A Drive Down To The Eribe Low Water Bridge

Bluff Near Sam's Throne

Cove Creek Feeds The Buffalo National River

March was a decent month here in the  Ozarks. Weekend weather has been rather good and that has brought out quite a few visitors to our area. So many people were here for family weekend getaways as well as all the spring breakers, you could not take a hike without meeting a crowd. I understand this because that is when people have off from work. Weekends and vacations. However since I live in the area I can choose when to go out. I wanted to check out the river and decided to drive down to the Erbie area and see how things were and on Tuesday April 6 I jumped in the recently repaired Jeep and headed off.
My plan was to start on the north side of the river, cross at the Erbie low water bridge, and exit the park at the Hwy 7 Erbie Access road.  I turned onto County 19 from Hwy 206 and headed to the park. I entered at a low water slab then worked my way down towards  the river. I got past the Erbie Church and close to the low water slab when I ran into the road grader. He was working that part of the road so I just pulled over in a convenient spot and walked down to the river.  It was a day of blue skies and puffy white clouds and a nice breeze. I didn't see any other people while driving and only two other vehicles along the road.
I spent a little time chatting with the road grader guy then ambled down to the low water crossing at Erbie. I happened to catch a group of canoeists floating down the river. I noticed that there were mostly women with young girls, and a couple men sprinkled in separate canoes. I figured it might be a scout troop or something similar. They were have a lot of fun, and some whooping and hollering wafted its way down river. They were outfitted with sleeping gear and tents for several days along the river.
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With everyone trying to get out and enjoy some sunshine it is no wonder that the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River have become such popular getaway spots. With the large crowds you want to make any reservations for lodging or canoes well in advance. I hope you have a chance to enjoy a spring in the Ozarks with all the flowers and trees in bloom and the river up and running.