Ozark Hiking Life

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 return from an adventure. Every trip has a story, an experience that I would not have without getting into the realm of the Natural State, the Ozark Mountains. 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.

Welcome, and enjoy.

-Mike

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ENO DoubleNest Hammock

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 overnights. It's a very breathable material (Nylon Taffeta, whatever that is...) so you stay comfortable lying in it when it's warm, down to about 60 degrees at night. Below 60 I'd recommend a sleeping bag and/or under-quilt. It will handle 400 pounds and is 9 feet long, plenty of room. I suppose you could sleep two in it, but I've not tried, loner as I am. :) The hammock weighs ...

Redding/Spy Rock Loop Trail, Ozark, AR

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 creeks to cross with little to no water most days. A timber rattler made a sound behind a few rocks, otherwise a great hike, uphill for an hour and a half. At the top of the peak there is the spur trail to Spy Rock. It is well designated by a sign, and you'll go left off the loop on the spur trail. This trail crosses a road (I suppose you could skip the loop trail and just take the spur to Spy Rock if y...

Tea Kettle Falls Trail, Huntsville, Arkansas

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 road, albeit it is a little rough at times. A slow go but you'll make it. The new parking is at the top of the hill, about 1/4 mi hike to the creek. You used to be able to drive down the hill, but too many people did so in cars that could not get back up the hill....so they created a parking area and blocked the road from vehicles. Parking Area at Tea Falls Trail The walk to the creek is...

Ozark Hiking Life

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