By Brian Thompson, Ozark Society President
Chris Dixon, a native Arkansan from Sheridan, is a recent recipient of the Ozark Society Sassafras Hiking Award, which he qualified for by completing the Ozark Highland’s Trail, the Buffalo River trail, the Ouachita Trail, and the Ozark Trail in Missouri. Chris is in his forties, works two jobs, plays competitive golf, and has five teenagers, so “it really does me some good to get away every so often.”
Chris has actually hiked the Ozark Highland’s Trail and the Ouachita more than once, section hiking them the first time around. But, it is notable that his most recent outings on the Ozark Trail, Ozark Highlands, and Ouachita, have all been through hikes, meaning he organized resupply points so he could complete them end to end. “I hiked all three of them in the Spring. On the Ozark trail, I would hear turkeys every morning. This went on 13 days in a row. They were my alarm clock.”
When asked about weather, Chris said that he actually had pretty good luck, except that on the Ozark Trail, a tornado had come through the West Plains area on March 14th, the day before he started. As a result of the tornado’s path, on miles 10 and 60, he encountered a half mile wide swath of downed trees that he had to scramble through, “very tough hiking.” Chis would hike approximately 15 to 20 miles a day. “After 15 miles or so, its not real fun.” He would carry up to five days of food.
In regard to which trails he prefers, he says it is not an easy pick. “On the Ozark Trail, I didn’t see another soul for eleven days. I’d say the Ozark Highlands Trail is the most scenic…incredible water features. But at the end of the day, I’m partial to the Ouachita Trail. I live pretty close to it and I really enjoy the community around the Ouachita.
Finally, Chris noted how lucky we are to have trails like this in our region.
We agree. Thanks for sharing Chris!
