The area provides some challenging hiking a series of labyrinth trails that hikers must pay close attention to or risk losing some of the cross trails. I have hiked nearly 16 miles in the past two days in the area and have enjoyed hiking up it's long peaks that offer amazing views of the Ozark foothills vistas. To get to the main trails, you are going to have to cross Swan Creek, which means you need to make sure your boots are waterproof this time of year. There are a few shallow spots close to come of the trails which allow you to keep your feet dry providing you have good footwear.
Some of the trails feature nice even surfaces, but most of the trails aren't maintained well and offer a variety of challenges from fallen trees, to soft sand, to lots of mud. It is a rugged area, far more rugged than its neighbor Hercules Glades another half hour south. Unlike Hercules Glades, which also features a water fall, you are more likely to enjoy the falls on Swan Creek known as the Blue Hole year round. The falls at Hercules Glades are never a sure thing.
Here's some video and pictures of this area of the Mark Twain National Forest:
The following video was taken by another hiker and shows the falls in their full potential:
 |
| The area known as Spooky Rock. |
 |
| Unfortunately, idiots often don't pick up their campsites along swan creek. Beer cans are spread out along the trails. |
 |
| My dog Kayleigh loves hiking long distances. |
 |
| A 500 foot climb to the top of the highest knobs offers some great views of the Ozark vistas. |
