On Saturday, Sue & Jack Mabry will lead us on the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) from Morgan Fields up to Hare Mountain and back for sweeping views of the Mulberry River and Herrods Creek valleys. Sue notes that the high for the day will be nudging 50 and for the apres hike, we will likely adjourn down to Redding Campground, where we can gather around a fire. If pumpkin pie is weighing you down, here’s a way to melt it off.

The end of our fall hiking season is within sight (see calendar below), but there is still time to lead a weekday hike if you’re so inclined.

Day, Date:  Saturday, 25 November 2023

Name of Hike:  Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT)—Morgan Field to Hare Mtn.

Type of Hike:  Dayhike on trail

Distance:  4 miles more or less

Total Elevation Gain/Loss:  660 ft gain/loss to Hare Mtn and back

Rating:  Moderate, due to elevation change.

Features:  This hike on the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) takes us to Hare Mountain which is the highest point (2382 ft) on the OHT.  The long views from the trail to the south are towards the Mulberry River Valley and several ranges beyond.   On Hare Mountain, we will explore remains of an early pioneer farm with a giant stone fireplace and the well that served the homestead.  As we return to Morgan Field, we follow a ridge with views primarily of the Herrods Creek drainage to the east.  For more info see Tim Ernst (Ozark Highlands Trail Guide, 56-62) or http://www.ouachitamaps.com/OHT-02Cherry- Morgan.html

Hike Leader:  Sue & Jack Mabry

Contact Information Telephone, Email:  816-922-9896; or Mabrysue@gmail.com

Meeting Place and Time:

• Meet at MANA Family Medicine South in Fayetteville for an 8:45 am carpool departure from at the intersection of Huntsville Road (AR Hwy 16) and Crossover Road (AR Hwy 265); or,
• Meet at the entrance sign to Redding Campground at 10:00 am.  The sign marking the Redding Campground entrance is 2.7 miles from the junction of AR Hwy 23 southbound after you turn onto AR Hwy 215. Pull in when you see the Redding Campground sign on the right and we’ll organize for the short drive to Morgan Fields. Bathrooms are about a mile away inside the campground if there is need. From there, Jack and Sue will lead us in a caravan to Morgan Fields via a dirt road off Hwy 215.
• Or meet at Morgan Field at 10:30 am if you prefer to drive directly. Please note that on Google Maps, Morgan Fields is shown as Ozarks Highlands West Cobb Trailhead. That is our destination, shown on the map with a dotted line-marked trail from the parking area. This spot can be reached either by a dirt road off Hwy 23 (#81) or from the south near Redding Campground, where road #82 heads north and joins 81 (bearing left).  Click on “Location” in this announcement to see Google Map.

Comments:  Bring water, lunch, rain gear, gloves and wear hiking boots and/or water shoes. Insect spray and hiking poles may also be useful.  No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged.  Participants are required to sign a liability release: http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev

November

    Saturday, 25^th, Hare Mountain on the Ozark Highlands Trail, Jack & Sue Mabry

December

Saturday, 2^nd, Two hikes:

        Lake Wilson (Fayetteville) Kids & Family Hike, Shari Withey

       Spy Rock Trail, Norma Senyard

Saturday, 9^th, OHT Maintenance, Fain Creek, Tom Perry

Friday, 15^th Eureka Springs Urban Hike, Luke Parsch

 

To become a pathfinder and trailblazer, you’ll win the esteem and gratitude of your fellow hikers. Just reserve a date for your outing by emailing or calling:

 

Steve Singleton

Fall Outing Chair

Ozark Society Highlands Chapter

aerialobserver@gmail.com

(479) 283-9446