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Old 05-28-2011, 03:02 PM
 
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What is a good conservation/forest area in Southwestern Missouri to go hiking? I love taking pictures and going for hikes where there is a variety of wildlife and scenic views. Any suggestions on places to go?
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Old 05-28-2011, 08:09 PM
 
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You might try Mark Twain National Forest,Missouri Department of Conservation and Corps of Engineers web sites all have various Trails.

brushrunner
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Old 05-28-2011, 09:25 PM
 
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By far the best place to go in SW Mo. for scenic beauty and a variety of wildlife is the Buffalo river in Arkansas. It really is not that far - I have done day trips from Springfield many times.

Ok, in Missouri. Hercules Glade. Weak on scenic views, but has everything else. There are several nice trails at the fish hatcheries in Bennett Springs and Roaring River. Some nice views at the latter. Ridge Runner Trail near West Plains has many nice features, may just barely qualify as SW Mo.

But mostly I go to the Buffalo in Arkansas.
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Old 05-29-2011, 06:31 AM
 
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You might consider Lead Mine CA 50 miles North of Springfield.Plenty of Free Camping,Hunting,Fishing and River Swimming.Plenty of marked Trails.

Area Summary=

brushrunner
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Old 05-29-2011, 11:27 AM
 
Location: Missouri
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One of my favorite places is the Schell City Conservation Area. I love birds, and there are plenty to see there.
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Old 05-29-2011, 03:18 PM
 
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A couple of boosts for Missouri Conservation Areas. See Conservation Atlas | Main Search | Atlas Database version 2.0 . There are quite a number of these, and they tend to be overlooked by hikers. There are quite a number of these - and I like the one at Lead Mine, too - but right now I cannot think of any in SW Mo. that have striking views. Anyone know otherwise?
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Old 05-30-2011, 04:53 PM
 
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Thanks for all the great ideas. I've heard great things about the Buffalo River, that may have to be next on the list. We went to Bois D'Arc Conservation Area and the "hiking trails" were very confusing...there were no trails, the area was pretty but not much for hiking.
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Old 05-30-2011, 09:37 PM
 
Location: Missouri
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The closest to Springfield is Busiek State Forest just south of Ozark. Lots of challenging hiking trails, river crossings and wooded country. Yes, the Buffalo National River area is awesome. Lost Valley is awesome. Make sure to visit Lower Eden Falls, Armadillo Falls and the cave. Can't really beat it. We also love the Jasper, Arkansas area. We hiked the Tanyard Creek Trail yesterday at Bella Vista, AR. Kinda fond of that place since we got engaged there. Here are some of my other favorites: In Eminence, Missouri, Alley Springs Mill and short loop; Rocky Falls and Stegall Mountain Trail. Good luck.
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Old 05-31-2011, 03:40 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arrby View Post
A couple of boosts for Missouri Conservation Areas. See Conservation Atlas | Main Search | Atlas Database version 2.0 . There are quite a number of these, and they tend to be overlooked by hikers. There are quite a number of these - and I like the one at Lead Mine, too - but right now I cannot think of any in SW Mo. that have striking views. Anyone know otherwise?
Oh I guess its all in how you look at it.










brushrunner
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Old 05-31-2011, 05:07 PM
 
Location: SW MO
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We recently hiked the Piney Creek Wilderness near Schell Knob, MO. A little hard to find, but you park at the top of the hill, then hike down to Piney Creek which runs into Table Rock Lake. We saw several deer and an eagle's nest. It is also a horse/mule trail so watch your step!
A good place for information is alltrails.com
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