Date: Friday November 22, 2024

Meeting time: 10:00 a.m.  PLEASE BE PROMPT!

Trail: Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is located in the heart of Branson and offers a nature escape with 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country and 5.3 miles of trails in this unique park with its two woodland trails that wind through the forest, along bluffs, and across glades. 315 stone steps lead down toward Lake Taneycomo along a path that features a waterfall and cave. The property also features almost 2,000 feet of hand-built stone wells.   You can see a brochure about the park here:   https://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/DocumentCenter/View/9698/LakesideForestBrochure2021?bidId=

Distance of hike:  5.3 miles more or less

Difficulty of hike: Moderate

Hike Leader:  Kris McMillen

Meeting Place: 412 Owen Lane, Branson, MO. The park is located off Fall Creek Road just south of Highway 76.  You will be on W 76 Country Blvd off of Hwy 65.  The entrance has a large wooden log archway over an ornamental iron gate.  We will find a parking lot at the entrance to meet up. We’re in a white Jeep Cherokee.

Please bring lunch, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, proper clothing for the temps/conditions.  Bring your own first aid supplies, bug spray, sunscreen or whatever you need for the day.

We are just some experienced hiking friends who are casually meeting at a trailhead to go hiking.  Hike at your own risk; everyone is responsible for their own self/well-being.  Hikes are limited to 16 people.

No children under age 15 on this hike.

There will be an Ozark Society Liability Waiver for everyone to sign.

All hikes are weather-permitting so please let us know if you are hiking with us BEFORE the day of the hike—THAT IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN LET YOU KNOW IF THERE ARE CHANGES OR CANCELLATION—then I can email you in case of last minute or other changes:  email to krismcmillen7@gmail.com

*We will have an after-hike tailgate get-together.  Just bring a snack to share and, if you want, a beverage of your choice.

It’s our annual Holiday Potluck dinner. The location will be announced at the November meeting. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the season with your Ozark Society friends..

We walk above Falling Water Road on the OHT down to Richland Cr. C.G. You’ll see waterfalls and a landslide along the way. We will carpool from the Morgan McDonald’s at 8am. Or meet us at Falling Water Falls at 10. Bring a lunch and water. P.S. – we will probably be hiking Stack Rock to Richland in the Spring. Chance to get a big section of the trail done with the group.

It’s a new year and we are back at 2nd Presbyterian for our monthly meeting. Our speaker will be announced. We will also talk about the current items we are working on and the new outings schedule for the winter and spring.

We explore a new area close to home, Goats Beard Bluff, a Nature Conservancy Area west of Benton on the Saline. It looks like there is an old access road we might be able to use to get us down to the bluff line and the river. Meet at the Chik-fil-A by Bass Pro in SW Little Rock at 8:30. Its a short drive down to the area in SW Benton. Prepare to bushwhack, so bring good boots and a lunch. Come get your New Year started with an adventure.