Little Frog Bayou

Name of Hike:  Little Frog Bayou  (OHT Shepherd Springs Loop to Frog Bayou)

Location:  Lake Fort Smith State Park (Trail Mile 0.0 of the Ozarks Highland Trail)

Hiking Distance:  5.5-6 miles roundtrip but there are also other trails in the park that we could explore.

Elevation: Minimal

Rating:  Moderate due to distance and some wet areas

Features:  The trail has two homesites plus a historic spring and follows the lake, though the view of it will likely be obscured this time of year. There’s also a small wet-weather waterfall, plus plenty of small wet-weather cascades along the trail. There are no wet crossings, though the trail can be wet and very muddy if there’s been a lot of rain.  This is a great trail for birds and wildflowers. The Kentucky Lady Slippers that grow along the trail will not be blooming yet, but we should be able to see the leaves, and there will be plenty of other ephemeral fauna such as Dwarf Crested Irises.

Hike Leader:  Miranda Kohout

Telephone and Email:  miranda.kowalczyk@gmail.com

Meeting Place and Time:

• Meet Miranda at Root Elementary for an 8:00 am departure or,
• Meet at the Lake Fort Smith Pavilion near the boat marina on Marina Road at 9:00 am.

Comment:  Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes.  Hiking poles will be helpful.  No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and 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