Want to see some wonderful things on the Ozark Trail this summer? Are you ready to brave the ticks, chiggers and maybe snakes to see things that very few people ever see?

photo: root celler on the Blair Creek section

How about hiking up to see ladies tresses orchids blooming on Bell Mountain, or how about seeing the yellow flash of a collared lizard in an Ozark glade?

There are wonderful things out there on the Ozark Trail in the summer, just be sure to pack up the bug spray, the sunscreen, and be ready for some overgrown trail and the summer heat. Several sections have some great swimming holes too!

A few places to check out:

Stegall Mountain: Several summertime flowers will be blooming in the scenic glade areas that offer great views. The main attractions are the collared lizards. Be patient, be quiet and move slowly, and by no means harass or harm these wonderful creatures. Stay on the trail at all times through glade areas. The soils in these areas are very fragile, one step off the trail can do great damage. Stay on the trail and enjoy!

Blackberry Picking: You’ll find blackberry patches on every section of the Ozark Trail, usually along old roads, thicket areas and the edges of fields.

Bell Mountain: Watch in the glade areas for ladies tresses orchids. This white flower prefers the acidic soil found in the glades.

Swimmin’ holes: Suttons Bluff along the Karkaghne Section. Current River at the Powder Mill Recreation Area on the southern end of the Blair Creek section and the northern end of the Current River section.

Enjoy Summer!!