creek or Little
Creek below the beaver dams to avoid Giardia (beaver fever). We also
avoided drinking from Strothers Creek and Neals Creek as they lie
below tailings ponds. Poison ivy, insects and ticks were not
problems. We enjoyed solitude and did not encounter anyone outside of
our group on the trail during the 3 days.

It is of sunrise, my favorite part of the day. glad you liked it.

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Campbell" <tootoomuch7@...>
wrote:
>
> Scott,
>        I looked at the pics and that last one sure is a beauty. Was
it
> taken at sunrise or sunset? Nice view of Big Creek down below.
>                   .
>                            .
>                                     .
>                                                  --- In
> motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <scottr93@> wrote:
> >
> > I posted the pics to the photos section, under Sam A. Baker. The
> > shelters were different than a tent. Much more room though. I
think
> > everyone should stay in one atleast once. Enjoy the pics..
>

Greg,
We left one vehicle at the Highway J trailhead east of Oates and the
other at the DD and Hwy 32 trailhead. After we hiked out to the
Highway J trailhead, we drove to Asher cemetery to pick up our packs
and then drove back to DD and Hwy 32.

Gwen

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, Greg Echele <gechele@...> wrote:
>
> Sure enjoyed this report, Gwen.  I plan to hike it with two friends
from
> Minnesota in March.  Did you leave a car at the cemetery or have
someone
> shuttle you back to 32/DD?  Greg.
>

I kept watching the forecast at work yesterday and told my boss that
if it was snowing on Wednesday morning then I would probably not be
at work.  I knew there wouldn't be enough to cross-country ski on
and besides it wouldn't be cold enough either but at least I could
go out hiking and enjoy the morning.  To my satisfaction it was
snowing quite well when I got up at 4:30AM this morning so I called
my carpool and said take off without me.  I'm not sure how long it
took them to get to work as around 7AM the roads around here turned
very icy and there were numerous accidents. My hike was delayed as
the hill going into Meramec State Park (locally called Elm Spring
hill) had not been scraped and it was shut down to clear out some
accidents. So I ran some errands that also needed to be done this
morning then headed on down to the park and everything seemed to be
cleared up.  The hill however had not been scraped yet and I had to
drive down it in 1st gear.

I decided to hike the north end of the Wilderness Trail so I planned
to park where the trail crosses the Hwy 185 spur on the west side of
the trail - only room for one car here.  As I turned onto the spur I
entered a winter wonderland.  The road was covered and white and the
over hanging trees all had snow on them - what a beautiful site that
was!  I thought I should be traveling in a one-horse open sleigh!  I
had to go up and over one hill to get to the parking spot - good
thing I had all wheel drive on my van as the last 20 feet at the top
I sorta went at an angle to reach the top.

So I got parked and headed out on the trail - still beautiful, snow
coming down, trail covered with snow, and lots of snow hanging on
the trees.  I hiked out to where the cutoff takes off to the east to
meet the east side of the trail and headed down the cutoff through
the stand of pines that are there, across the old road and down into
the hollow.  The snow kept coming down and since it wasn't real cold
I heard the crunch under my feet with every step that I took.  It
was very silent down in this hollow except for a few birds that I
could hear but never did pick them out with my eyes.  Once I reached
the trail junction at the east end of the cutoff I decided to leave
the trail and headed up the hill in a more NW direction. My
intention was to hike through the sinkhole just south of the copper
hollow spring.  As I reached the top of the hill I hit the old road
that I knew would lead me to Copper Hollow - the one I was looking
for - as it would take me right by the SW corner of the sinkhole
where Devil's Oven Cave is located and I could walk through the
center of the sinkhole from there.  After a long straight stretch of
road on the ridge it started heading down hill and I could see the
curve in the road to the west that told me I was at the head of the
sinkhole on the SW corner. Yep - there it was Devil's Oven Cave down
off to the east side of the road. Here I saw some fresh tracks from
an animal that had crossed the road but couldn't tell what it was as
they had scuffed up the snow too much.

So I headed down into the sinkhole - I love hiking through here but
avoid the copperhead season - so hiking through with the snow on the
ground was great.  I like standing in the bottom of the sinkhole and
looking up at the 30-35' walls on the side thinking what it must
have sounded like when the cavern roof collapsed here.  There is
never any water in the bottom of this sink as it all goes on down
through the floor and feeds the Copper Hollow Spring.  Here was a
grape vine down in the bottom that was about 2" in diameter - wow! I
went on through the sinkhole floor and climbed out the other side
and proceeded on to the spring.

The spring was flowing like normal and looked really nice with the
contrast of snow along the banks and the bright green watercress in
the stream bed.  I stood here for a bit to take it all in then
proceeded west along the main trail to the northern campsite near
the next spring thinking along the way that this area in Copper
Hollow will have lots of bluebells carpeting the trail in just a
couple of months. I noticed that the snow had stopped but it must be
warming up some as there are plenty of clumps of snow falling from
the trees and thumping on the ground - one finally hit the back of
my head and slithered down my neck.

The spring was flowing very nice by the campsite and I stopped
before crossing the creek and noticed something hopping around on
the branches in a tree top that had fallen.  Eventually it came into
view and then I could make out three blue jays eyeing me up.

