Road Trippin' in Pulaski County - Part 2!
Sometimes it feels like there is nothing more American than cruising the back roads on a relaxing afternoon. This is especially true in the Ozark Mountains, where the natural scenery is a draw for locals and tourists alike. Here in Pulaski County, we are fortunate to be centrally located in the state and in the nation, and to have so many options when it comes to getting out and enjoying the scenic views. As the leaves are changing colors and falling, you'll get to see the lay of the land even more in the next few weeks. So, if you cruise it during the peak of fall colors, try it again afterwards and you will see even more! To get some great pointers on some wonderful places to cruise in Pulaski County, we will continue with part two of our blog, Road Tripping in Pulaski County.
Riverside/Redding Roads
6.38 miles north of Lexington Road, Highway 17
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.
Richfield Road/Dublin Lane
791 feet south of Rawlins Road, Highway 133
Richfield Road and Dublin Lane is a short (1.57 miles) continuation of what was most likely the Richland-Swedeborg Road at one time.
Pro Tip: Explore Richland to find fuel, food & beverage, antiquing, and restrooms before returning to Jefferson Street/Highway 7 South.
Snipe/Rio Roads
5.92 miles south of Dublin Lane, Highway 7
Snipe/Rio Road follows the Gasconade River for a short distance before breaking away into rich farmland and pastures. Several concrete silos dot the landscape awaiting the photographer to capture their bygone craftsmanship and usefulness. At 2.77 miles Berean Cemetery, and the former Berean Baptist Church sit on the right. The road crosses over Interstate 44 and continues to Historic Route 66/Highway AB.
Travel East to Waynesville via Historic Route 66/Highway AB/Highway 17 or via Interstate 44.
Pro Tip: Plan to spend time discovering Waynesville’s food scene, shopping, antiquing, and historic sites before taking the last backroad of your journey.
Spring/Superior Roads
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Exceptional Lodging at Fort Wood Hotels.
Keep in mind that the roads we are introducing you to are gravel roads. That means they can get muddy or have low-water crossings. So, be prepared for rougher conditions just in case. We can also tell you that you are likely to see more than you can take in in one day. If you decide to make it a weekend or an extended stay, we have high-quality affordable hotels available in the Fort Leonard Wood area. We have five locations to choose from each with their own unique amenities. But at every one of our hotels, you will be greeted by friendly staff in a clean environment where you will be welcomed and made to feel at home. Let us pamper you at Fort Wood Hotels, it’s what we do best. If you’d like to hear more information about lodging in the Fort Leonard Wood Area, or things to do in Pulaski County, we invite you to use the link below to follow us on social media where we will share helpful tips and information with you on a regular basis.
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