Staying Cool In Missouri's Caves

I hiked this trail with my daughters Feb. 18-19 2011. I have hiked it several times. It's a great hike, if you do it in the right season: Late fall to early spring. I woudn't hike any Ozark trail in the summer.

I hiked this trail with my daughters Feb. 18-19 2011. I have hiked it several times. It's a great hike, if you do it in the right season: Late fall to early spring. I woudn't hike any Ozark trail in the summer.

Perhaps the previous reviewer wants to keep this place a secret but I just hiked the Whites Creek Trail loop this past weekend (less than 2 months from the previous review) and had a wonderful experience. Beautiful clear springs, the Eleven Point River (yes only one view along the trail) and the rugged country make it a beautiful remote hiking destination. Keep in mind in regards to trail maintenance this is a Wilderness Area but I did not find it difficult to navigate with map only. If bugs bother you, I recommend the Fall or Spring seasons. See my full trip report at www.showmehiking.com

Hiked this trail Aug13-14 2009. The cave is now closed the entrance is blocked with bars. The trail has not been maintained, there are entire sections obliterated by the storms in early july. You will find yourself leaving the trail many times to circumnavigate large streches of downed trees and be forced to circle around trying to find the trail again. Some sections you will be doing a little rock climbing where this has happened on the side of a hill. The ticks, spiders, mosquitos, horseflies and chiggers are unreal. Some of the worst Ive ever found in Missouri. The river is virtually unfishable without a boat. The trail really only offers on view, which is very limited because of the trees. Unless you like hiking extremely rugged chigger infested country for no real rewards, do yourself a favor and avoid this one.