BLUFF TRAIL BRANSON

My travels in Missouri had me overnight in Branson, Missouri.  I scooted into town around 6PM, and quickly set out for a short one mile hike from my hotel to the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area and the Bluff Trail. The Bluff Trail involved climbing down (and then back up again) 315 stonework steps originally built in the late 1930's. My complete hike from hotel and back was six miles.

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Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Apples & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal	780	162	9	18	1,020	72
	780	162	9	18	1,020	72
L U N C H
Caseys - Turkey Club Wrap, 1 Wrap	390	42	15	21	1,310	0
	390	42	15	21	1,310	0
D I N N E R
Big Daddy charbroil and cheese , 1 package	780	65	43	32	1,460	11
North Star - Fudge Bar - 100 Calorie, 1 Bar	100	22	0	2	90	17
	880	87	43	34	1,550	28
S N A C K S
Clif - Builder's Protein Bar	540	60	18	40	400	42
	540	60	18	40	400	42
Totals	2,590	351	85	113	4,280	142
Your Daily Goal	2,941	367	98	148	2,300	110
Remaining	351	16	13	35	-1,980	-32
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
BRANSON BLUFF TRAIL HIKE	117	903
Daily Total / Goal	117 / 30	903 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	218 / 210	1,383 / 4,130

form http://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is in the heart of Branson and offers a nature escape with 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country.  From its inception in 1998, the park was envisioned to be a showcase for nature and beauty in the Ozarks.  With its proximity to Highway 76, it is very accessible to residents and visitors alike.  After the acquisition of the Owen's Homestead in 2010, we have devoted time and energy to improving the park, including a new entrance feature.  A large wooden log archway over an ornamental iron gate with a decorative native stone veneer welcomes visitors to the park.  With sustainable concepts in mind, a plan was developed for a parking lot that will eliminate surface runoff by capturing the storm water in a state-of-the-art underground "water harvesting system".  This water is then pressurized and supplies the water for an adjoining irrigation system.  The 6,000 square foot parking lot made of donated permeable parking lot paver stones is complete, with a walkway made of trail pavers currently under construction, giving the park improved access to walkers from Highway 76.  In the last two years, 1.3 miles of trail have been added, which now totals 4.4 miles of trails.  More trails are planned in the future.

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The Bluff Trail starts through an upland forest where mature trees dominate and the fairly level 3/10 mile trail makes for an easy walk to the steps.  A set of 315 stonework steps lead down toward Lake Taneycomo. Fairly steep in design, this part of the trail takes some agility, along with a good pair of lungs and comfortable walking shoes. Many spots allow passage for only one person. The steps were built from 1937-1938. Inscribed in mortar on a step near the bottom are the building  dates and the names of the workers, along with this testament of their hard work, “Let those who tread here not forget, that these steps were not made of stone and mortar alone, but of sweat, blood, and agony.” While walking the steps, you will see the first of two caves located in the wilderness area.  At the bottom of the steps, the 1/5 mile Bluff Trail will take you by a grotto and waterfall and end at the Old Soldier's Cave.  The total mileage for Trail 1 is 7/10 mile (one way).