Month: October 2024
Hiking at Stem Rock Natural Area
In between float season and waterfall hiking season lies a season of dubious anticipation for many outdoor enthusiasts. When there’s not enough water to go floating, and waterfall hikes are non-existent. I call it the dry season. It’s one of the times of the year I often opt for mountain biking, even though I’m itching for a good hike. But there are some great non-waterfall day hikes out there to be had, like the one at Stem Rock Natural Area. Stem Rock is a cluster of rock formations, crevices, and small caves in Searcy County, AR, near the community of Oxley. If you enjoy hikes with cool rock formations, like Alum Cove or Kings Bluff, then you should enjoy this one. Although it’s not as big or impressive as those two, the short easy hike makes it definitely worth ...
Exploring Bluffton Preserve – A Natural Gem in the Southern Ozarks
Tucked away in a beautiful valley just six miles north of Clinton in the southern Ozarks lies the Bluffton Preserve Nature Area. This is another natural area managed by the Nature Conservancy. Through the help of generous donors, the Nature Conservancy is the same group responsible for bringing us other wonderful recreational areas like Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain. While exploring Bluffton Preserve, I immediately realized this place is an outdoors treasure chest. There are professionally built trails for mountain biking, hiking, and backpack camping. Four miles of the Archey Fork Little Red River flows right through the area, with an access point for launching canoes and kayaks. This picturesque stream provides swimming holes, fishing, and a beautiful backdrop for hiking and observ...
