Soft Adventure is a buzzword heard all around the country. So what exactly is Soft Adventure? By definition...there isn‘t one, but it can be used to describe a wide range of activities and outdoor lifestyles. Photography, bird watching, walking, hiking, even visiting small historic towns are just a few examples of Soft Adventure. If you are vacationing in the Branson area or planning to make a trip in the near future, be sure to pack your favorite pair of hiking shoes, bike, canoe or kayak because the Ozark Mountain Region has plenty of opportunities to put your toys to the test.
There are thousands of acres in the Mark Twain National Forests, several Corps of Engineers Lakes, The James River (historic and scenic) and a National Scenic Riverway on the Buffalo River, just south of Branson in Arkansas. Activities such as backpacking, nature study, day hikes, bicycling, horseback riding and camping are available in and around Branson.
Area lakes such as Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Fishing, skiing, sailing, fly-fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing, kayak touring, canoeing, swimming and parasailing are just some to mention.
Fishing on Ozark Mountain lakes and streams is a lure for anglers from across the nation. A variety of fish can be found in Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes, as well as Lake Taneycomo. In fact, Table Rock has been nationally recognized as a top bass fishing lake. Fly fishermen come to the cool clear waters of Lake Taneycomo for some of the finest trout fishing in the country. Area marinas and fly shops can assist with local fishing reports, and Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing offers an operating marina, guide service, boat rental, and boat service center.
Day Hikes. White River Corridor Trail (below Table Rock Dam) has paths along Lake Taneycomo, while White River Bluffs Trail traverses scenic bluffs. Trails are marked, and maps are also available at the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery.
Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area (Highway 76) offers paved trails and natural surfaces. An observation tower provides great views of the mountains.
The Ozark Mountain Glades feature diverse microclimates that are home to beautiful yet diverse plants and desert-oriented critters, all within the confines of a hardwood forest!
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area (Fall Creek Road) is a grand attraction for hikers. Signs direct you to the parking lot trailhead. Stone steps, placed by hand decades ago, cross the bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo.
The Corps of Engineers, Dewey Short
Visitors Center (south of Table Rock Dam) has a network of hiking trails that partially follow Table Rock Lake.
Stockstill Park (James Epps Road) offers walking trails, in addition to tennis courts, playing fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters and a skateboarding park. Situated near Roark Creek.
For those who prefer a more adventurous outing for a day or two, overnight backpacking is available at Busiek State Park, Hercules Glade and Piney Creek Wilderness areas. If you really like roughing it, then take a few days and backpack on the Ozark Highlands Trail (just south of Branson, in Arkansas). It is one of the longest trail systems in the country.
When hiking, use marked trails only and stay on the trail. Pack out anything you pack in, including trash left behind by others. Yield to wildlife and stock animals.
Cycling. Opportunities to mountain bike on the steep, rocky Ozark hills will challenge even the most seasoned biker, while road riders can find several (low traffic) miles of smooth back-country roads and highways. Maps and tour routes are available at Downhill Bikes, located at Hwy. 248 and Flynn Road, or visit them at www.downhillbikes.biz.
The Mark Twain National Forest is loaded with old logging roads, four-wheel drive trails and miles of paved roads, which are any cyclist’s dream.
Paddle Sports. Paddle boats offer the perfect means of transportation to explore serene inlets and nature at its best. Nearby waterways, such as the James River near Galena; Beaver Creek near Brownbranch, Missouri; the Kings River near Berryville, Arkansas; and the Buffalo River (a National Scenic Riverway), also in Arkansas, are available for canoeing and kayaking. Most require a short, scenic drive, and floats can last up to five hours.
Scuba. Water clarity and visibility make area lakes a regional destination for countless scuba enthusiasts. Local dive shops provide a wide range of equipment and services, including introductory scuba programs and certification courses. Diving equipment and other rentals can also be found at Indian Point, State Park and Table Rock Marinas, as well as Point of Kimberling Scuba.
Public swimming beaches are available on Table Rock Lake at Moonshine Beach (north of the Dam), Indian Point’s Corps of Engineers Campground and at the Port of Kimberling in Kimberling City.
Now that you are loaded with info, get out and explore this unique region of the country! |
