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12th Annual Ozark Classic  (A One-day Outdoor Event)

 When: Saturday, April 13, 2024

 Hosts: Highlands and Sugar Creek Chapters of the Ozark Society

 Location: Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville AR

The Highlands and Sugar Creek Chapters of the Ozark Society invite hikers, floaters, and lovers of the Buffalo River to celebrate the12th Annual Classic.  This year we will be celebrating the Buffalo River and other beautiful wilderness areas from Withrow Springs State Park. Join us for this one-day recreational event on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Everyone is welcome to participate in this event whether an Ozark Society member or not.  Please see contact information near the end of this announcement.

Activities for this one-day outdoor event include:

1) No Pre-registration Required – Easy to Moderate Day Hike within Withrow Spring State Park. This 3-part hike, led by Miranda Kohout, will include 3 trails linked together to form 1 hike. It should be fairly easy for you to hike the entire route or choose any combination of these 3 trails. In sequential order this hike will include:

1st) The Dogwood Trail   1.1 miles; 30 min average time; Loop; 170ft. Elevation Gain

2nd) The War Eagle Trail   1.6 miles; 45 minute average time; Loop with optional spur to the river; 246ft. Elevation Gain with spur

3th) Withrow Springs Forest Trail 2 miles; 44 min. average time; Out and Back; 160ft Elevation Gain

Features: This 3-part hike will include: spring wildflowers, visas overlooking War Eagle Creek, and a hike on lovely forested paths.  Meet at the Pavilion at 10:45 for 11:00 departure.

2) No Pre-registration Required – Moderate to Difficult Bushwhack Day Hike – Terry Frederick will lead this hike through the Madison County Wildlife Management Area.  Meet at the Withrow Springs Pavilion at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure.

Features: Ridges and hollows, tributaries of the Kings River, native shortleaf pines, hardwoods and small streams, birds and a variety of other wildlife dominate this beautiful wilderness area.

3) Pre-Registration Required – War Eagle Creek Float– Don Bridges will lead and coordinate this float. (Meet-up time and location to be announced closer to the event date.)

On the river: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, and all float gear. The water will be cold, so dress for a spill. All floaters will be expected to follow the rules of the river: (i) No glass on the river; (ii) A life jacket for each person in your boat; (iii) Life jacket must be worn (it cannot be tied to the boat) and children under 12 are required by law to wear them; (iv) Coolers and ice chests must be secured in the boat and the lid must be secure, and no Styrofoam coolers; (v) Drinks must be secured in a floatable device such as a “koozie;” and, (vi) Each boat must have a mesh trash bag secured to the boat. You will be asked to sign a “liability release” before the float.

For Hikes and the Float: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, and wear hiking boots. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. You will be asked to sign a “liability release” before the hike.  Please see details below. Disclaimer: All participants in the hikes and the float 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 or float launch site. No pets are allowed on any outings, and guardians must accompany minors.

 4) Pre-Registration Required – Classic Pot-Luck Picnic: (Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options available)

The cookout will include grilled burgers, veggie burgers, and potluck dishes. It’s a time to enjoy a meal with old friends and to meet people who enjoy our wilderness areas and strive to protect their uniqueness.  Everyone is welcome to the cookout whether or not they participate in the float, or the day-hikes. Everyone is requested to bring a side-dish (snacks, dessert, salad, covered dish) and to provide their own beverages. To reduce the trash, please bring your own non-disposable plates, cups, and flatware; we’ll have napkins.   Start time is approximately 4:00 p.m. at Withrow Springs Park Pavilion.

Please Pre-Register by Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Indicate your name and the number in your party, plus a meat or vegetarian option when registering for this event.  There are toilets, picnic tables, electric lights and plug-ins at the Pavilion. Please bring lawn chairs.   Contact Chris Kline at 479-409-0394 or ckline901@gmail.com

Highlands Chapter Carpool to Withrow Springs State Park:

There will be a carpool from Root School in Fayetteville for NW Arkansas participants who wish to arrive at Withrow Springs State Park Pavilion by 10:45 a.m. Meet at Root School on 1529 E Mission Blvd in Fayetteville for a 10:00 a.m. departure.            

Directions to the Withrow Springs State Park and Pavilion: 

Please see the attached maps or visit: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/withrow-springs-state-park

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Withrow+Springs+State+Park/@36.1552919,-93.7329671,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x87ceb4def44353d7:0x89bfb21f1101019e!8m2!3d36.1552919!4d-93.7329671!16s%2Fg%2F1hbpws3js?entry=ttu

Contact Information:

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

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

Judi Nail, (day-hike coordinator): 870-421-6824 or jnail1113@gmail.com

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

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

Updates will be announced, as we get closer to the event date.

See Attached maps to the Withrow Springs Park and Pavilion.