Almost a year to the day, we were back at Noblett Lake Recreation Area where we had a waterside picnic. It was a lovely second time around, and again, there were friendly people about, but not at all crowded. Since the lake permits small water craft and we spied a kayaker, it looked like a good spot to return to with the canoe. We parked, crossed a creek and went up a trail, enjoying the early spring, wild violets starting to peek out. There was a nice mossy carpet on the path and while the trail angled upward and was open to the lake, it’s wide enough and safe for walking.
While I knew that our pretty walk along the lake was short, I felt slightly accomplished for it. Research at home showed a trail map. I could see before I zoomed in that the Noblett Loop Trail was probably not for me and that was confirmed when I read that it was a 12 mile hike. I love walking and shorter hikes. There is however, a “Short Loop” that’s only six miles! I was fine with a scenic, little stroll.
Arriving at the dispersed camping area, we walked down the steep slope alongside the rushing waters to the bottom of a dam and sat on bigger rocks in the stream for a rest and to view the high bluffs on the opposite side. The USDA Forest Service had an entertaining explanation of the term “dispersed camping”; in short form, there are no facilities, be careful and have fun.
The sturdiness and beauty of these historic parks, structures, roads and paths is inspiring. Nearly a hundred years ago, men built a legacy that so many still get to enjoy. Especially when visiting the quieter areas, that are more of an effort to reach, one gets a glimpse into a simpler time. Many of these parks have signs explaining at least a bit of the history.
In Noblett, one such sign explained and mapped the transformation of what was a beach bathhouse and concession area in 1940 to a covered picnic area in 1989, that seats 75 people. For nearly forty years, Noblett Lake was a popular swimming spot, but due to silt accumulation it became better for small boats and fishing, than swimming. Much of the original construction is still standing.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a dam on Noblett Creek. The dam created the 27 acre lake. FDR’s New Deal was a huge government investment in our parks system and our people. The quality of the structures, both in buildings and road and walkways is impressive. The combination of federal funding, supervision of the U.S. Army and guidance from the National Park Service through architects, engineers and foremen made it all possible.
CCC camps were established to recruit unemployed, young men during peacetime and WWI vets needing jobs. Roughly 80% of their pay was sent directly to their families while they learned to build parks, roadways, bridges and dams. According to an article in OzarksWatch by James Denny, in Missouri specifically, the primary park type, prior to the New Deal projects, was for fishing, game hunting and camping as local groups made large, financial contributions. While hunting and fishing are still permitted where posted, after the CCC program many others were able to enjoy Missouri parks in a more recreational manner.
The walk back to the picnic area was just as lovely and we took a closer look at the old bathhouse turned picnic pavilion, perused the signs warning of bears and such (after the fact) and headed home on a pretty, spring drive through farm country with calves running in fields and Bradford pear trees blooming.