Best Hikes—Sac River Trails
Made for mountain biking, but suited for foot travel, Sac River is a top local outdoors spot.
By Trey George
Wide trails eventually narrow for comfortable foot traffic at the Sac River Trails.
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Though it’s technically part of the Ozark Greenways system, the Sac River Trail stands well enough on its own. Like Busiek, it is just a couple miles outside town. This time you’ll go north on Highway 13 to find one of the most popular outdoor-sports destinations in the area. I have to admit, pulling up in my dented, mid-’90s Civic with no bike, a camera and a pair of $70 jeans made parking next to five SUVs with bike racks a little awkward.
This time my companion is Todd Beslile. We start down what can only be called a bike path, in that it is a 12-inch wide groove in the open field, before actually hitting the trails through the woods.
Talking to Owen before the hike, he did warn us that the paths were more designed for mountain bikes. I’d be lying if I said, before reaching the trails, we didn’t heavily consider hitting up the nearest thrift store for its cheapest mountain bikes to feel a little more “in place.” But once we reached the forest, it was more apparent these trails aren’t biker-exclusive. The paths widen to make a hiker-friendly stroll with immediate scenery.
Although we came across a hunting station within a barbed-wired piece of land, I must mention we saw this only 15 yards after seeing an “O Hunting” sign (at right). Someone had taken the initiative to scratch off the “N.” Thank you, Middle America.
Coming in at close to 300 acres, Sac River Trail sets itself apart with its compact variety. Though it’s subtle in the grand scheme of things, the topography can’t seem to sit still. There is at least a 15-foot change in altitude every 50 yards or so. All the while, the trails’ twists and turns bring us back to the Sac River, right on the bay, an overhanging cliff or a fallen log bridging one of its creeks.
While Sac River Trail is perfect for mountain-bikers of various skill levels, it’s not nearly as bike-exclusive as the entry to the trails makes it seem. In fact, we didn’t get in the way of a single biker. With all of the off-trail paths, it’s a surprise we ran into anyone at all.
The Rundown
• Camping: No• Hunting: O
• Mountain biking: Definitely
• Road biking: Definitely not
• Horseback: Wouldn’t recommend it
