Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a 1500-acre protected area in western Taney County west of Branson. Within the conservation area is the White River Balds Natural Area, which includes many of the scenic glades or balds interspersed with upland forests. Several miles of hiking trails provide visitor access to this scenic area. Most of the land was donated or purchased from Ruth and Paul Henning, the latter who is best known as the creator of the Beverly Hillbillies.

Directions:

Head west from Branson on Main Street and turn right on Roark Valley Road. Drive 2.1 miles and turn left on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. In 1.4 miles, turn right on MO-76 west and go 0.7 miles to the parking for Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area on the right.

Map:

Trails:

Dewey Bald Trail:

Dewey Bald Trail is a paved loop trail that leads from the south end of the parking lot up to the summit of Dewey Bald. A lookout tower at the top provides nice views of Branson and the surrounding landscape.

Glade Trail:

Glade Trail makes a loop through the open glades in White River Balds Natural Area. The trail starts at the wooden overlook at the north end of the parking lot and shortly comes to a split. There is a wooden overlook about half way through the trail. Streamside Trail picks up from the far end of the loop.

Points of Interest:

Dewey Cove Falls:

Dewey Cove Falls is a seasonal waterfall on the unnamed tributary running through Dewey Cove. It can be accessed from Shane's Shortcut. If there hasn't been much rain, there may be no waterfall to see. It was dry when we visited.

Wildlife:

We spotted this turtle in the dry tributary through Dewey Cove.

Blog Entries:

09-Oct-2018: Roaring River

External Links:

Missouri Department of Conservation website: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/henning-ruth-and-paul-ca