From here I kept on down the trail but sidetracked myself again at
the most southern campsite in Copper Hollow and hiked beyond the
fire ring to the west to see one of the collapsed mine adits from
the old Copper Hollow Mine - nice contrast between the snow and
red/brown hematite/limonite on the face of the rock.

Well it was then back to the main trail and I hiked on south to
climb out of Copper Hollow and then it was all down hill back to my
van.  When I reached the cutoff marker I could clearly see my foot
prints so I guess there hadn't been much snowfall after I passed by
there the first time.  As I reached the Hwy 185 spur I could see
that the road had been scraped off and so that would make my exit a
little easier.  It was fun!  I love snow! - Danny

Danny:
Sounds like you had a great hike. That was one of the first things I
thought about this morning when I noticed the snow, "oh that I could
have gone on a hike". Glad you did.
I'm a little confused about the Wilderness Trail. I've hiked it and I
started behind the cabins north of the picnic area. I don't recall
crossing 185 but its possible I just don't remember. Can you
straighten me out(well, at least explain the Trail part!)
Thank You.
cjohn52

I hiked the White Oak Trail once. It is not as scenic as Whispering
Pines nor is the terrain as rugged. Maybe try it to see if you like
it....I liken it to more of a walk in the woods whereas the Whispering
Pines Trail (and the section along Pickle Creek) has more geological
variety, more elevation change and a "wilder" feel to it.

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "mikeportl" <mikeportl@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,  we've been reading all your messages but never left one
before.
> We love hiking in Missouri.  We only had half a day to play with
> Monday and so went to Hawn and did the north loop and Pickle Creek.
I
> was curious about the other trail - White Oak?  Has anyone been
there?
> By the way, the 6 miles we did get were great.  No bugs, not another
> person in the park!
>

Danny:
Sounds like you had a great hike. That was one of the first things I
thought about this morning when I noticed the snow, "oh that I could
have gone on a hike". Glad you did.
I'm a little confused about the Wilderness Trail. I've hiked it and I
started behind the cabins north of the picnic area. I don't recall
crossing 185 but its possible I just don't remember. Can you
straighten me out(well, at least explain the Trail part!)
Thank You.
cjohn52

Greg,
The OTA website gives these directions to the Hwy J trailhead:
From the town of Bixby (which is about 10 miles west of the Highway
DD trailhead), take Highway 32 west for 2.25 miles, then south on
Highway KK for 7-8 miles to Highway J.  Take Highway J east for about
3 3/4 miles to the trailhead access (about 3/4 of a mile past County
Road 836 at Oates).  Turn south on the gravel road and continue to
the parking area. (NOTE: there is a low water crossing of Brushy
Creek before the trailhead parking area.  This area is subject to
flood.  Unofficial parking may be found on the shoulder of Highway J.)

When we were working on the south end of the Middle Fork section last
fall, we parked on either side of the entrance to the gravel road.
The gravel road is less than 1/4 mile long, is a single lane between
2 fences and is rather bumpy. Last weekend, we parked on the north
side of the creek and did not cross the creek which would be
challenging in a standard car.

I checked with John Roth about the proper place to park. He said that
from Highway J to the start of the actual tread of the Karkaghne
section is on private land and the USFS has a trail easement.  The
owners are the same people that own Brushy Creek. It is OK with them
to park on the north side of the creek as long as you are not
blocking the road (or the gate). For day hikes, even on the shoulder
of Highway J is OK.

--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, Greg Echele <gechele@...> wrote:
>
> Is that trailhead east of Oates just the shoulder of HY J where we
parked
> when we were working there.  If not, where is the trailhead at HY
J?
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: Gwen Fuehring [mailto:g_sunshine.geo@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 11:04 AM
> To: motrails@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: MOTRAILS Backpacking the Middle Fork section of the
Ozark T
> rail
>
>
>
> Greg,
> We left one vehicle at the Highway J trailhead east of Oates and
the
> other at the DD and Hwy 32 trailhead. After we hiked out to the
> Highway J trailhead, we drove to Asher cemetery to pick up our
packs
> and then drove back to DD and Hwy 32.
>
> Gwen
>
> --- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, Greg Echele <gechele@> wrote:
> >
> > Sure enjoyed this report, Gwen.  I plan to hike it with two
friends
> from
> > Minnesota in March.  Did you leave a car at the cemetery or have
> someone
> > shuttle you back to 32/DD?  Greg.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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I just read your hike report on the other site and came over to see
the photo.  Wow, what lovely hike you had today!

I've posted a few photos I took along the Red Trail at the YMCA of the
Ozarks which includes a small natural bridge and a dozen photos from my
hike in the snow at Meramec State park yesterday.

Danny

Danny, looks like you have more snow down in Missouri than we have here
in Wisconsin!

Nice pic btw. This SP in Franklin County by chance?


--- In motrails@yahoogroups.com, "Danny" <mcmurfy1@...> wrote:
>
> I've posted a few photos I took along the Red Trail at the YMCA of the
> Ozarks which includes a small natural bridge and a dozen photos from
my
> hike in the snow at Meramec State park yesterday.
>
> Danny
>