Journies Outside

Author: Teresa

  • Mt. Zion Church – Aker’s Ferry – Devil’s Well – Minature Stonehenge – Uranus Fudge Factory – Devil’s Elbow

    May 23, 2025

    Today I took a road trip that included several stops in Missouri. On my way to Devil’s Well, I came across the Mt. Zion Church near Salem, Missouri. The church sits off the road and was only used as a church for about 9 years. After which it became part of a national park and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

    Just down the road from the church is the Aker’s Ferry. The ferry is no longer in use but you can see where it was used to transport people and/or items across to the other side of the river.

    Once you leave the highway, you will travel 1 ½ miles on a fairly rugged gravel road to reach Devil’s Well. There are stairs leading down into the sinkhole and you can look down into the hole as it is lighted but you will not be able to see the bottom. The hole was created when the ceiling of a sinkhole collapsed. There is also a hiking trail, about 4.6 miles long that I hope to hike in the future. There are a few picnic tables along the water here and it is very peaceful.

    The next stop was in Rolla at the miniature Stonehenge. This is located on the college campus and very interesting to see and also a good substitute if a person is not able to see the original Stonehenge. If you look closely at one of the photos, you can see that I was there in May. How the calendar works by using shadows just amazes me.

    Next up was the tourist trap of Uranus, Missouri. If you are easily offended, I would not stop, however, if you can look passed that, the fudge and candy that is offered for sale is fantastic!

    The last stop of the day was at Devil’s Elbow. This is a very uniquely curved bridge on Route 66.

    All in all, a very full day but there is still so much more to see and do in this area that I hope to go back again.

    You can see more photos from my trip on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk=grid

  • Osceloa Cheese

    Osceola, Missouri

    May 17, 2025

    The weather hasn’t been very conducive for hiking so I decided to take a road trip to Osceola, Missouri and visit the Osceola Cheese Factory. Here you can find about 250 different kinds of cheese, unique condiments, meats, and drinks.

    While in the area, I ate at Sugarfoot BBQ and was not disappointed. The food and service were very good.

    On the way home, I came across the Sac-Osage Roadside Park. This location is where the Sac River empties into the Osage River. These are the only two rivers in Missouri that flow in a northerly direction. The park has a few picnic tables so you can sit and enjoy the view.

    I have a few more photos on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk=grid

  • All-American-Boneyard-Razorback Ridge – Angus Chute – Urban Trail – Black Limousin – Master Plan

    Bentonville, Arkansas

    May 31, 2025

    Today’s goal was to find the Boneyard Trail and by finding it, I also traveled parts of or completed several other trails. I started this hike near Crystal Bridges and was greeted in the parking lot by “Sassy”. A statue made of metal bicycle parts. This path today was paved until I reached the Razorback/Urban Trail intersection even though I did travel the dirt part of the All-American trail to reach the Razorback/Urban Trail intersection.

    The All-American trail was the only trail that is classified as an easy trail. The Razorback Ridge, Urban Trail, Angus Chute, and Boneyard trails are considered moderately hard trails. The Master Plan and Black Limousin trails were both considered hard trails. I did find the Black Limousin trail to probably be the hardest of the two but only in the fact that it was very narrow and on the side of the hill/mountain for most of the way.

    I did come across a set of stairs that I ended up climbing a couple of times. At the top of one hill, there was a rhinoceros and I just had to climb the hill and get a better look. The trails were a little muddy and wet in places but really not bad considering all the rain that the area has had recently. I was able to walk without getting my shoes all muddy.

    These trails are used for hiking but bikers use them mostly and therefore there are lots of ups and downs and steep ups and downs. There were several places that were rocky and others that were just dirt. I was in the trees/shade 99% of the time. It was a very nice hike but I did hear the traffic in the distance and there was a lawn mower somewhere that I was hearing. I didn’t really see many animals, just a couple of rabbits and heard a few birds. I only encountered one other person once I entered the wooded trails. The paved part of this route is rather busy with walkers, runners, and bikers.

    There are no facilities in the area so plan accordingly. I did manage to get about 4.5 miles of hiking. Overall, a very nice day and a great hike. I got a very good workout.

