THIS WEEK’S EVENT:  Day hike to Spy Rock on the Redding-Spy Rock Trail

Day, Date:  Saturday, Nov. 20th, 2021

Name of Hike:  Redding-Spy Rock Trail (West Loop going and East Loop return), Ozark National Forest near Redding Recreation Area Campground and Cass, AR.

Type of Hike:  Day hike, Trail, Ozark Highlands Spur Trail

Distance:  8.3 miles total, roundtrip.

Total Elevation Gain/Loss:  800 or so ft. gain, 800 or so ft. loss

Rating:  Strenuous, due to distance and elevation gain. Please know your abilities.

Features:  Spy Rock is one of the most scenic spots in the Ozarks for viewing the Mulberry River Valley.  We will hike to Spy Rock on the Redding West Loop Trail and return on the East Loop Trail.  We will ascend gradually along a ridge through mixed wood forests with views of Bowden Hollow below and Spy Rock in the distance.  Once on Spy Rock, we will have long views into the Mulberry River Valley and you will have an opportunity to explore beneath the bluff line (optional). If lucky, there could be a waterfall. For more information see Tim Ernst (Arkansas Hiking Trails, 3rd ed., pp. 54-55;  Ozark Highlands Trail Guide, 5^th ed., pp. 122-124) or Johnny Molloy (50 Hikes in the Ozarks, pp. 52-55).  For a trail map, see http://www.ouachitamaps.com/Spy%20Rock.html.

Telephone & Email:  479-616-7270 (Pattie’s cell), or wldrnss20@aol.com

Meeting Place and Time:  Meet at First Care Medical Center South at the intersection of Huntsville Road (AR Hwy 16) and Crossover Road (AR Hwy 265) in Fayetteville for carpooling with a  8:30 a.m. departure; or, meet at the entrance to Redding Campground at 9:30 a.m.

Hike Leader:  Pattie Heitzman (contact hike leader for more info)

Driving Distance:  42 miles from the Fayetteville carpool to the Redding trailhead via AR Highways 16/23/215.

Comments: Children under 12 years are discouraged and minors must be accompanied by a guardian.   Participants are required to sign a “liability release” http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf  at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing.  Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

Fall 2021 Highlands Chapter Hiking Season:  Date/Day/Leader/Hike

2 Oct 21  Sa      Tom Perry           BRT Kyles Landing to Camp Orr Return ORT, BNR

9 Oct 21  Sa      Luke Parsch        Blowing Springs Lower Loop Trail, Bella Vista

16 Oct 21  Sa      Sue Mabry          BRT Steel Creek to Ponca Low Water Bridge Return, BNR

19 Oct 21  Tu      Chris Kline           Rookery and Kingfisher Trails, Lake Sequoyah

23 Oct 21  Sa      Tom Perry           Lincoln Lake Loop Trail, Lincoln AR

30 Oct 21  Sa      Tim Mason         BRT Ponca Low Water Bridge to Running Creek Return, BNR

6 Nov 21  Sa      Fred Paillet          Pea Ridge Military Park Trails

10 Nov 21 We    Norma Senyard BRT Steel Creek to Kyles Landing, BNR

13 Nov 21 Sa      Judy Nail              Ponca LWB up Leatherwood Creek, BNR

17 Nov 21 We    Sue Mabry          Compton Trailhead to Hemmed-In-Hollow Return, BNR

20 Nov 21 Sa      Patti Heitzman  Redding-Spy Rock Loop Trail, OHT Spur

27 Nov 21 Sa      Cindy Jetton       BRT Zack Ridge Road to Red Bluff Road, BNR

4 Dec 21  Sa       Tom Perry           Trail Maintenance, Fane Creek to Ragtown Road, OHT

11 Dec 21 Sa       JB Clark                 To be determined

18 Dec 21 Sa       Luke Parsch        5^th Annual Eureka Springs Urban Hike, Eureka Springs