The River-to-River Trail Society announces its sixth guided hike of the Fall, 2019 hiking season, at Bell Smith Springs Natural Area in Pope County on Saturday, November 9. This hike is free and open to the public. The route will run between Sand Cave and the Hunting Branch picnic area of Bell Smith Springs. This will be a hike of medium difficulty, intended for people in good health, who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.

     Hikers should meet at 10:00 a.m., at Hunting Branch picnic area. To reach the meeting place, turn right (west) off the Bell Smith Springs access road (Forest Road 848) onto unmarked Forest Road 849, about a mile and a half south of Ozark Road. (If you reach the main Bell Smith parking area, you have gone too far; turn around and retrace your steps back a half mile to Forest Road 849.) For information or directions, call (630) 470-7692.