Best Fall Hikes in the Ozarks Around Fort Leonard Wood!
Fall is an absolutely gorgeous time of year, especially when you are in the Ozarks! One of the best ways to take in the fall scenery is to go on a hike! If you are looking for a low-key getaway this fall, consider taking a trip to Fort Leonard! We are centrally located to some incredible trails! Read on to learn about a few hiking trails in and around Fort Leonard Wood!
Pulaski County
Hartford Road 1.15 miles northeast of Road Ranger, Highway 28
Hartford Road, a 3.39-mile-long loop drops into a Big Piney river valley. After only a mile you will be rewarded with dramatic river bluffs. In an especially picturesque scene, the road squeezes between the Big Piney river and the former Possum Lodge resort before climbing back to Highway 28 positioned on the ridge above.
Camp/Crown Roads - 4.92 miles northeast of Road Ranger, Highway 28
Camp Road and Crown Road partner to lazily loop (5.81 miles) around the former Gasconade Hills Conservation Area. The structures and foundations that perch over the Gasconade River at the beginning of Camp Road are remnants of Brown’s Camp. At 3.05 miles turn right onto Crown Road to return to Highway 28.
Pro Tip: Continue North on Highway 28 into Dixon for fuel, food & beverage, antiquing, and restrooms before backtracking to Cardinal Road.
Cardinal/Creek/Cave Roads - 7.62 miles northeast of Road Ranger, Highway 28
Cardinal, Creek, and Cave roads combine to lead you 3.65 miles to Riddle Bridge Access. At the intersection of Cardinal Road and Cemetery Lane you will find a photogenic country cemetery and church.
Approximately 1.58 miles turn left onto Creek Road. Creek Road parallels, and crosses, Jones Creek before becoming Cave Road which bends to cross the Gasconade River at Riddle Bridge Access. The current bridge, constructed circa 1987, replaced the former 70+ year old structure that was featured on a 1975 Brewer & Shipley album cover. Yellow Bluff, directly across the Gasconade River from the public access is a popular photography scene. Leaving Riddle Bridge Access turn right onto Holtsman Road which becomes Y Highway.
Riverside and Redding roads are a dynamic duo combining for 6.3 miles to connect Highway 17 with T Highway. Just over a mile into the trip you will see the Gasconade River on your left. At 2.04 miles is Schlicht Springs Access. This area is named for early mill operator and resort owner John Schlicht.
At 2.27 miles turn left to stay on Riverside road. At 4.82 miles turn right onto Redding road. At 5.10 miles you will see Bethlehem Baptist Church and Cemetery on your right. The rocked structure beckons photographers. This area was once called Flea Hollow, so named because the former church, which sat across the dirt road, was built up a bit on posts. Whether or not the design was intentional, this allowed nearby farmers’ livestock to congregate in the shade under the church. This led to hours-long bouts of itching and scratching for the parishioners during, and after, Sunday services. The cemetery tucked into the hillside below is the final resting place of Aunt Tenn, an inmate of the Pulaski County Poor Farm. Tenn’s final wish was to be buried here instead of at the cemetery across from the Poor Farm. At T Highway head north to Swedeborg.
Pro Tip: Plan on photographing Swedeborg School and abandoned buildings along the railroad tracks at Swedeborg. The community, first named Wood End, was later colonized by Swedish immigrants. Nearby Swede Cemetery, listed in a Swedish touring guide of America, has many interesting tombstones to photograph.
Rawlins Road - 1.74 miles north of Redding Road, Highway T
Rawlins road joins Swedeborg to Richland on what was most likely the “old” road before the development of Highway 133. The road crosses Snake Creek at 2.47 miles. At the intersection of Highway 133 turn left for a short distance.
Waynesville Walking Trail: Waynesville Park to Laughlin Park. One-mile paved trail winding along the Roubidoux Stream. Trail goes through the area where the Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders and Indians camp during many festivals. Leads to the Roubidoux Spring, home of the underwater cave. Easy walking trail, picnic tables, rest rooms, handicap accessible fishing
Waynesville Walking Tour: Brochure-guided tour of key historic points of interest in downtown Waynesville. Brochure is available at the Pulaski County Visitors Center and in the Digital Downloads section of PulaskiCountyUSA.com. Easy walking, mostly concrete, handicapped accessible in most areas.
St. Robert Walking Trail: Concrete walking trail along Historic Route 66 in St. Robert. Easy trail, foot and bike traffic only. Dixon City Park: Walking trail, playground and picnic tables. Off Hwy 133 in Dixon. Foot traffic only. Easy trail. Crocker Park: Swimming pool, fishing pond, gazebo. Half mile lighted trail winding around the pond. Hwy 17 north, park is on left side. Foot traffic only, Easy walking trail.
Shady Dell Park: Swimming pool, picnic tables, and playground. Shaded walking trail. I-44 West exit 150 on to Hwy 7 to Richland. Park will be on left as you enter city limits. Easy walking trail.
Bennett Springs State
Bennett Springs State Park is one of Missouri's earliest state parks and continues to attract visitors from all over for trout fishing, hiking trails, and gorgeous scenery. Fishing is the largest draw at Bennett Springs State Parks because more than 100 million gallons of water flow from Bennett Springs each day and they stock the river with trout daily from their hatchery. You will find Bennett Springs State Park in Laclede County located along the Niangua River.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located at the Lake of the Ozarks which is just right up the road from our hotels in St.Robert, Mo. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is where nature and history come together with an intriguing history, gorgeous geological features, ruins from a turn-of-the-century stone castle that overlooks the Lake of the Ozarks, and more. Fall is an excellent time of year to visit the park especially if you can catch the park in the peak season for fall foliage.
Book Your Stay With Us at Fort Wood Hotels!
Fort Leonard Wood is the perfect fall getaway if you love the outdoors! Enjoy the many hiking options in the area. At Fort Wood Hotels we offer great brands in a great location. This is only possible with our family of employees that provide top-notch hospitality. You will not find higher quality hotels at a better value in our area. Our hotels near Fort Leonard Wood and staff consistently earn top awards, and our unbeatable guest satisfaction speaks volumes about our commitment to you.
Staying for a day...a week...or a month? We've got you covered!
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