Day, Date:  Saturday, October 30, 2021

Name of Hike:  Ponca Southbound on Buffalo River Trail to Running Creek Return

Location:  Boxley Valley near Ponca AR

Type of Hike:  Day-hike, trail

Hiking Distance:  5.8 miles

Maximum Elevation Difference: 525’ over 1.3 miles

Rating:  Strenuous/Moderately Difficult due elevation gain/loss, uneven tread & rocky terrain.

Features: Depart Ponca Low Water Bridge and ascend 525’ before dropping 477’ to “Running Creek.” We will cross the creek and eat lunch at this scenic spot beside the stream and return back to the Ponca LWB for a total of over 2,000’ gain/loss in just under 6 miles. We will cross private land along this section of the BRT, so please respect it by staying on trail.

Hike Leader:  Tim Mason (contact hike leader for more info).

Telephone & Email:  501-590-6837 (mobile) or tamason8794@gmail.com

Meeting Place and Time:

• Meet at Root Elementary School, 1529 E. Mission Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72701 at 8:45 a.m. for caravanning to the Ponca LWB, approximately 50 – 55 miles away.
• Stop at Marble Store 9:15 to 9:30
• Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Ponca LWB off Hwy 43 to begin hiking by 10:30 a.m.
• Car-caravan means we drive as a group in our own cars to the trailhead.  Car-pooling is OK if pre-arranged between driver and riders.

Driving Distance:   50 – 55 miles from Root Elementary School in Fayetteville to Ponca LWB

Comment:  Plan to social distance and wear a mask, especially if in close quarters.  Bring water, lunch and snacks, rain gear, gloves, insect repellent and appropriate hiking boots/shoes. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a guardian.   Participants are required to sign a “liability release” http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf  at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing.  Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

Future meetings will be announced through email and our Newsletter Paddle Trails.

A great stretch of the trail on the upper Buffalo. We will meet at Steel Creek Campground at 9:15 and carpool over to Kyles Landing to start. The trail follows the river on the south side over a couple of bluffs and valleys. We cross Indian, Beech and Steel creek, so bring wet shoes with you. You will also need a lunch and water. Some of us may be staying Friday and/or Saturday night at Steel Creek. If you decide to come up Saturday, it is 2.5 hour drive from Little Rock. Steve will camp Friday at Steel.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month (except December).   Program starts at 6:30 pm and business meeting follows.  Plan to join us after the meeting for pizza and socializing.

Its an oldie but goodie, but a few of us have never done this hike. Meet at the trail head parking lot a bit past the visitor’s center for Buffalo Point at 10am. Some of us will spend Friday night at the campground. Organize carpools if coming from Little Rock for the day. You will need boots, water and a lunch

Future meetings will be announced through email and our Newsletter Paddle Trails.

Time to explore a loop of the Lovit trail around the Shangra La resort on Lake Ouachita. We will meet at Chik-fil-A near Bass Pro at 8 to carpool to the trail head. Lunch will be at the Shangra La Cafe. You’ll need boots or good shoes and water. Should be a great time for a lakeside fall hike.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month (except December).   Program starts at 6:30 pm and business meeting follows.  Plan to join us after the meeting for pizza and socializing.