Ozarks hillsides for trail riding are not far away

McDONALD COUNTY, Mo. -- The quiet, tranquil hillsides interspersed with woods, ponds, streams and meadows conceal what at times can be a roaring paradise.

In the midst of the 1,000 acres of Rush Springs Ranch is a race track with steeply banked sides beckoning four-wheelers to test their skills. A wooden observation tower sits in the middle, keeping guard over the track.

Several ponds, home to fish, turtles, ducks, geese and heron lie back to back through the valley. A wooden pavilion and boat dock sits on the edge of one pond, inviting visitors to picnic, fish or boat.

Trails are available for horseback riding, all-terrain vehicles and off-roading. As one visitor said: "It's good clean family fun unless it rains. Then it's dirty family fun."

About an hour north from the bustling cities of Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville -- or south from Joplin -- Rush Springs Ranch offers seclusion, nature and outdoor family fun.

Begun as a nature preserve about 30 years ago, Rush Springs Ranch has become an all-terrain vehicle haven.

"It started as a place to hide from Chicago life," said Russell Van Elk of Bella Vista. When he first moved to southwest Missouri from Illinois, Van Elk ran cattle on the land. "The cattle ate all the grass and weeds grew about 10 feet tall. Then, I came up with the idea of starting houses. I built some houses, then the market crashed, so I decided to do a horse ranch. We had cowboy races and a campground for horse riders."

Van Elk said that, about four years ago, he changed the theme to a four-wheeler and Jeep park and it has become extremely popular. There are seven cabins, with three under construction.

"We're trying to be a family-oriented place with the all-around park with something for everybody. There is a race track, a play area for kids and 30 miles of easy trails anybody could ride. There is beautiful scenery with miles of rock crawler trails for the enthusiasts," Van Elk said, adding that it's a "get away" with no wifi.

"We're unplugged."

"We cater to everyone who enjoys being outdoors. Bring four-wheelers, off-road vehicles -- there are 750 miles of trails," Van Elk said, adding that some of the trails are "super easy" and others are challenging.

A racing series every month offers prizes sponsored by Freedom Power Sports of Rogers.

"It's a symbiotic relationship," he said. "They have really helped promote us. Their customers need a place to ride their new rigs."

Cabins, RV sites and campgrounds as well as restrooms and showers complete the facilities at Rush Springs Ranch and Stable.

At the stable, recreational director Kelsey Parmenter offers horse-riding lessons, birthday parties and trail rides. There are four horses to rent for guided trail rides.

"I cater specifically to what people want or need," Parmenter said. "We're here to make people's day. I love it."

The pond is stocked with crappie, bass and perch, Van Elk said, as well as carp to keep the ponds clean. There is a paddle boat to take out on the pond.

Subcontractors Bo Fite of Pea Ridge and Andrew Meppen of Powell, Mo., "do everything." They maintain the trails and cabins, cut lumber which is used to build more facilities and maintain the many vehicles on site.

"It's like a nature preserve," Van Elk said, adding that his knowledge of forest management has helped him with his work on the ranch. "For years I've been trying to improve the habitat for deer, geese, wildlife -- people notice that."

"We do a limited amount of hunting in the fall," he said.

Van Elk gives tours and driving lessons on rock crawlers and military trucks.

"We never close. There's self-check in," he said, adding that memberships are available that will save money for people who like to come out often.

"It's always priceless. This is pretty much unspoiled wilderness except for the trails. They really don't do any damage," Van Elk said, smiling and adding "when I was a young hippy, I wouldn't damage a flower."

"It's all about the balance," Parmenter said. "We plant trees when we have to take some down."

Clover has been planted along the trails providing lanes for the deer and hiding spots on the sides of the trails.

"It's an all-inclusive outdoor experience," Parmenter said. "It's the best kept secret in northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri."