News Release
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen
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Contact: Wil Marischen, (573) 323-4852
Contact: Josh Chilton, (573) 226-3945
Van Buren, MO - As fall arrives in the Midwest, visitors to Ozark National Scenic Riverways can enjoy five unique, guided hiking adventures! All hiking activities are free to the public, and no registration is required.
As temperatures cool down, it becomes time to plan activities for fall and winter. There is no better place than the Ozarks to enjoy peaceful, beautiful autumn weather. The Ozarks’ hills and hollows shine in fall, showing off spectacular colors throughout the season. Naturally, hiking is the perfect way to experience the reds, yellows, and oranges of Missouri!
This year’s hikes (listed below) cover a variety of locations – two take place along the upper Current River, while the others start near Rocky Creek and Alley Mill. These are all beautiful areas, rich in geological and cultural resources.
The 2024 Fall Hiking Series will run from October 5 to November 9. All hikes are on Saturdays and begin at 10 am, unless otherwise noted. Brief descriptions can be found below. For more details, find these events at go.nps.gov/OZARcalendar or call (573) 226-3945.
Fall Hiking Activities
October 5: Current River Challenge! (9:00 am)
Are you up for the challenge? The Current River Challenge passes through three amazing parks: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Echo Bluff State Park, and Current River State Park! This activity includes three components: two 4-mile hikes and one 4-mile float. You can do the whole challenge or just a portion of it.
The first segment begins at 9 am at the Carr’s Canoe Rental Store, for a 4-mile guided hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Hikers should park in the overflow parking behind Carr’s Store. The second 4-mile hike begins at Echo Bluff State Park at 11 am and ends at Current River State Park. Finally, after reaching Current River State Park, the last 4-mile stretch is a float back to Round Spring that begins at 1:30 pm.
For visitors who only want to do part of the challenge, shuttles will be available for transport. Anyone wishing to attend the float should bring their own vessel or reserve one from a concessioner. Hikers are encouraged to bring their lunch if participating in all three segments. Anyone completing the full challenge will receive a special award decal.
October 19: Klepzig Mill Excursion
With 3 miles of beautiful, relatively flat hiking, this trail is a great choice for anyone wanting a casual day out. The Rocky Creek area offers a wonderful variety of fall colors, ecosystems, and more. There are a few shallow water crossings along this trail, so hikers may want waterproof boots. Hikers should meet at 10 am at the Rocky Falls parking area to ride the free shuttle to Klepzig Mill, followed by a trek back to Rocky Falls. Anyone wishing to hike longer can enjoy part of the Ozark Trail or a scramble along the shut-ins.
October 26: Autumn Colors Hike at Devils Well
Join rangers on an expedition into beautiful fall colors! This looping trail traverses oak-pine forest ridges, a dolomite glade, various hollows, and intermittent streams as it brings hikers down to the mouth of Cave Spring. Along the way, hikers will enjoy a mix of evergreens, oaks, hickories, and more. This hike is about 4.6 miles in length. As a bonus activity after the hike, participants can venture a short distance to the Mount Zion Church, just north of Akers on Highway K, for post-hike snacks, music, and local history during the open house from 10 am to 3 pm.
October 26: Spider Night Hike at Alley Spring (6:00 pm)
Help rangers search for glowing spider eyes in the haunted hills of Alley! This is a short Halloween hike through the hills near Alley Spring. Kids are encouraged to attend this event. This hike will be roughly 1/4 mile in length. The Alley Overlook Trail goes up above the mill, providing views of the surrounding landscape. Various ecosystems line the path, including glades and forests.
November 9: Hike to Honor Veterans
As fall begins to fade, join us to honor veterans with a hike to Stegall Mountain. This hike begins with a brief flag ceremony at Rocky Falls at 10 am, before embarking on the Ozark Trail. This is a 5 mile out-and-back hike up Stegall Mountain, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. The glade landscapes are particularly beautiful in fall.
Other Notes:
Special thanks goes to the Ozark Riverways Foundation and Missouri State Parks, who will be partnering with us on these activities.
Always 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, maps, snacks, flashlights, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Remember to inform someone of your plans.
Trails serve as a major attraction for hikers, horseback riders, and backpacking enthusiasts. These pathways are also an important part of local Ozark heritage. We encourage visitors to explore these trails on their own or as part of the guided hiking series. Park rangers can provide recommendations about when and where to visit, so you can enjoy all that the area has to offer.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen
Last updated: September 27, 2024