One of the best aspects of a Branson vacation is the outdoor
appeal of the Ozarks. Getting outside
and enjoying the natural surroundings of the area is easy to do with a visit to
the Henning Conservation Area. Located
on the west side of Branson on Highway 76, the area is mostly forest and
features a scenic lookout, hiking trails, stream and glades which create the
White River Balds Natural Area.
There are over 1,500 acres inside the Henning Conservation area. The terrain intersperses steep hills with oak
and hickory forests as well as scenic glades.
Relevant to Ozark history, the glades or “balds” were gathering places
for post-Civil war vigilante groups that became known as Baldknobbers. Features of the area were immortalized Harold
Bell Wrights “Shepherd of the Hills” book, including Dewey Bald, Boulder Bald,
Sammy Lane’s Lookout, The Signal Tree and Little Pete’s Cave.
Trails available to hike inside the Henning Conservation
area:
- Homesteaders Trail: 3.4 miles (Difficult)
- Glade Exploration Trail: 1.10 miles (Moderate)
- Shane’s Shortcut: .30 miles (Difficult)
- Dewey Bald Trail: .40 miles (Moderate)
- Streamside Trail: .40 (Moderate)
There are also three viewing decks at the conservation area
and it is a favorite spot for bird watching.
No comments:
Post a Comment