The hike from Redding Campground to Spy Rock (Ozark National Forest, northeast Franklin County) is a great day hike.
It is vigorous one with a distance of 8.2 miles and a net elevation change of about 900 feet. But it’s quite scenic, featuring awesome views from Spy Rock, some nice views of Bowden Hollow from the west side of the Redding Loop, and two seasonal waterfalls on the east side.
I took these photos during my May 31 and July 11, 2015 hikes.
Check out this post for my full trail summary with maps and more photos and info.
Photo Gallery
Click below for full-screen photo gallery of these and more pics from my May 31 and July 11, 2015 hikes.
Spur connecting the campground with the Redding Loop
East side of Redding Loop. This spot is south of the two waterfalls. Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail
East side of Redding Loop. This spot is between the two waterfalls.
Another shot of view from Spy Rock (panoramic)
View from Spy Rock
Sign at the Redding Loop north junction
Redding Loop, west side, Ozark National Forest
West side of Redding Loop
Lower elevation area on the west side of the Redding Loop
Mulberry River access at Redding Campground.
On the lower elevation area of the west Redding Loop.
West side of Redding Loop.
View from Spy Rock, Ozark National Forest
Another view from Spy Rock.
This is on the .4-mile spur that heads southwest over to Spy Rock. No blazes, but easy to follow.
West side of Redding Loop in the higher elevation, not far from the top of the loop.
Spy Rock seen from the west side of the Redding Loop.
West side of the Redding Loop.
Redding Loop Trail on the initial spur that connects to Redding Campground.
Some interesting rocks on the west side of the Redding Loop
West side of the Redding Loop
View from Spy Rock
Redding Loop east side. This spot is between the two waterfalls.
Stream flowing just above Redding Loop Falls on the east side of the loop
East side of Redding Loop, near Redding Loop Falls
Stream in the low-lying area on the east Redding Loop just past the loop south junction
View from Spy Rock on overcast day (panoramic).
Spy Rock Falls through thick foliage. It’s about .9 miles past the smaller Redding Loop Falls.
Redding Loop Falls.
Redding Loop Falls, 10-foot approx. waterfall on the east side of the loop.
Stream crossing (one of several during wet times) on the east Redding Loop, just a little ways path the south loop junction.
Spur between Redding Campground and the Redding Loop.
Last revised: 3-29-2020.