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Ozark Mountains Trails: Arkansas, Missouri, Lake Of The Ozarks And Ozark National Forest Trails
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Published: September 11, 2007
Mountainous regions are among some of the most refreshing, rejuvenating areas to take vacations. The air is crystal-clear, the environment is pristine, and there are so many opportunities for vigorous cardiovascular exercise. The United States is fortunate to boast many such regions within its borders. Among these are the stunning Ozark Mountains.
The Ozark Mountains are classified as highlands, and extend from southern Missouri and most of northern Arkansas.
It is actually more accurate to refer to the Ozark Mountains as a very high and jagged plateau. The Ozark Mountains are often grouped along with the Ouachita Mountains when referring to what are known as the "U.S. Interior Highlands." Four distinct sections make up the terrain of the Ozark Mountains, the highest elevations being found in the Boston Mountains. The Ozark Mountains are also known for its distinctive culture, tracing its history back to the earliest French settlements in the area and beyond that to the Native Americans.
And speaking of the French, the name "Ozark" is likely traced back to the French phrase aux arks, or "toward the arches." Many Americans may find it interesting the French once played such a key role in the development of a very American "heartland" region.
The Ozark Mountains have traditionally been a source of timber and mineral mines, notably the lead and zinc-mining areas. However, tourism is another one of the Ozarks' most profitable industries. Many have heard of the Branson, Missouri tourist center, located close to these highlands. Attractions pertaining to outdoor activities are what draw visitors the most. The Lake of the Ozarks has become a popular area for fishing and boating, created artificially by a project which dammed the Osage River. Many people own vacation homes around the Lake of the Ozarks for these purposes. This man-made wonder receives about three million visitors each year.
Those who prefer land-based activities such as hiking and camping flock to the Ozark National Forest, with its gorgeous variety of trees. Besides hiking the mountain trails, visitors can also fish in the Mississippi River, which flows through the St. Francis section of the Ozark National Forest, or see the extraordinary formations in the caves at the Blanchard Springs campground. There are actually four separate cavern areas open to tourists. The caves are attractions not only for their awesome natural features but also for the historical events which took place there - including events tied to Native Americans and the Civil War.
For anyone interested in visiting the Ozark Mountains, the official site of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region has a list of vacation packages and deals, some oriented to specific activities like fishing and camping. Some have very low rates, such as three nights for only $89, depending on the number of vacationers in a group.
The Ozark Mountains are a convenient and affordable getaway. It is worthwhile to escape from hectic civilization for a few days to find solace within their wooded hills and mountain trails. Visitors will find their bodies refreshed and challenged by all the walking, swimming and relatively unpolluted air in the Ozark Mountains.
Sources:
"The Ozarks." Wikipedia. 7 Sept. 2007. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 9 Sept. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ozarks.
"Lake of the Ozarks." Wikipedia. 7 Sept. 2007. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 9 Sept. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_of_the_Ozarks.
"Parks - Ozark National Forest - Arkansas." Gorp. 1999-2007. Orbitz Away LLC. 9 Sept. 2007. http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_for est/ar_ozark.htm.
"Things to Do: Caves." Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region. 2001-2007. Ozark Mountains Region. 9 Sept. 2007. http://www.ozarkmountainregion.com/things-to-do/ca ves.asp.
"Vacation Packages." Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region. 2001-2007. Ozark Mountains Region. 9 Sept. 2007. http://www.ozarkmountainregion.com/packages/.
The Ozark Mountains are classified as highlands, and extend from southern Missouri and most of northern Arkansas.
Related Articles
And speaking of the French, the name "Ozark" is likely traced back to the French phrase aux arks, or "toward the arches." Many Americans may find it interesting the French once played such a key role in the development of a very American "heartland" region.
The Ozark Mountains have traditionally been a source of timber and mineral mines, notably the lead and zinc-mining areas. However, tourism is another one of the Ozarks' most profitable industries. Many have heard of the Branson, Missouri tourist center, located close to these highlands. Attractions pertaining to outdoor activities are what draw visitors the most. The Lake of the Ozarks has become a popular area for fishing and boating, created artificially by a project which dammed the Osage River. Many people own vacation homes around the Lake of the Ozarks for these purposes. This man-made wonder receives about three million visitors each year.
Those who prefer land-based activities such as hiking and camping flock to the Ozark National Forest, with its gorgeous variety of trees. Besides hiking the mountain trails, visitors can also fish in the Mississippi River, which flows through the St. Francis section of the Ozark National Forest, or see the extraordinary formations in the caves at the Blanchard Springs campground. There are actually four separate cavern areas open to tourists. The caves are attractions not only for their awesome natural features but also for the historical events which took place there - including events tied to Native Americans and the Civil War.
For anyone interested in visiting the Ozark Mountains, the official site of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region has a list of vacation packages and deals, some oriented to specific activities like fishing and camping. Some have very low rates, such as three nights for only $89, depending on the number of vacationers in a group.
The Ozark Mountains are a convenient and affordable getaway. It is worthwhile to escape from hectic civilization for a few days to find solace within their wooded hills and mountain trails. Visitors will find their bodies refreshed and challenged by all the walking, swimming and relatively unpolluted air in the Ozark Mountains.
Sources:
"The Ozarks." Wikipedia. 7 Sept. 2007. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 9 Sept. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ozarks.
"Lake of the Ozarks." Wikipedia. 7 Sept. 2007. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 9 Sept. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_of_the_Ozarks.
"Parks - Ozark National Forest - Arkansas." Gorp. 1999-2007. Orbitz Away LLC. 9 Sept. 2007. http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_for est/ar_ozark.htm.
"Things to Do: Caves." Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region. 2001-2007. Ozark Mountains Region. 9 Sept. 2007. http://www.ozarkmountainregion.com/things-to-do/ca ves.asp.
"Vacation Packages." Arkansas Ozark Mountains Region. 2001-2007. Ozark Mountains Region. 9 Sept. 2007. http://www.ozarkmountainregion.com/packages/.
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