We complete the other half of the Richland area of the Ozark Highlands Trail and hike from Stack Rock along Richland Creek on the Bluffs above it back to the campground. We will carpool from Morgan McDonald’s at 7:30am or be at Richland Campground by 10. We will carpool up to Stack Rock from Richland Creek campground. Bring a lunch and snacks, water shoes may be needed.

When:  Saturday, April 5, 2025

13^th Annual Highlands’ Buffalo River Classic & Ozark Society General Meeting at Ozark Campground, Buffalo National River on 4/12/25!

 
Hike     Cookout      Float       Camp    

The Ozark Society Spring General Membership meeting is being hosted this year by the Buffalo River Chapter and is being combined with the Highlands Chapter’s Annual Buffalo River Classic.  This should be a wonderful, fun event with all your Ozark Society friends.  Hope to see you there!!

Date:  April 12, 2025

Place:  Ozark Campground on the Buffalo National River

Directions to Ozark Campground

• Coming from the South:  From Jasper AR, follow AR Hwy 7 north 4 miles until you see a NPS brown sign with “Ozark” on it.  Turn left (west) and follow the gravel road for 1.5 miles to the Ozark Campground.
• Coming from the North:  From Harrison AR, follow AR Hwy 7 south 15 miles (or, 1.7 mi past the BR Bridge at Pruitt) until you see a NPS brown sign with “Ozark” on it.  Turn right (west) and follow the gravel road for 1.5 miles to the Ozark Campground.
• Google Map to Ozark Campground:  Click on “Location” below.

There are a number of cabin or motel rentals in the area.  Jasper AR (6 mi south), Harrison AR (16 mi north), or Ponca AR (20 mi west).

The Ozark Campground has 31 campsites available on a first come, first served basis. $20 per night. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook.  RVs allowed, but the campground has no hookups and no dump station.  Check-In: 1:00 pm  Check-Out: 12:00 pm   Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm – 6:00 am.   Hammocks are prohibited from developed campgrounds and cannot be tied to trees. Self-standing hammocks are allowed.    Small critters visit our campgrounds so please keep your food and garbage in a proper garbage receptacle, vehicle, or hanging far out of reach.

We are asking for volunteers for the following activities. See list below for contact info:

Grill cooks:  You will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs on grills at the pavilion.

Dinner Set-up:  Need to be available at 3:00 p.m. to unload, set the tables and organize the potluck contributions.

Clean-up after dinner:  including getting rid of the trash into the dumpster, wiping and folding the tablecloths, load truck, etc.

Float on the Buffalo River:

Contact:  Don Bridges: gofigure243@hotmail.com to sign up for the float trip.

All participants in the hikes and the float are required to sign a “liability release” at the trailhead or float launch site.

Hike Options:

Contact Kris McMillen krismcmillen7@gmail.com or text to 501-984-3774 to sign up for a hike and indicate which hike you want to join (#1, #2, or #3). We’re just trying to get an idea of how many on each hike.

Hike Leaders:  Kris McMillen, Judi Nail, Sue Mabry

Meeting Place and Time: the Ozark Campground pavilion in the Buffalo National River Park at 9:45 a.m.  THE HIKES WILL BEGIN AT 10:00 A.M.

• Buffalo River Trail from Ozark Campground to Pruitt Trailhead-out and back—5.2 miles Round Trip—moderate to difficult
• Buffalo River Trail from Ozark Campground to Cedar Glade Picnic Area-out and back—3.4 miles Round Trip—moderate
• Buffalo River Trail from Cedar Glade Picnic Area to Adair Cemetery-out and back—5.4 miles Round Trip—moderate to difficult

For all hikes please bring lunch, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, proper clothing for the temps/conditions.  Bring your own first aid supplies, bug spray, sunscreen or whatever you need for the day.  No pets are allowed on the Buffalo River Trail. Children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian.  All participants in the hikes and the float are required to sign a “liability release” at the trailhead or float launch site.

Cookout and Potluck:

Contact Chris Kline (picnic/event coordinator): 479-409-0394 or ckline901@gmail.com to sign up for the evening meal.  Please state vegetarian option (veggie burger) if applicable and/or if you need gluten-free bun.

We will need a head count to purchase the food. 

Meeting Place and Time:  Ozark Campground Pavilion at 4:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join in the cookout whether or not you participate in the hikes or the float trip.

Hamburgers, Veggie burgers and hot dogs provided by the Ozark Society and the two Chapters.  Please bring a potluck side dish—whatever you would like to contribute.  For example:  potato salad, beans, chips, dips, salads, desserts, fruit or whatever you like.

BRING YOUR OWN FLATWARE, PLATE, BOWL & CUP.  Let’s keep it green!  Seating may be limited at the picnic tables; please bring a chair.

Please sign up for all events by April 9, 2025.

Contact  Information:

Tom Perry, OSHC Chair, 479-841-2414 or tomperry106@yahoo.com

Kris McMillen, OSBRC Chair (co-coordinator for hikes) 501-984-3774

krismcmillen7@gmail.com

Judi Nail, (co-coordinator for hikes): 870-421-6824 or jnail1113@gmail.com

Peggy Bulla, OSHC Vice-Chair, 479-586-2493 or sunnypegs@aol.com

Don Bridges (float coordinator): gofigure243@hotmail.com

Chris Kline (picnic/event coordinator): 479-409-0394 or ckline901@gmail.com

Come see Arkansas’ first wilderness as we head over to the Cossatot area and hike the eastern area of Caney Creek Wilderness. The trail will follow Caney Creek down to our lunch spot at Katy Falls. From there we will take the Buckeye Trail to get back to our cars. Meet at the Chik-fil-A by Bass Pro at 7:15am. Bring a lunch and water and good boots