Ozark Hiking Life
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I'm Mike Edwards, a hiker who started exploring the Ozarks during the pandemic. I want to share my trips in hopes that my experiences will give you the desire to get out and explore. I hope my stories and pictures inspire you to take a day trip to an Ozark stop....I'll bet it won't be your last.
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
ENO DoubleNest Hammock, Red/Grey
I bought the ENO DoubleNest Hammock at Cabela's a few months ago and have used it quite a bit. I use this hammock for day trips and overnights.
First, I'm so glad I went with the DoubleNest. It's more comfortable if just hanging my legs over the side and leaning back than a single hammock. Additionally....when I lay on my side in this hammock (yes, you can do that comfortably in a double!) the sides fold over the top, nearly putting me in a comfy cocoon! I've thought to get a couple clamps to keep the flaps closed, keeps it so warm when doing ov ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
Lee Creek early in the Morning, Devil's Den State Park
Devil's Den offers a number of trails, hike-in camping and great places to explore. For me, it's Lee Creek. If you are an amateur geologist there are amazing features. Like fossils? There are areas along the creek that are treasure droves for various fossil types. Caves? Yep. Plant life and wild flowers line the creek, and because of the rock formations causing all day shade in some spots while other areas may be in full sun there is quite a diversity. And regarding animals I've seen deer on every trip, and the creek holds a number of su ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
Looking Out From Tea Kettle Falls
This trail east of Beaver Lake is a hidden gem....lightly hiked and beautiful views around each bend. There is a trail that runs along and near the creek, but most hikers, including myself, simply walk the wide creek bed. It's so wide that I ran into just a few spiderwebs early in the morning...it's just too wide for the spiders to go across with their webs!
The trail is part of the Madison Wildlife Management lands. There is a stone/dirt road that comes off Route 23, and you'll take that road about a mile to new parking. Any car can make it down this r ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
Rock Formations from Erosion, Bear Cave Trail
Bear Cave Trail located within Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas, is a short trail (. 5 mile loop) down to a cave and some awesome rocks/boulders/formations to climb and explore. Legend has it that in this cave the last Black Bear to be killed in the park was shot here. The cave itself is about 8 feet deep, 10 feet wide....would have been a great hibernation den for a bear. I found the cave to be cool to see....but it was the rock formations created by erosion that was most interesting.
Bear Cave on the Trail
The rock formations provide ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
Natural Bridge, Seven Hollows Trail, Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
Visited Petit Jean State Park last weekend, what an absolutely beautiful park...well-kept throughout, very friendly and helpful rangers....and the trails, wow! One could easily spend a week here and not have the time to take in all of the Ozark's finest splendor. Primitive camping is frowned upon here so I camped at site #98, a very wooded site that is very deep and secluded if you are a hammock camper as I. Water and Electricity are available at all camp sites at Petit Jean.
The first trail I'll review is Seven Holl ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
The Redding/Spy Rock Loop begins in the NE section of the Redding Campgrounds. Ample parking is available, and there is a $3.00 day-use fee you should pay.
The first 10 minutes is a trail through taller weeds, a low area that stays wet and is most filled with bugs/spiders/ticks. Once you get to the loop you have the choice of going right or left....highly recommend going left, the trail to the right is very rocky and best going downhill coming in from the other direction.
Once you get on the loop, starting to the left, it's a clean trail, easy to follow. There are a few creek ..read more
Ozark Hiking Life
3y ago
Hi, I'm Mike Edwards. I started hiking the Ozarks earlier this Spring, a result of wanting to get out of the house during the COVID pandemic. I went once, then the next weekend....and now its a part of my weekly life. Day-hikes turned to overnights.... rattler and bear run-ins only added to the stories. Oh, and the rocks....man, if you have any interest in rocks the Ozark Mountains are for you.
I want to share my trips in hopes that my experiences will give you the desire to get out and explore. I plan to post my weekend trips either during the trip where internet allows...or when I r ..read more