Twin Falls--Richland Creek: Question

Hi All,

I will shortly be in the Richland Creek area and I am planning a hike to Twin Falls starting from Hill Cemetery. I've got maps and Tim Ernst's book but I have a couple questions I was hoping someone here could answer.

First, the Ozark Nat. Forest website says dispersed primitive camping is allowed most anywhere in the National Forest unless otherwise posted. So my question is: Are there any such places to camp (car/tent) along County roads 36 or 37 near Hill Cemetery? (I guess that would be Forest Service roads 1200, 1201, 1205)

Second, is Twin Falls best viewed under morning light or afternoon light? What time do you usually hit the trail?

And last, according to Tim's book, Dogwood Falls is in the same general vicinity (NW of Hill Cemetery). Have any of you been to this waterfall? Does it only flow during rainy weather or is there water year-round?

I'm pretty much coming in to this area blind (don't know what to expect) from New Mexico so your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hey Phillip, Richland is a great area at any time of the year. There are lots of places to pull off the road and camp in the national forest (this is true of all national forests that you are allowed to camp wherever you like - but not in national parks) - many sites that have been created and used by deer hunters, but really, you are allowed to camp anywhere (do watch for private property in this area though - there is lots of it, especially near the Iceledo Gap turn to Hill Cemetery). There are lots of great camping sites along the Falling Water Creek road (although the road is still blocked by the landslide so you can't get there from the north/Hill Cemetery route) - you have to come in from the south, past Falling Water Falls (one that does run a good bit even during dry periods).

Twin Falls is best with no light - or rather with cloudy conditions, no bright sunshine. If it is sunny you should be there either very early in the morning or late in the day when the sun is low. Cloudy is generally always best for waterfalls - just don't get the sky in the photo if you can help it. I've hiked in to Twin Falls many times to be there at first light, about an hour hike for me with a light.

Like most waterfalls in the Ozarks, you need a good bit of water for Dogwood Falls to be running well, and even a lot more than that during the fall - this season is normally dry unless we have many days of rains. FYI, someone cut down the best dogwood tree in front of this waterfall, although it is still a nice falls - but there is a LOT of ice storm damage and so the bushwhacking is more difficult than usual. Unless we have really high water conditions when you are here, I would skip Dogwood Falls.

Hope you have a great trip!

Phillip, there's also a designated Forest Service campground called Fairview on Hwy 7 between Pelsor and Lurton. The CSNPers here will be planning an annual Fall Gathering probably the last weekend in October - but dates and location are yet to be determined. You would be most welcome to join in with the rest of us to see and photograph some of the most beautiful wilderness you'll find anywhere. We're all keeping our fingers crossed that we'll get some rain during peak color.

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies.

Out here in the West, the National Forest maps show land ownership: Nat. For., NPS, BLM, Private, Indian Res, etc. I haven't been able to locate a map like this for the Richland Creek area. Does one exist? I had found a series of maps for Arkansas that showed what was Nat. For. land and what wasn't but now I can't find that site again! Should have bookmarked the link! Oh well, if you know of a source that would tell me land ownership, or what is Nat. For. and what isn't, that would be awesome!

Thanks again for the info. I only have like 4-5 days in the area so I need to maximize my time photographing instead of looking for a place to camp!

Tim can get to Twin Falls from the cemetery in an hour, but it takes most people a little longer I believe. Tim when did you start using a light? Water could be pretty low at Twin Falls over the next month or so., I would hate for you to hike all the way in there and it be low. If you came in from the campsite that would at least give you some shooting opportunities along Richland creek just in case.

Phillip, Tim has most any guidebook or map you're likely to need. Here's a link to the Map for Richland Creek. Another area that's nearby and definitely worth scouting is the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area.

Now how did I miss that? Thanks, Bill! That's just what I'm looking for!