Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

Notice
Service roads on this area are closed to bicycle use year-round.
Glade at Henning CA
Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is in the White River Hills of western Taney County on the west side of Branson. Much of this 1,534-acre area consists of steep hills covered with typical upland oak/hickory forest. The forest is interspersed with a series of scenic glades (open desert-like areas), which make up the White River Balds Natural Area. The area also includes a small section of bottomland forest along a one-half mile stretch of Roark Creek, a relatively undisturbed Ozark headwaters stream. The glades or balds, as local people refer to them, played an important role in the history and folklore of the region. Because post-Civil war vigilante groups often met on the balds, they became known as baldknobbers. Several features of the area were also immortalized in Harold Bell Wright's book, Shepherd of the Hills, including Dewey Bald, Boulder Bald, a portion of the trail that is nobody knows how old, Sammy Lane's Lookout, The Signal Tree, and Little Pete's Cave. Most of the area was donated or purchased from Ruth and Paul Henning. Paul is best known as the creator of the Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Petticoat Junction television series. It was their wish to keep this beautiful landscape for all to enjoy. An additional 200 acres was donated from the Herschend Family in 1981.

Visitors will find 5.6 miles of hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and a lookout tower. Horses and bicycles are not allowed on trails. The 3.4 mile Homesteaders Trail features 14 informational stops that either showcase the natural features of the area or places of historical interest. Information on those stops can be found on the area brochure. Brochures can be found at trailheads or on our website.

Please note that the gate at the scenic overlook is open from 8:00AM-5:30PM October 15-March 15 and 8:00AM-7:30PM March 16-October 14.
Area Map230.93 KB
Area Brochure228.18 KB
Quick Facts
Total Acres
1534.0
Area Hours
  • Sunday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Directions
The parking lot for the scenic overlook and trailhead is located on the east side of highway 376 about 3/4 of a mile Northwest from the intersection of highway 376 and 76 Country Boulevard. To access the Homesteaders Trail from the parking lot on the north side of the area, turn right out of the scenic overlook parking lot, follow 376 for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Old 76 road, follow Old 76 road and stay right at the intersection to turn onto Noland road, stay on Noland road until it becomes Sycamore Church road, follow Sycamore Church road until it crosses Roark creek. A gravel parking lot will be on your right after you cross Roark Creek. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the creek from the parking lot, across the bridge.
For more information call
(417) 334-3324
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8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 105 Title; Authority

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
105 Title; Authority
Rules

Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code applies to this area. The information provided reflects regulations for most activities on this conservation area but does not contain regulations for all possible uses. For more information on area regulations consult the Wildlife Code or call the phone number listed for the area in the area details section.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 110 General Provisions

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
110 General Provisions
Rules

Department areas designated as open to the public may be accessed and used for hiking; sightseeing; nature observation; entering or remaining on designated portions of department areas; possession of pets and hunting dogs; field trials; use of vehicles, bicycles, horses, and horseback riding;  collecting of nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens, and mushrooms; camping; tree stands; target shooting and use of shooting ranges; decoys and blinds; use of boats and motors; taking bullfrogs and green frogs; hunting; trapping; and fishing. The locations and times when department areas may be entered, remained on, or used for these activities may be further restricted by Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code, signs, this conservation atlas, or area maps. In addition to the rules of the Wildlife Code, federal, state and local laws apply on department lands.

 The following activities are prohibited on department areas and may not be authorized by a special use permit:

1. Destruction, defacing, or removal of department property

2. Digging or excavating

3. Guiding for pay

4. Military or law enforcement training by nongovernment entities

5. Placing of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on land

6. Placing or using trail or game cameras or other similar devices

7. Use of paint ball, airsoft, or similar projectile weapons not specifically authorized by this Code

8. Placement of honey bee apiaries

9. Parking or storage of watercraft and commercial vehicles during closed hours

10. Use of fireworks

11. Use of remote-controlled boats or land vehicles

12. Prospecting, exploring, mining, or extracting minerals, metals, oil, natural gas, or other nonrenewable resources, except as specifically approved by the commission

13. Commercial or political advertising, except for commercial advertising by authorized concessionaires or by vendors participating in department events

Other activities not listed above, including commercial use and vending, may be authorized by a special use permit when the activity is compatible with other authorized activities. Special use permits may be issued only by the area manager or their designee. Issuance of a special use permit is at the discretion of the department. Application for a special use permit does not guarantee that one will be issued.