    I have more photos from my hike on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Blair-Ridge Trail

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness

    Kissee Mills, Missouri

    May 10, 2025

    It was a beautiful day for a hike. This trail was mostly in the trees but once in awhile there was an opening and I could see off into the distance quite a long way. At one clearing, I was able to see the fog that I had driven through rising up among the mountains in the distance. I really didn’t see much wildlife while walking the trail, just a couple of squirrels but on the drive to the trailhead, I saw deer, wild turkeys, and lots of squirrels and chipmunks. This is an out and back trail that let me do about 6 miles.

    The parking lot at the trailhead is very small and only about couple of vehicles will fit. I came down on Highway 125 East of Springfield and when I turned the last time to reach the trailhead, the road was still paved but almost a one lane road. Luckily going in and coming out, I was the only vehicle on the road. Along this stretch of road, there are several older buildings that are in decay but are neat to see. There is also a cabin that can be rented out, a cemetery, and an old abandoned post office. The old house beside the post office probably housed the postmaster back in the day.

    The trail itself was an easy to moderate trail. There are times when you will walk on rocks, dirt, and small rocks. It is mostly downhill to get to the waterfall so coming back is mostly uphill. I really didn’t have any trouble and felt it was more of an easy hike. The trail isn’t marked but is pretty easy to follow. You probably won’t have cell signal so I would suggest getting a map or downloading a trail map and directions before you go.

    There is a junction of Blair Ridge, Coy Bald, and Long Creek trail which is marked but you may not see the signs until you turn around to leave. The signs are nailed to trees and the wooden signed blended in really well with the surroundings.

    If you follow the Blair Ridge/Long Creek Trail at this junction, it is short lived. I followed it for a little and was able to get down to the water but for the most part the trail(s) stops here. There was a camp set up when I was here but I didn’t see anyone.

    I turned around and followed the Coy Bald Trail to the falls. On this side of the creek/water, you can hear the falls but really can’t see them but I was able to find a crossing using the rocks to get across and get to the falls. Even for all the rain the area has had recently, the water wasn’t very high but it was flowing.

    When I reached the falls, there was another camp set up and there were several people there. The falls were small but I was able to rock hop and walk out into the middle. Here there are several little falls connecting in this area. If you don’t want to cross the water, I would suggest following the Coy Bald Trail down to the falls. I hope to one day go back and hike that trail.

    Overall, a very nice hike and a peaceful one. There are no facilities so plan accordingly.

    I have several photos and videos from the day on my Facebook page located at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&s

  • Battle of Carthage – Civil War Museum

    Carthage MO

    April 26, 2025

    The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site can be described as a nice little park with a little big of history. There is ample parking and three picnic tables but no facilities or trash bins. There is plenty of room if someone wanted to play from frisbee, catch, soccer, or tag. There is a nice open area for playing but no play equipment. There is a very short path about .2 miles that will take you around the little stream that is there. It is a nice peaceful and quiet park.

    Be sure to check out the kiosk which tells of the battle that took place in Carthage.

    If you have time, you might also stop in a visit the Civil War Museum just off the square in Carthage. There is a short informative movie about the battle that happened in the area and has some nice displays as well. The personnel were very friendly and full of lots of information.

    Overall, a nice but short outing in between rain storms.

    I have additional photos on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Devil’s Den State Park

    Devil’s Den State Park – Devil’s Den, Yellow Rock, and Devil’s Raceway

    West Fork, Arkansas

    April 12, 2025

    It was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike. I started on the Devil’s Den trail at the entrance just passed the visitor’s center by the Lee Creek Bridge. This trailhead began with the first of many stone staircases for the day. I had the trail to myself so it was very peaceful and I was able to see the beginning of blooms such as little wildflowers and the dogwood trees. The Devil’s Den Cave is closed for exploring but it is still a nice feature along the trail. The waterfalls along the trail were running from the recent rains. This trail is moderately challenging as there are lots of rocks and stone stairways to traverse. This trail is pretty easy to follow and is a Red Diamond. I did all of the trail which involved just a little backtracking but I ended with about 1.8 miles.

