Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: Welcome to the Top of Missouri!

A little over a year ago I took on "Big Buford"... No, not the delicious arterial clogging burger they sell at Rally's/Checkers, but Buford Mountain, located just a few miles outside of Ironton, Mo. Buford Mountain is the 3rd highest point in Missouri and was a well earned victory as I took on it's 10.6 mile loop trail and enjoyed every single second of it. But I have to admit, the very second I finished the Buford Mountain trail loop and I began my ride home my mind was instantly alight with visions of taking on Taum Sauk Mountain, which is officially Missouri's highest point. I needed to make some calls, I would need oxygen, heavy parkas and perhaps a Sherpa or two... Right?

No oxygen tanks or Sherpa needed...

Taum Sauk Mountain makes up one of many mountains found in the St. Francois mountain range created by a Precambrian igneous uplift that is far, far older than the Appalachians. In fact, many geologists believe that Taum Sauk may be one of the few areas within the United States that has never been covered by ancient seas, most likely existing as islands during that time. Topping out at 1,772 feet, accomplishing Taum Sauk's summit was a bit easier than cresting Big Buford. To reach the official top of Missouri it was actually a short walk from the parking lot, only 1,000 feet down a paved trail, to a granite marker near a large boulder. I thought that may rob a bit of the "coolness" from the accomplishment, but honestly... It didn't. I was still at the top of Missouri, so a selfie was in order. But soon I thought, I really came to hike with my furry friend Hyatt, what should we do, where can we go? And it was then that I remembered, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park hosts not only the highest point in all of Missouri, but it also contains the state's highest waterfall, Mina Sauk Falls and I had heard tail that this trail was not quite as "accessible". So, after snapping a few pictures we made our way down the trail, anxious to view the falls.

Want to "earn it"? Take the Mina Sauk Falls trail...

I'll reiterate my desire to have a bit of a hike so that my hiker pride would feel as though the accomplishment of visiting Taum Sauk Mountain was not one of great ease, but earned through the sweat of my brow and the protesting of calves and quads. As I followed the trail to Mina Sauk Falls, it became apparent that this hike would be earned as the trail faded from paved trail, to rock lined trail, to gravel trail and finally to a foot worn path of Earth, leading through the forest toward our watery goal. Now, those who are "in the know" realize that Mina Sauk Falls only run in wet weather, which is one of the reasons I timed my trip here after we had received some rain during the week, so that foot worn path became very, very sloppy. In spots the trail greedily ate my entire shoe, replying only with a "splooch" as I pried my foot from its grip. My hairy buddy however, was absolutely in his element, galloping and prancing in the mud and muck as I could only think about how much fun it would be driving home with a wet and muddy pooch...

From the mud to stone...

The muddy, Oak and Hickory lined wooded trail gave way to our first glade, where a keen eyed hiker may find life better suited for a desert lying about the warm, barren rock. Lizards normally dart across this empty expanse, searching for their insect prey. But it was far too cold for our reptile friends to be emerging just yet. So we enjoyed the melodies of the feathered inhabitants, which drifted easily to our ears, serenading us as we made our way over the stony floor. As we moved forward along the trail I had to pay particular attention to my footing as the rock was very slippery in spots due to the rain water still draining from the mountain, so please, pay particular attention here for wet spots. I will readily admit, it was very hard to look down at my feet, concentrating on my footing with such a stunning view of the Arcadia Valley sweeping in a nearly full 360 panorama. I had to stop, pause and take in an eyeful, so I found myself a nice boulder to perch on and enjoyed a cool drink of water, allowing all my senses to be filled, enjoying the view as the songbirds created the score for this outstanding scene. But my hairy buddy was ready to go, so I was brought back to task by wet tongue and muddy paws upon me. Before we pressed on though I had to snap a photo... or two.

