Journies Outside

Category: Missouri

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Lakeview Trail – Stockton Lake

    Stockton, Missouri

    July 20, 2024

    This is a moderate rated trail. I actually found it very easy to walk. There were a few rocks and roots but very little elevation. You will be under tree cover for 99% of this trail. It is about an eight mile walk. Around the three mile mark, there is some kind of open area that appears to be where some type of games are played. About four miles in you can walk down to the water. This is the only area where swimming is allowed area at the lake. No boats are allowed. There is a bathroom at this point.

    When you come to the cemetery, there is another trail Umber Ridge Trail that you can take but today I just continued on the Lakeview Trail.

    A little way passed the cemetery, you will be able to go off trail for just a bit at the bridge and you can walk a little closer to the water. Here you will see boats on the water.

    About the last mile or so, you will come out of the trees and cross the highway and then will be back in the trees for a bit and then travel on a service road and back to the parking area.

    It isn’t the most exciting or pretty trail but it is a nice get-away if you want to have some alone time. I only encountered a park employee at the swimming area. Otherwise, I was alone on the trail. I did see a squirrel, several deer, and two wild turkeys.

    All in all a very nice walk in the woods.

    (After returning from my outing, I was told that it isn’t very safe to walk there by yourself. Several people had been attacked. I try to do my due diligence and stay safe but sometimes you never know until after the fact. Just be aware of your surroundings. I do usually have a walking stick and spray with me in hopes of being able to defend myself if needed.)

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

  • Big Sugar Creek – Chinquapin Trail

    Big Sugar Creek State Park, Pineville MO

    Chinquapin Trail

    December 16, 2022

    I did the yellow trail first which circles around the perimeter bottom. This trail was very pretty and had several scenic views. I did have to cross water several times and would definitely recommend waterproof boots or shoes. I had a couple of deer watching me from on top of the hill for a while. This was a pretty easy trail even though it was rocky in places.

    After the yellow trail, I did the white trail which basically climbs the hill and is a moderate climb. This trail cut the yellow trail in half. When I reached the end of the white trail where it meets the yellow, I turned back and did it again.

    All in all, a 6.5 mile hike.

    I was the only one on the trail today and it was a cold wintery day and I would recommend this trail.

    You can see some of my photos from the day on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk

  • Lost Hill Park – Fulbright Spring Greenway

    Springfield MO

    September 2, 2024

    Because the bugs and ticks are still out and abundant this year, today I opted for a paved trail. In the All Trails app this is called the Fulbright Spring Greenway and rated an easy 7.9 mile trail.

    At the trailhead, there is a descent sized parking lot and port-a-potties. There is also a little swing set and a bench so the kids can play and the adults can rest awhile. This trail does allow bicycles and everyone I met today on bikes were courteous and gave warning when they were approaching. A little way in, you will come to a fork in the road. I went right on the David C. Murray Trailhead (2.78). Most of this trail is shaded. There are a couple of creek crossings so if it has recently rained, you may have to cross water. There are also a few small inclines on the path I traveled today but nothing too strenuous. This trail does travel along side a shooting range so pay attention to the signs and do not follow the path into the range.

    When you reach the Retiree Bridge, keep to the left and enter what used to be the Fulbright Landfill. You will eventually reach another trailhead and I followed the Ritter Springs Trailhead (1.85) until I reached the stop sign at Farm Road 88. There was quite a bit of traffic today so I didn’t want to walk on the road and I turned back at this point.

    When I reached the intersection of the David C. Murray Trailhead and Truman Elementary Trailhead, I followed the Truman Elementary Trailhead until I reached the housing development. This was about a mile or so and then I turned around and went back to the parking lot.

    The trail was fairly busy today with people walking dogs, people running, and others just out enjoying a walk. All in all, this was a very nice walk and should I need a paved trail in the future, I will come back and maybe start at the Ritter Springs Trailhead.

    You can see some of my photos from the day on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk=grid

  • Dogwood Canyon

    Lampe Missouri

    May 27, 2024

    I visited Dogwood Canyon today. Due to all the rain in the area recently, a lot of the trails were closed or muddy so I opted for a paved trail and Dogwood Canyon did not disappoint. This trail is about 3 miles from the start to the end. There are a few dirt trails that lead off the paved path but I wasn’t able to travel on them during this trip.

    All the falls in the park are manmade. You can rent bicycles instead of walking on the trail if you choose. Or there is a tram that will take you from the front to the back of the park and also through other parts of the park that are unavailable for walking or biking. All in all it was a nice trail. At the end of the paved trail where the turn around is, there is a waterfall with yellow trout in it. This is a very popular spot on the trail. This part of the trail is on the Arkansas side so you can say you walked from Missouri to Arkansas all in one day.

    I was able to get about 7 miles in for the day.

    At the entrance of the park, there is a museum that has interesting items on display. There are a couple of bathrooms along the trail. During the busy season, there are places to get food along the trail as well. There is an entrance fee to get into the park.

    You can check out some of my photos of the day on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&sk=grid

  • Ruth and Paul Henning Trail

    April 22, 2023

    I hiked all of the trails at the Ruth and Paul Henning State Forest near Branson, Missouri to celebrate Trails Day and as a part of Earth Day week.

    It was a very easy trail to visit the lookout tower, which I only made it part way up due to my fear of heights, and then I did the Red, Yellow, Blue, and Orange trails (basically covered every trail there.) Most of the time the trails were easy and then there would be that little bit that was more moderately challenging due to the rocks and tree roots, not to mention the elevation.

    I saw several small waterfalls at various places. The trails were mostly clear other than a few spots that were wet due mostly to the water runoff from underground which made the trail a little muddy. I was able to see a few spring blooms but nothing real exciting stood out. The butterflies were probably the best part for me.

    Overall, a very nice hike.

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