Outdoor adventure in Branson: Ziplines, parasailing, horse back riding offered

For a great outdoor adventure near Branson, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is the perfect spot. Many opportunities await you within this amazing 2,200 acre slice of Ozarks paradise, which sprawls across the Missouri- Arkansas border.

The first parcels of the property were acquired in 1990 by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops. If you spend much time in Branson and the surrounding area, you’ll quickly realize the impact he has had on the area. His dedication to conserving the natural environment has been the corner store the development of this spectacular wilderness experience.

Amenities have been added to make the park more accessible to guests, but much of the landscape remains untouched. This affords guests the opportunity to take a step back in time when European settlers first entered the area, or even further, when Native Americans arrived on the scene.

At Dogwood Park, you may choose from self-guided walking or biking tours, guide tram tours, private jeep tours, trout fishing, and horseback riding. Whichever you choose, I assure you, you will be totally fascinated with the breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains.

One of my favorite activities was the guided tram tour. We hopped on the open-air tram and explored the beauty of Dogwood Canyon on the two-hour wildlife tour. Our guide, Chad Phillips, helped to bring the history of the area alive.

We wound our way through the canyon floor, past towering bluffs and waterfalls to the first stop at Glory Hole. Here, we peered into the magnificent blue-green pool to see some of the largest trout ever. Later, we crossed into the Arkansas border where we mingled with herds of bison, elk, white tail deer and Texas Longhorns. We had a first-hand look at some of the most beautiful wildlife I’ve ever encountered.

What made this a remarkable adventure was it was almost a face to face encounter with these spectacular animals. Granted we were advised not to try and touch the wild animals, but it gave me endless photo opportunities. Dogwood Canyon is a must see when you visit Branson, and the Guided Tram Tour should be at the top of your list.

Next I wanted to get a glimpse of the park on horseback. So I climbed on Nitro for a leisurely ride of the breath-taking views along the ridges and hollows that are not seen by the tram or on the walking or biking tours. This was complete serenity and worth every minute of my time.

Horseback rides are available March 2-November 27. Children must be 10 years and older to participate. The park does offer a junior horseback ride for children ages three to nine.

If you prefer to walk or rent a bike, the park offers a 6 ½ mile round-trip self-guided trail that follows the canyon floor, along a paved, gently sloping path. A printed guide will help bring the history alive.

One of the park’s greatest appeals is the sparkling spring-fed water that is the home to the beautiful rainbow trout. They offer a variety of fishing options, including a half-day guided catch and release trip, a fly casting clinic, two day fly fishing schools or hourly self-guided opportunities to catch and release. Self-guided catch and keep opportunities are also available. No license or trout stamp is required. Tackle and rental rods are available.

Also found on the grounds is the Hope Wilderness Chapel, a rustic replica of churches from the 1800s. It is constructed with hand-striped pine logs and the oak plank floor is accented by antique wooden pews. The chapel complements the canyon’s peaceful environment and is available for weddings, vow renewals, receptions, and special events.

Dogwood Canyon is the perfect place for a picnic or grab a bite at the Outdoor Café. They offer a variety of fresh meats, including locally raised Bison, hamburgers, deli sandwiches and more. For group events (15 or more people), the park offers customized tours with delicious stream-side meals.

Guests may come for the day or decide to stay for the night in one of the rustic log cabins.

Each cabin includes a wood-burning fireplace, covered deck with patio furniture, outdoor gas grill, fully equipped kitchen, satellite TV, DVD player and a sleeper sofa. Guests receive a 10 percent discount on all activities for the duration of their stay.

For more information on Dogwood Canyon, log onto www.dogwoodcanyon.com.

MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

My outdoor adventure in and around Branson didn’t end there. While on the trip, I tried parasailing for the first time. There’s just something spectacular about a bird’s eye view of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake.

Being a first timer, I was a little anxious until I met Captain Sam Sandt of American Para-Sail. He is a top notch professional who offered us a trip in a custom parasailing boat that is equipped with the newest and safest technology. The best part is we could take off and land in the boat. We didn’t even have to get wet, unless we wanted to. They offer hourly flights departing State Park Marina and prearranged flights at other locations.

For more information log onto www.stateparkmarina.com.

How about zip lining? Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours has everything you’ll need for this high-flying experience. I’d never had the opportunity to soar through the canopy until this trip. What a rush to soar through the air as I enjoyed the splendor and beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

We began our journey at Wolfe Creek Station with an orientation before being transported to the top of Wolfe Mountain where we began our adventure. Here, an accredited guide led us through the property as we moved over creeks via suspension bridges. We leisurely enjoyed the floor of the canopy from walkways offering convenient vantage points, before we soared through the Ozarks on numerous zip lines. Our guides provided fascinating information on the sights and general ecology of the Ozarks. It was an adventurous and educational experience all in one.

For more information on Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours log onto www.bransonzipline.com.

For more information about Branson, go to www.explorebranson.com or call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-214-3661. You can also order a free vacation guide.