Onward to Mina Sauk Falls

The trail to the falls continued to waver from earth to rock and back again as it continued downhill, and was fairly well marked. However, at one particular point there seemed the foot worn trail led straight, and had it not been for a well placed timber, I would have missed my turn to remain on the trail, so do pay attention as the trail may fade in and out in spots. As the path began to follow the gentle curves of the mountain I could hear rushing water and my mind was awash in anticipation of what was just out of sight. As the trail led slightly back uphill and around a huge, precariously perched boulder, I caught my first sight of Mina Sauk Falls and the crystal clear waters cascading from the top of the fall, stream over a series of ledges and finally end its journey down 132 below. There is something about a waterfall that fills not only my senses, but also my soul. Honestly, I feel completely at peace and find absolute solace in listening intently to the crashing of the water while being cooled by the mist rising from the impact. After soaking in the falls, I realized that I had forgotten a few things, most notably the filter I use to create the cascading fall pictures and my tripod, however the falls washed away any concern of that and I snapped the photos I could with my camera but left with even more vivid pictures taken with my mind's eye. I followed the Ozark Trail down the mountain, being very careful to avoid loose and wet rock in order to gain different perspectives on the falls. It was at the base of those falls that I simply sat, for how long I honestly don't know, and watched the falls simply...  fall. From here I could carry on for another mile and see another great wonder of the area, the Devil's Tollgate or journey another ten miles to reach Johnson's Shut Ins, but I was running short on time, so I began my ascent back up to the top of Mina Sauk Falls to begin my uphill return hike.

A tragic legend for the beautiful falls

As I made my way back down the mile and a half trail, I thought of the legend of Mina Sauk Falls. How the chief, Sauk-Ton-Qua and the Piankashaw Indians once called this wondrous land home. In fact it was chief Sauk-Ton-Qua for which this mountain was named, who the white man called Taum Sauk, because his name was hard to pronounce. The Piankashaw lived in peace on these lands, but would fiercely repel any invasions made by other tribes, in particular the advancements of the Osage. It was said that Sauk-Ton-Qua had a beautiful daughter, Mina Sauk, who fell in love with an Osage warrior. One day Mina Sauk was caught in the young Osage warriors arms and taken prisoner. Sauk-Ton-Qua sentenced the young man to death, despite his daughter's pleas to spare his life. It is said that later that day the young man was executed on the very slopes of Taum Sauk Mountain. He was tossed from the crest of the mountain, crashing from ledge to ledge below with the spears of warriors, until finally coming to rest at the base of the mountain, battered, bleeding and dying. As Mina Sauk watched her lover she could no longer contain her grief and as her Osage suitor lie at the bottom of the mountain, breathing his last breaths, she cast herself from the summit as well, plunging over Taum Sauk's ledges to her death. It was then, that the great spirit became so moved by the lovers deaths that the very Earth trembled and shook, and Taum Sauk Mountain began to crack. Then a flood of water streamed forth, flowing over the very same stones as the lovers, washing away their blood. Such a tragic legend to explain such beauty... There are other versions of this legend, some change the name of the daughter, others create the falls with a thunderous lightning bolt, but all seem to suggest the falls were created by the great spirit's response to the treatment of the young lovers.

Pro-Tips for Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

I truly enjoyed every second I spent at Taum Sauk Mountain, from the thrill of being taller than every single Missourian for a few brief seconds to experiencing the peace that streams from Mina Sauk Falls (despite the star crossed legend) I can't recommend this park enough. I would suggest that you aim to visit the park after there has been a period of rain, especially if you want to see Mina Sauk Falls and snatch your own moment of zen from this busy, noisy world. Be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes that you don't mind getting absolutely covered in mud and muck. Which brings me to this... Bring a towel for your car, especially if you are bringing a four legged companion, I'm still finding bits and pieces of Taum Sauk Mountain in my truck. Also, keep an eye out for the watchtower. I didn't see it, or know it existed until I had finished my hike, returned home and began to type up this entry. I'll certainly be looking to take some shots from it on my next visit! Finally, be sure you have enough time. I didn't expect the hike to Mina Sauk to take as long as it did, and once there I didn't have enough time to press on to the Devil's Tollgate. The area is rich in wildlife, views, sights and sounds so be sure to provide yourself ample time to really take it all in.

I can't wait to go back to Taum Sauk Mountain and I will certainly make time to search for the watchtower and also make my way further down the Ozark Trail to see the Devil's Tollgate. I hope you enjoyed the write up about the area and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions down there in the comments. As always, happy trails to you!

Directions


More Information:
Local Treks on facebook 

MO State Parks: Taum Sauk Mountain Webpage
MO State Parks: Taum Sauk Mountain Hiking Trails
MO State Parks: Mina Sauk Hiking Trail Map
MO State Parks: Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail Map
Missouri Department of Conservation: Taum Sauk Mountain Webpage

MDC Offering Free "Discover Nature Girls Camp" - Kansas City Area

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

As a father of a wonderful twelve-year-old, I have to admit... It's sometimes tough making the outdoors interesting. I love long hikes, the sounds, the smells, the freedom calls to me like an old friend and I relish ever single "conversation" I get to have with the great outdoors. Every step finds me a different view from which to marvel at her beauty. Now, that's me and my conversation with . Here's the conversation my daughter has with Mother Nature during a long walk: "O... M... G... Will it end?" That's why I keep our hikes short and I scout out most areas as well, it has to pass the "is there something cool or a big payoff on this hike" test. But I think anyone will tell you that the best way for a girl to have fun, well, it's with other girls!

Enter the Discover Nature Girls Camp

If you are looking for a way to make the outdoors more interesting for your daughter (or niece, granddaughter or just over all great girl that you love) who is between the ages of 11 to 15 and you live near Chilhowee, Missouri, you will certainly want to check out the Discover Nature Girls Camp, being held at Camp Palestine in Johnson County (see Google Map below for directions). According to the MDC site this is "a three-day, two-night camp that will introduce girls to outdoor skills in a supportive learning environment". The campers will be participating in skills including: archery, firearms safety, fishing, canoeing and water safety, with the MDC providing all of the necessary gear and materials. Who can beat that? Seriously... Who?

Registration Is Limited, So Act Now!

With a free deal this good you know there HAS to be a catch... And there is. You need to act NOW if you would like your favorite girl to participate as the Discover Nature Girls Camp is limited to 32 campers, with only the first 32 being admitted to the program. To request an application and apply for the Discover Nature Girls Camp, contact Agent Bartlett at (816) 835-6087, or call the Missouri Department of Conservation's Regional Office at (816) 622-0900. To find other GREAT programs near you visit mdc.mo.gov.

More Information:

Local Treks on facebook 
MDC Discover Nature Girls Camp webpage

Get Hooked: Missouri Kid's Fishing Days 2014

I am a huge proponent for getting kids outside and developing their relationship with nature. Now, the Missouri Department of Conservation offers a great way for you to get the kids out and have some family fun, all while introducing kids to the outdoors and conservation. Kids Fishing Days are created to help families and groups learn about fish, important fish habitat, conservation and fishing techniques. At many of these Kids Fishing Days, the program provides fishing equipment, bait and instruction, so all you need to supply are the kids and a spirit of adventure. Some even supply lunch, just in case you don't get a "wiggler" on the line.

Hopefully a fun day spent with you trying to land a monster fish will turn into more fun days with you outdoors, enjoying even more that our state has to offer. Who knows, it may even lead to you all exploring one of our great Missouri trails!

When & Where To Find A Kids Fishing Day

Here are the Kids Fishing Days events I've found so far around the state. You can click the name of the area below to visit the website for more information.

• Maramec Spring Trout Park in St. James, MO: Saturday, May 17
• Free hotdogs and soda for lunch
• Goodie bags for all participants
• Entire upper portion is reserved for kids 15 and under
• Rainbow trout will be restocked during the event
• Contests and activities all day long for prizes and awards
• The day lasts from 6:30 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.
• Roaring River State Park in Cassville, MO: Saturday, May 17
• Free hotdogs, chips and soda for lunch. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Seminars on fish cleaning, fish cooking, knife sharpening, knot tying , fly tying, stream biology, fly casting, how to fish Roaring River and more.
• Kids 15 and under receive a free trout tag and a portion of the park will be reserved just for them to fish 
• Roaring Rivers State Park also features seven hiking trails... Just sayin'...
• Kellogg Lake Park in Carthage, MO: Saturday, June 7
• Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the pavilion.
• Limited poles available, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own poles
• Bait will be provided
• Learn how to cast a fly rod and much more
• Refreshments and prizes available
• Shepard of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, MO: Saturday, June 7
• Free performance at noon by the "Fishin' Magicians"
• Free Goodie Bags for kids 15 and under
• Learn how to tie knots, cook fish, bait and fly cast, ethical fishing, how to rig up a pole and more
• Limited number of poles will be available, so you may want to bring your own to avoid waiting

Also if you're lucky enough to live near the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center they have a pond that is reserved for children 15 and under all the time. They will even provide a fishing pole and bait for your child to fish with, available at the front desk, and that's each and every day while the Nature Center is open. 

Wishing you good luck, sunken bobbers, and many happy trails.

For More Information:

Kids Fishing Day Homepage on MDC.mo.gov
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
The Fishin' Magicians 

Celebrate National Wildflower Week! May 5 - 11

There's more to some wildflowers than meets the eye!

Wildflowers are blooming everywhere (as I'm sure anyone with allergies can certainly attest) and it's just in time for the 26th Anniversary of National Wildflower Week! National Wildflower Week, was established to remind you to get out and marvel at the beauty of wildflowers and also bring attention to the issues that are currently effecting your local fauna, such as loss of local habitat. You don't have to get out into the wilds to sneak glimpses of wildflowers, just look out your window on your commute to work, check in your backyard or go on a quick neighborhood walk to discover the wildflowers that call your area home. So go ahead, set aside a bit of time to take a quick stroll, be it down a dirt trail, down your neighborhood street, or just down your driveway and keep an eye out for the wild beauty that surrounds you.

Share With Us

If you take any photos please feel free to share them with us on our facebook page or tweet them at us on our twitter feed, we'd love to see them. If you'd like us to put some up right here in our blog you can send a link to us at localtreks@gmail.com too. Enjoy the weather, enjoy the wild flowers, enjoy life!

Thanks for reading and happy trails to you!

More Information:
National Wildflower Week Homepage
The National Forest Service Wildflower Week Page

320 Millions Years Well Spent: Garden of the Gods, IL

Be sure to take time to soak in the natural beauty of the area.

The exquisite sandstone formations located at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, located in Illinois, took nearly 320 million years to form and, in my opinion, every single second has been very, very well spent. The area boasts truly awe inspiring vistas that beg to be fully taken in, small well worn trails that beckon you to lay tread to, and unique formations that are instantly recognizable, such as; Camel, Mushroom, and Anvil Rock formations. This true Illinois treasure is one of the most awe inspiring locations I have laid eyes upon, and was reminiscent of views I experienced in South Dakota and Colorado, only far, far closer to home!

You can't miss the Devil's Smokestack!

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area boasts over 3300 acres of forest in the counties of Pope, Saline, and Hardin, with 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails spread throughout. However, the most popular trail by far is the quarter mile long Observation Trail. This well maintained and traveled interpretive trail will have you gazing at some very interesting rock formations such as Monkey Face, Mushroom Rock, Table Rock, Camel Rock and the Devil's Smokestack. In just a few short seconds, you'll easily be able to make out each of the namesake rocks as you stroll along the trail, take care and watch your step though, the smooth sandstone beneath your feet may be slippery when wet. Before venturing down the trail be sure to read the large informational signboard that contains background on the natural history and geology of the area, there will be additional interpretive signs along the trail as well pointing out even more interesting formations and history. Honestly, I don't want to give away too much on this short hike, it is a path best experienced rather than explained.

Interesting outcrops are EVERYWHERE!

If you are heading out to the Garden of the Gods be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the rocks, cliffs, and chasms BEG to be climbed upon and explored. No matter your age, I can guarantee that you will hear a small voice from within asking "What do you think you can see from up there?" and before you can even consciously reply, your body will be moving forward, ready to discover the answer. I'd also suggest that you pack a lunch as there are many places along the trail to stop and rest, allowing you to really soak in the surrounding beauty, and these spots are perfect for small picnics (just be sure to keep the area beautiful by picking up all your trash, please, remember ).

Scenic overlook after scenic overlook is what you can expect.

I also want to let you know that this area is one of the busier parks that we have visited, on any given nice day I can assure you that you will see many other hikers and nature lovers out on this trail. In fact, on our summer visit the area was downright crowded in some spots (but you can always find some spots to have to yourself for a bit). So if seclusion and solitude is what you seek, you may want to hit a portion of the River to River Trail, which runs through Garden of the Gods. However, I can't stress how splendid the views are from the Observation Trail and missing them is darn near criminal...

Ever wonder what a tree eats?

For those of you interested in longer journeys, this makes a fantastic starting area to traverse a portion of the 160 mile River to River Trail, which blazes through the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area can also satisfy those of you looking to "rough it" a bit, with year round camping at the Pharaoh Campgrounds, but be sure to bring what you need with you as the nearest town, Elizabethtown is about a 20 minute drive away. Campsites are rented for $10 on a first come, first served basis.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and the Observation Trail make an absolutely fantastic family friendly day trip. I can assure you that after a day of bouncing among the boulders, shimmying along the outcrops, and traveling the quarter mile trail, your curtain climbers will be tuckered! Just be sure to pack a light snack or lunch and follow some of these tips for a great day hike. You may want to include a couple of band-aids though, just in case of a scraped knee. Just be sure to take time to revel in the splendor of the area and have fun!

More Information:
Visit Local Treks on facebook!
Tips: How To Take A Great Dayhike 
Shawnee National Forest - Garden of the Gods
Pharaoh Campground Information (Nearly halfway down the page)
My Flickr Garden of the Gods Photos
Garden of the Gods Trail Map (via ShawneeNationalForest.com)
Illinois Wildflowers (online guide with pictures)
National Geographic "Backyard Bird Identifier"


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Going On A Treasure Hunt: Geocaching!

Adding a geocache search, or two, or three can
add even more excitement to your hike!

While I was typing up the paragraph on our search for the geocache on the Peewah Trail in Trail of Tears State Park, I was reminded of just how much fun we have, as a family, searching for these little bits of hidden treasure. I'll admit, even as a supposedly full-grown adult, my eyes light up just as much as my daughter's each time we find a geocache, and I'm always anxious to see what is inside! My daughter enjoys trading out one of her trinkets for one of those contained within the cache, while my wife and I most enjoy looking through the log, noting where all those who found the container before us are from while we marvel at just how wide this community has become. Since our family enjoys searching for these hidden gems and we love to see the community get a bit larger and the logs contained within the caches grow and grow, I figured that I should write up a little bit more than a simple paragraph on what geocaching is and how you can get in on the fun too!

So, I guess I should start with the basics. Geocaching is, for the lack of a better description, a world-wide treasure hunt, where you navigate to specific GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates in order to find hidden containers that may be as small as a pill bottle to larger containers the size of a metal ammunition box. Now, if you're like me, that GPS coordinates line is staring you in the face... It's saying, "Hey bub, this is complicated, you need to have expensive GPS equipment if you want ANY chance of finding a geocache." But here's the deal, that smart phone you carry, the one that has the GPS chip built in, can get you within 10-20 yards (or closer) of any GPS coordinates out there, and better yet, you didn't have to spend an extra dime! In addition to your GPS device or phone, you'll need to have a pen (for autographing the log) and maybe a trinket of some type to trade. Now, on to apps for the smartphone crowd.

For Android users the best I've seen available (remember this is all personal opinion) is CacheSense, which is available in a 30 day demo form at CacheSense Demo, now, there are others available just hit up Google and search for something along the line of "best apps for geocaching" followed by what type of phone or mobile operating system you use. For iPhone (and android operating system) I found the Geocaching by Groundspeak to be very beginner friendly and fairly easy to operate, but again, there are many out there, so don't take my word for it. One big minus for me on the whole Geocaching app by Groundspeak is that it's nearly $10 for the app, that seems pretty steep, but it integrates seamlessly with their site. I would just suggest that whatever app you use have an "offline" mode, so that you won't lose your geocache just because you lost your signal. Then it is a simple as either manually plugging in the coordinates of the geocache or downloading a file from a website such as Geocaching.com. If you use Geocaching.com to get your information from you will need to make an account, it only takes a second and its free.

So, while you're on Geocaching.com simply move your mouse cursor over the "Play" button on the menu bar, then select "Hide & Seek a Cache". The page there is pretty darn self explanatory, type in an address, a zip code, state or other area and click on the "Go" button. When we first began, we only did caches that were easy, and we started on a public trail near our home so the walking was easy. So once you've picked out your first geocache target, find the coordinates for your anticipated treasure hunt and enter them into your GPS device or app! All that's left now is for you to get on out there and find that cache.

Once you've found the cache (congratulations by the way!) be sure to sign the log book or log sheet and take a second to look at the names and locations of the fine geocachers that have found the cache before you. If you'd like to trade out for an item that is contained in the cache, well, I hope you brought something along with you, because the rules are, whatever you exchange should be of equal or greater value that that which you take. We really dig taking a few of the little figures you find in the $0.50 machines in supermarkets and such, we've also found that these are taken pretty darn quick, especially zombies for some reason. So, once you've signed the log and traded for a bit of something, or maybe just took a picture of the contents, you may want to log the your geocache find online at Geocache.com. Here is a short video on how to log a geocache once you've found it:



I hope all this helps and I'm sure that adding a geocache or two on your next hike will pay back in TONS of fun, just be remember to bring a pen and perhaps a trinket to trade with you. Let me know if you have any questions or want any additional information and, as always, thanks for reading and happy trails!

More Information:
Geocache.com - A great source information of all things relating to geocaching, a must hit for anyone looking to start!
Top Five Android Geocaching Apps - You don't have to take my word for it
Top 6 Android Geocaching Apps - In case you don't want to take my word or the link above's word...
Top 5 iPhone Apps For Geocaching - for the iPhone folks

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