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Rock CreekBluff, creek and waterfall hike on Rock Creek, tributary of Big Piney Creek
10/13/18
Friday afternoon I typically make the decision of where to go on Saturday morning. There are some days when no plan has been made until late, and this is not good. This Friday was one of those days. At the last minute, Rock Creek was chosen as my destination. My first and only visit to this valley was in 2013. It was found to be a very unique area with a multitude of attributes...some negative but most quite positive. My morning started off poorly due to my slumber going twenty-five minutes beyond the appointed time of waking. All worked out, even with the late start. Breakfast was, once again, had at Denny's in Russellville. Then, after the food, it was north up Hwy 7 to the valley of Big Piney Creek via the town of Deer.
Rock Creek lies deep within the Ozark National Forest where it flows into Big Piney Creek about three miles downstream from the community of Limestone. It was at this location that my journey began. The time was 5:30 with clouds and 51°. There are two distinct bluff lines that line the valley of this creek on the western rim. The first line is the most formidable with high walls and numerous undercuts forming many shelters...all filled with bears. Do not enter here if bears are a problem for you. My passage through here encountered no bears, for they were all out for the night and it was still dark. Eventually a break in the face of the massive cliff was found. After much treacherous climbing and scrambling, the top was mounted...and there was much rejoicing. From here on up, there is evidence of forest thinning by logging sometime in the past. None has been done yet in the future. This makes for a brushy, low growth situation that is unsavory. I did manage to reach the base of the upper bluff line after enduring much hardship. From a suitable bluff top, I watched for a change in the morning, but that did never happen.
After a time, the bluff line was traced to the north where many fine rock formations were observed. Then it was down into the valley where Rock Creek resides. Here, fine bedrock was traveled upon until Badger Balls Falls was encountered. It was dry, yet still lovely. Shortly thereafter, Hind Quarter Falls was arrived at. It had a minimal flow of water dropping from its lip to the rocks below. It was here that I did take succor...lunch. After the visit it was apparent that rain was nigh upon my ass, so I hastened forth in a downstream manner. A light rain did begin about half way to my place of origin near the Piney. Upon exiting the shrubbery, it was noted to be 1:30 with a fine 57°. The drive out through the forest was a pleasure as the rain amplitude slowly increased to a full downpour . This hike covered about 4.7 miles.