    The second trail for the day was the Yellow Rock trail. I started at the trailhead on the other side of Lee Creek. From the Devil’s Den parking area, turn right after crossing the bridge and there is a small parking area for this trailhead. This area is very popular as many bikers start on the Devil’s Raceway here. This trail has areas that are very rocky and then smoother. It is a very popular trail because of the scenic overlook which allows you to see a great distance. There wasn’t a lot of blooms on this trail because it is a mostly wooded trail with great views along the way. There was a small waterfall that I crossed but the water was low enough and I was able to cross on rocks so my shoes did not get wet. I have previously done this trail before and after the scenic overlook, the trail really isn’t all that exciting but it is a nice walk through the woods. Therefore, today, I started at the trailhead, went to the overlook, and then went back to the trailhead. The trail was also becoming busier as I headed back. Going this route, I was still able to do about 1.8 miles. This part of the Yellow Rock trail will take you passed some huge rocks and overhangs and there are more stone stairs to climb but it is a very nice moderately hard trail. This trail is a White Diamond.

    The last trail I checked out today was part of the Devil’s Raceway. I started over by the Amphitheater where there is a small parking area. Getting in and out here was a little challenging as the road had a deep ditch to navigate over which was probably caused from the recent rainfall. I went to the left from the Amphitheater and followed the trail to the road crossing. Going right from the Amphitheater, I came across a lot of maintenance areas and what looks like to be construction for a new camping area. This trail really wasn’t very exciting or challenging but was an easy way to end the day. I traveled through the woods and then came to an open area and followed the trail until I came to a spot where I could go down to the water and then turned back to the parking area. The only other people I saw on this trail were bikers. I did do about 2.21 miles on this trail and it was a White Diamond trail as well.

    There really are no facilities at these trailheads but the visitor center is close to all of them and centrally located. It is a very busy and popular stop.

    You can see more photos and videos from my journey on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Waterfalls of Arkansas

    Glory Hole – Magnolia Falls – Paradise Falls

    Deer, Arkansas

    March 22, 2025

    Today I decided to check out three waterfalls near Deer Arkansas. I had the trails to myself the majority of the time, which was great because I was able to enjoy the peace and quiet. I didn’t really see much wildlife except for the herd of elk that was on the side of the road on my way to the trails. If you decide to check out any of these waterfalls, be sure to use your GPS because none of the trails or trail heads are marked and the parking lots are just wide shoulders along the road. I have actually driven passed these several times while checking out other trails in the area and didn’t even realize it.

    My first stop was at Glory Hole. I did this one first because it is a very popular trail for people to visit. The trail is not marked but because of its popularity, it is easy to follow. The trail down to the bottom was pretty easy but overall, I would say that this is a moderately hard trail because you will go almost straight down and then there is the almost straight uphill climb to your vehicle. There were several little falls along the path that I ventured over to check out. Once you reach the bottom where the Glory Hole can be seen, the size of the boulders in the area are enormous! There was a system of tree roots that was my ladder in and out of the bottom today. There was also a path around the boulders that I did follow for a bit. All in all, a very nice adventure and I did about 2 ½ miles while here.

    My next stop which was just about 5 minutes down the road was Magnolia Falls. At this location, I did see another vehicle but didn’t encounter anyone along the path until I came back to my vehicle and other hikers were starting out on their journey. This trail was really pretty easy, but again, not marked. Along the trail you will see a line of boulders that just suddenly appear and you will follow them for awhile and then they will be gone. You will come to a small creek that has a trail continuing forward or you can turn left. Turn left and follow the path to the falls. Using a tree root system again, I was able to climb to the bottom of the falls and explore the area closer. The clefts and rock formation are very unique. This trail was pretty easy but there is a downward climb and then the climb back up but it was moderately easy and I did almost 2 ½ miles here as well.

    The final stop of the day was Paradise Falls which was only about another 5 minutes down the road. This trail was not marked either but is well traveled so the trail is visible. At times, I felt like was I doing a little bushwacking. It is not well maintained and the trail itself will disappear at times but you will be able to find your way. I had this trail to myself until I started back and about halfway, I did encounter a few other hikers out enjoying the day. This trail I would rate as a moderately hard trail as there can be a lot of climbing involved depending on how close you want to get to the falls along the trail and at the end where the actual Paradise Falls are. This is a shorter trail but I was able to get a little over 2 miles here.