Signs, posted regulations, or area maps may further restrict activities, including designating portions of department areas as open or closed to public use. Department areas or designated portions of department areas may be closed, or regulations may be changed, through posting to protect the public from hazardous conditions and threats to public safety, to protect fish and wildlife resources, and for special events or resource management activities where public use conflicts are likely to occur. All persons entering, remaining on, or using a department area shall abide by signs, posted regulations, and area maps.

 

Waste containers located on department areas may be used only for disposal of garbage, trash, refuse, or rubbish generated on the department area. NOTE: Waste containers are not provided on all department areas.

 

Collecting wild animals (including invertebrates) and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Wildlife Collector’s Permit, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code. 

Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except by a Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

 

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 115 Closings

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
115 Closings
Rules

This department area is open for public use from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; however, hunting fishing, trapping, dog training, camping, launching and landing boats is allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted. Parking or storing watercraft or commercial vehicles is prohibited on department areas during closed hours. 

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms
Rules
Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. The only exception is that willows (Salicaceae spp.) may be cut for use in constructing on-site blinds.
Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption; EXCEPT on locations designated as Missouri Natural Areas, taking edible wild greens is prohibited. Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. 

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding
Rules

 

State laws regarding the operation, registration and required equipment apply to the operation of motor vehicles on locations open to vehicular traffic on department areas. Vehicle use is restricted to graveled and paved roads and established parking areas, unless otherwise posted.

 

Except as otherwise posted, the speed limit on department areas is 45 miles per hour.

 

Unless otherwise posted, bicycles, including electric bicycles as defined in the Missouri Wildlife Code (Chapter 20- Definitions), are allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic and service roads (designated in the online conservation atlas). Bicycles must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or service roads, or on multi-use trails posted as open to bicycles.   Bicycle use is not allowed on service roads passing through designated natural areas (designated in the online conservation atlas). Groups of 10 or more people using bicycles on a department area must obtain a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

 

Equestrian use is allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic. Horses must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or on multi-use trails posted as open to horses. Groups of 10 or more people using horses on a department area must obtain a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 140 Camping

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
140 Camping
Rules
Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas.

On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m.
On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges
Rules
Target shooting is not allowed anywhere on this department area.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 120 Pets and Hunting Dogs

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
120 Pets and Hunting Dogs
Rules
Pets and hunting dogs are permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all time. Hunting dogs may be used off the leash and unconfined for hunting and training for the purposes of chasing, locating, tracking or retrieving game on portions of conservation areas designated as open to hunting and dog training. Locations and times where pets and hunting dogs are permitted may be further restricted by area brochures or signs. A valid small game hunting permit is required to train dogs in pursuit of wildlife.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules

Hunting is prohibited on some conservation areas, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to hunting. To determine the hunting regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code at the Missouri Code of State Regulations website. 

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 145 Tree Stands

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
145 Tree Stands
Rules
Only portable tree stands are allowed on department areas from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 155 Decoys and Blinds

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
155 Decoys and Blinds
Rules
Decoys and Blinds are permitted on this department area, but must be disassembled and removed daily. Blinds constructed on-site may only be constructed from willows (Salicaceae spp.).

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 125 Field Trials

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
125 Field Trials
Rules
Field trials are prohibited on this department area.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules

Fishing is allowed on most conservation areas, but prohibited on some. To determine if fishing is an activity that is allowed on this conservation area, and any special regulations that may apply, please consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 160 Use of Boats and Motors

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
160 Use of Boats and Motors
Rules

Boats (including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats) may be used on waters located on department areas. On lakes and ponds, boats may be used only on waters designated as open to boats. State laws regarding the operation, registration, and required safety equipment apply to watercraft being operated on waters under the control of the department. Boats may not be left unattended overnight.

Only electric motors are permitted on lakes and ponds of less than 70 acres.
Electric motors and outboard motors are permitted on lakes of 70 or more acres. Outboard motors of any size may be used, but outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower must be operated at slow, no-wake speed.

The use of houseboats, airboats, and personal watercraft are prohibited.

Float tubes may only be used for authorized fishing or hunting activities.

8208 - 3CSR 10-11 - 187 Trapping

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
187 Trapping
Rules

Trapping in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Wildlife Code is allowed only with a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

  • Trails

    • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

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