|
The
Glade Top Trail Of
The Mark Twain
The Message Tree
Staff
Across
southern Missouri lie thousands of square
miles of land maintained by the Forest
Service and simply known to many Ozarkers
as "The Mark Twain." Presidential
Proclamation established this national
treasure on September 11, 1939. The 1.5
million acres of land features various
examples of vegetation, geological
features, water resources, wildlife, seven
federally designated wildernesses and
numerous historical and archaeological
sites. Many of the rural roads that cling
precariously to the winding ridge tops,
provide excellent views of the surrounding
countryside, but one of the most scenic is
the Glade Top Trail near Ava.
In
the thirties, the men of the Civilian
Conservation Corps, built the gravel, two
lane trail, providing access to the
interior of this particular part of the
Mark Twain and now, from the several
vantage points along the route, some of
the most breathtaking views of the
national forest can be found. In the
spring, redbud and Dogwood trees provide
color but during autumn, the "flaming fall
revue" draws visitors from all across the
Midwest just to see the spectacular views
that reach to the distant horizon.
The
forests that seem to go on forever, are
not the only wondrous sights found along
the Glade Top, numerous species of
wildflowers can be found in the glades
that are found on the bald knobs and
ridges in the preserve. Slowly
disappearing throughout the Ozarks, glade
ecosystems, fragile and beautiful rocky
outcrops lined with wildflowers, are one
of nature's best handiworks, something
everyone should take to enjoy.
From
Ava, follow Highway 5 south for about 5
miles to County Route A and watch for the
signs that direct the traveler to the
start of the trail. Not far from the sign
that denotes the beginning of the Glade
Top is the first of several points of
interest. A state natural area containing
forty acres of glades, Haden Bald is
typical of those mountains of the Ozarks
that appear to be "bald" on top due to the
limestone glades and lack of trees on the
rocky outcroppings. Directly across the
trail from Haden is Smoke Tree overlook
where the trees known locally as
yellowwood line the valley and each fall
turn deep shades of red and orange.
A
mile and a half past Smoke Tree, is
Arkansas View, where on a clear Ozarks day
you can see the neighboring state some
forty miles in the distance. Further along
you will see Watershed Divide, a ridge
that separates the valleys of Beaver Creek
and the Little North Fork of the White
River watershed. This ridge that
geologically creates a divide between the
two watersheds, is typical of many ridges
throughout the Ozarks that our ancestors
have constructed roads along as we have
detailed in past issues of The Message
Tree.
To
the south, you can see Caney lookout
tower, a structure built by the CCC
(Civilian Conservation Corps) in the
thirties. The trail will take you around
the knob that the tower stands on, and
down a hill to the Caney picnic area. This
spot is perfect for a family outing,
featuring a covered pavilion, an
amphitheater with open-air stage,
spectacular views, and a trail from the
parking area that leads to a small cave.
Just to the south is Pinnacle Mountain
which is home to a legend that tells of a
lady from Kansas city that had a dream
telling her to dig for gold on top of the
knob. Apparently she never did find any
precious metals, but the beauty of the
area certainly is worth a fortune in
gold.
About
twenty-three miles from start to finish,
the Glade Top Trail is well worth taking
the time to enjoy, especially if you are a
fan of the flora and fauna of the Ozark
Mountains. During the third weekend of
October, Ava sponsors a Glade Top
celebration in the city park with barbecue
and entertainment; see the
Ava Chamber of Commerce web
site for the
2004 event. But why not take the time to
prepare a picnic lunch, or stop off at one
of the areas fine restaurants and pick an
order to go and spend some time enjoying
one of the finest areas in Missouri's Mark
Twain National Forest.
all
photos by the Message Tree
Staff
|
