Tan Trough Creek begins as a stream seeping from acres and acres of glade rock north of Calico Rock. The little stream gathers size as it follows a deepening hollow to plunge nearly 100 feet to a canyon floor below through a semi-cylinder of stone! The creek then flows through the most amazing canyon we've encountered in Izard County...possibly even the Ozarks...this part of them at least. It's unique and quite wonderful!
For hundreds of yards, sheer bluffs of around 100 feet or more line each side of this creek. At one point, the tops of the bluffs on each side of the canyon are nearly within jumping distance of each other. As Rick and I searched for a way to get down to the creek bottom, we were forced to hike several hundred
yards before finding a navigable way down. As we fought our way back up the creek through briars, saplings, and last year's ice-storm fall-out, we were rewarded with fantastic views of the bluffs above us as well as with discovering small waterfalls and caves in the faces of the bluffs. We also found the spring of which we were told by our guide, David Wilson. had 
supplied water to a home atop the bluff by way of an ingenious pumping method which used the force of falling water to drive a piston. Some of the device still remains at the spring.Just above the spring is the waterfall, which paired with the springwaters, creates the headwaters of Tan Trough Creek.
Our time was limited while there. The canyon is so massive, we must return to explore it more. We were also told of other interesting features farther down the creek which we intend to investigate.
Izard County is truly mysterious! We're amazed that every few weeks, the county rev
eals some other magnificent attribute for our enjoyment...something that makes us proud we have a connection with this place!Watch the video below, and enjoy! We'll put some photos up tomorrow but you must see the video. Our modest equipment only gives our reader's a glimpse of this amazing place!
