We were planning to take a vacation this summer to see some waterfalls. We have been to North Carolina and Tennessee and New York. This time, we decided to seek a new adventure and head to Arkansas. I had a co-worker comment on the trails and forests and I decided to give it a try. I did my research: we LOVE scenic waterfalls and we absolutely LOVE rugged hikes. I found the perfect trail online: The Richland Creek Recreational Area. The hike was described as a difficult, barely marked trail and over a 7 mile hike in which you cross the creek several times. There were 3 waterfalls along this trail. WOW- Whats not to love about this trail????
Getting to the trail head proved to be difficult on its own. We finally find it (15 miles of gravel road with huge potholes) and started our adventure. We were both looking forward to this - the chance to add 3 more waterfalls to our list (this would make 40!) . We started at the trail head And lost the trail after 20 feet. We stayed close by the creek; sometimes walking along the edge, sometimes crossing along the slippery rocks, and sometimes battling the HOT sun, cobwebs and spiders on higher ground. Two hours later, we were still wandering along the creek hoping the first of the three waterfalls was right around the corner. Jim brought up a good point and one I usually forget to think about: we still have the hike back....
Sad to day, we did not make it to the first waterfall. The hike was a lot of fun, especially climbing over the rocks and through the creek. Walking along the barely marked trail proved to be more like bushwhacking and more strenuous than I could imagine. Nonetheless, the trail was gorgeous and I am inspired to create some artwork.
We decided to take a different way out of the Ozark Forest and we actually did see 2 waterfalls. I had a lot of fun hiking along the creek. It was a great workout and I am sure I will feel it in the morning.
Getting to the trail head proved to be difficult on its own. We finally find it (15 miles of gravel road with huge potholes) and started our adventure. We were both looking forward to this - the chance to add 3 more waterfalls to our list (this would make 40!) . We started at the trail head And lost the trail after 20 feet. We stayed close by the creek; sometimes walking along the edge, sometimes crossing along the slippery rocks, and sometimes battling the HOT sun, cobwebs and spiders on higher ground. Two hours later, we were still wandering along the creek hoping the first of the three waterfalls was right around the corner. Jim brought up a good point and one I usually forget to think about: we still have the hike back....
Sad to day, we did not make it to the first waterfall. The hike was a lot of fun, especially climbing over the rocks and through the creek. Walking along the barely marked trail proved to be more like bushwhacking and more strenuous than I could imagine. Nonetheless, the trail was gorgeous and I am inspired to create some artwork.
We decided to take a different way out of the Ozark Forest and we actually did see 2 waterfalls. I had a lot of fun hiking along the creek. It was a great workout and I am sure I will feel it in the morning.
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