Ready to hike Section 6 heading east from Crystal Springs Road.
Sunday was another stunningly beautiful spring day for a hike on the LOViT. This was our second Master Gardener’s Calendar Hike to develop a bank of trail photos to use on next years Master Gardener Calendar. We had six eager hikers, three master Gardeners and three Traildogs participate, lead by Traildog & Master Gardener Jerry Shields, and with strong support from canine leader Winnie.
We departed the Crystal Springs Road Trailhead parking area at 2:00 pm with six hikers and our feisty canine guide. We managed to cross both creeks on the boulder bridges without anyone taking an unplanned bath. The Traildogs created these boulder crossings in lieu of building high maintenance bridges.
Wild verbena overlooking Hickory Nut Mountain in the distance.
The spring bloom had caught it’s stride, and we were treated to a show of Nature’s floral designs at every turn of the trail. The wild Verbena was still strutting its stuff, but now the elusive Fire Pinks were mixed with the Verbena. In addition the sunny yellow Prairie Dock were found clinging to the side of the mountain, and even the leafy Compfrey was poking is long bloom stalk through the blooming yellow star grass.
Swimmers brave the cool water on a beautiful afternoon.
After a mile and half of hiking along Big Spring Creek and up the five steep swichbacks, we reached the summit of Little Bear Mountain and stopped for a water and snack break at Leslie’s Bench overlooking the Crystal Springs picnic and swimming area to the west. The laughter of some cold but tough spring swimmers echoed up from the sandy beach far below. The slopes of Hickory Nut Mountain Ridge to the west were decked out in their new green coats, accented by the deep green short leaf pines.
After a short rest and photos of the bouquet of wild flowers being worked by several species of butterflies around the bench, the group decided to hike another .75 miles to the second bench vista overlooking Crystal Springs Bay far below. The return hike, which is almost all down hill, was highlighted by identifying more species of new wildflowers and some very good photos of Spring Creek in twilight.
Click here to view photos of today’s hike.
Weather permitting we will be hiking again next Sunday, May 5, at 2:00 pm, with the route this time down the south side of Hickory Nut Mountain. This 3.2 mile all downhill hike will be highlighted by the many water falls along Hickory Nut Creek. We will also pass by the artesian spring and many other sights along this picturesque section of trail. We will meet at the Joplin Store next to Mountain Harbor Road at 1:30 pm, then proceed to Hickory Nut Mountain where will have to drop off some shuttle vehicles as this is a one way hike. The general public is invited to join on these hikes for an opportunity to experience the trail and gain an education in wildflowers. Good hiking shoes, water, snacks, and a good attitude are all that is required.
Hope to see you next Sunday.
Jerry