    Overall, it was a very nice day and I did get a workout. There are still more waterfalls in the area that I hope to one day go back and visit.

    There are no facilities near these locations so plan accordingly. I didn’t have reception either while in the area but I did download trail maps and my driving route prior to going so you might keep that in mind if you want to visit as well.

    There were a few areas along each of the paths where I did have to cross water but I went between rain falls and was able to avoid getting my shoes wet but if you go during the rainy season there will be mud and water crossings involved.

    You can enjoy more of my photos from the day and a few videos on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Twin Knobs Trail

    Trailhead Marker

    Twin Knobs Trail

    Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

    Siloam Springs AR

    March 1, 2025

    Today was a beautiful day for a hike in the woods and I picked the Twin Knobs Trail near Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Before I tell you about the trail, let me mention that once you exit off the highway (412), you are pretty much on a gravel/dirt almost single lane road for about 4 miles to get to the trail head.

    The parking area at the trail head is very small but there is another parking area just before the trail head to the west that is a little bigger. There are no bathrooms so you might want to stop at the gas station on the corner of the Highway 59 and 412 intersections.

    The Twin Knobs Trail is rated as a moderate trail and I would have to agree although there are several areas that are much easier to walk. There are times when you will walk on larger rocks and other times smaller ones but all in all, a very easy moderate hike. There were a few places that were muddy or had standing water but I was able to avoid getting my shoes messy by walking on the rocks.

    The first Knob that you come to is very large and unique but the second Knob at the end of the trail where you will turn around and head back to the parking area was by far much better in my opinion. On the back side of the second knob there were faded blue markings leading up to the top and I being the curious sort, decided to investigate. It is almost a straight up climb but short. I wondered around a bit and discovered that there was a camp site and someone had tried to make a lean to for shelter. I didn’t want to miss any of the original trail so I climbed back down and continued on around the knob. You can see for miles in the distance on the second knob. When heading back around and down from here you will come to an area that has what looks like a square cut from the rocks. I decided to investigate and discovered that people have camped in this sheltered area as the fire ring was still there as well as the ashes.

    The trail markers are blue and you will see several off the walking path but the correct path is well worn and used by people walking, people on bicycles, dogs, deer, and other wildlife. Although today I didn’t see any wildlife other than the tracks that were left behind.

    Along the trail it is very peaceful and I can imagine that the fall colors are absolutely gorgeous but you will always hear the hum of the distant traffic.  

    When I reached the parking lot, I decided to continue following the trail for just a bit longer. The trailhead by the parking lot heading south is not marked but the path is well worn and visible. I followed this trail down to the bottom at the dry creek bed and then turned back to the trailhead. It was a very easy trail but very quiet. So, if you want to get away from all noise and not wanting to see anything but trees, I would suggest this trail. It was about a mile to the creek bed where I turned back.

    I only saw two other people on the Twin Knobs trail and that was as I was heading back to the parking lot. This does appear to be a very popular area for people to visit as there were three other vehicles there when I left.

    By following my route, you will do almost 8 miles round trip.

    You can see more photos from my hike on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Arkansas Missouri Oklahoma Tri-State Marker

    Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma Tri-State Marker

    March 1, 2025

    After hiking the Twin Knobs Trail today, I decided to return home via a different route and stopped at the place where Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma all intersect and depending on which side of the marker you are standing, you can be in a different state. There is a gas station on the east side of the road and the marker is on the west side. You will need to park at the gas station if you want to get up close to the marker. This area is very busy so be careful when crossing the road. The marker isn’t very big but it was something different to see while I was in the area.

    The marker is located on Arkansas 43 near Sulphur Springs, Arkansas and McDonald County Missouri.

    You can also see more photos on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Trading Post

    August 2024

    The day I stopped the museum and other buildings were closed but I was able to walk around the cemetery. There is a lot of history there. A couple of the buildings I was able to look inside and this appears to be an interesting stop. Hopefully, I’ll be able to stop again and the buildings will be open.

    You can see a few of my photos on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk