Springfield: Little Clifty Creek Loop

Follow rolling hills and ridgelines into the forested hollows of the Ozarks on this 8.4-mile loop in Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 13.2

Waypoints

HLT001

Location: 36.2729187011719, -93.9669036865234

Hidden Diversity trailhead: Head NNE on a well-maintained trail through lush oak-hickory and pine forests

HLT002

Location: 36.2740898132324, -93.9647064208984

Turn R @ Y past deep wooded hollows with seasonal side creeks

HLT003

Location: 36.2837677001953, -93.9566192626953

Continue winding above gullies and bear NE

HLT004

Location: 36.2870597839356, -93.949333190918

Cross Townsend Ridge Rd. Trail begins curving to NW; watch for flying squirrels in the oak-hickory and pine trees

HLT005

Location: 36.2925910949707, -93.9607391357422

Cross a tributary of Beaver Lake’s Van Winkle Hollow; begin 200-ft. ridgeline ascent. Bald eagles glide thermals in fall and winter

HLT006

Location: 36.2917594909668, -93.9758911132812

Continue straight, heading S @ 3-way intersection
with Piney Rd. Add mileage: Cross road and follow Bashore Ridge Loop (3 mi.) for views of Beaver Lake

HLT007

Location: 36.2837753295898, -93.9757461547852

Trail descends and curves SE through pines

HLT008

Location: 36.2804908752441, -93.9672012329102

Path winds along through fragrant spicebush and blueberry shrubs and crosses a tributary of Van Winkle Hollow

HLT009

Location: 36.2786712646484, -93.9679183959961

Side trip: Turn R; follow spur trail to a wooden deck overlooking a marshy pond with small beaver dams.
Main trail winds .9 mi. back to WPT 2; turn R, retrace to trailhead

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