It was a little dicey and unnerving, but got the adrenaline pumping in a fun and exciting way. Our favorite feature was the steel ladder bolted into the rock face that takes you to the natural bridge. This hike was not as rigorous or challenging in distance or difficulty, yet offered some interesting challenges for those that might be afraid of heights. With rock features, natural bridges, streams, swimming holes, and barren slick rock, hikers might think they are out west in the Arches area of Utah. )Bell Smith Springs is really an unusual area for the Midwest and our favorite thus far in the Shawnee National Forest. Definitely tag on these two destinations on your next trip to Jackson Falls. You can get right up underneath the falls without wading. North Side Falls is on down the valley from Jackson Falls and is highly accessible and surrounded by interesting, deep cliff faces. It is easily marked with a bridge spanning the upper crossing. Dog Trot is the small (often dry) falls near the scramble to the bottom. There are two other smaller falls in the area to visit to add on to your base hike: Dog Trot Falls and North Side Falls. We happened upon 5 horseback riders at the falls, so this is clearly a popular destination for all avid outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming would be appropriate in warmer weather, thus making this a popular site for campers. There hikers will revel in a picturesque waterfall with turquoise pool to spend some time enjoying. Hikers will essentially "double-back" along the valley floor to the falls an equal distance. Continuing on, hikers will be treated to some maze-like passages and squeezes very common in the Shawnee National Forest areas. Dogs or small children may not be able to safely be assisted through this area. There is a series of boulder scrambles that acts as a makeshift rock ladder to reach the bottom of the trail. The descent to the valley floor is a bit treacherous and may not be suitable for the young, old, or injured. It is clearly frequented and well-used by climbers. Large high walled rock features make this area a climbers paradise and several areas are rigged for climbing and rappelling. From the top, hikers will continue on down the trail along a high rocky rim line with sweeping views over the valley floor below. This bright color is a real treat for the Midwest and gives Jackson Falls an almost tropical feel. Be careful as you reach the top of the falls as the trail and creek take hikers right up to the top of the falls and the enormous drop to the turquoise pool below. The beginning portion of the hike takes you along a small stream with rocky features, small waterfalls, and cool swimming holes. Immediately off the parking area, you'll find campsite after campsite that clearly indicate this as a hot spot in peak season. Close to Camp Ondessonk, but well off the paved roads, this area takes a little white-knuckled driving traversing the washouts and potholes, but rewards hikers with a quite popular destination with many activities. Jackson Falls has been on our hiking list for quite a while, and today proved worthy of a return visit.
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