Note:  This outing replaces the previously announced hike from Boxley Valley Trailhead to Hedges Homesite which has been cancelled.

Day, Date:  Saturday, March 12, 2022

Name of Hike:  Whiteley Creek

Location:  Three miles south of Ponca AR in Boxley Valley, Buffalo National River

Hiking Distance:  Six miles

Elevation Difference:  500 feet

Rating:  Difficult, due to lack of trail, possible wet crossings, slippery conditions with rock-hopping

Features:  Hike along a beautiful creek which we will cross back and forth.  There will be waterfalls, rocks, blufflines, and springs.  The plan is to follow Whiteley Creek upstream (past the turn to the Penitentiary), then come back and go toward the Penitentiary area without going all the way into the Penitentiary.

Hike Leader:  Rodger Keesee

Telephone and Email:  479 228 1407 or rlkins@cox.net

Meeting time and place:

• Meet at Root Elementary School on Mission Blvd in Fayetteville for car caravaning in time for an 8:00 am departure, or
• Meet at the Kings River Country Store in Marble AR at 9:45 am, or
• Meet at the Ponca Low Water Bridge at 9:30 am
• We will consolidate into a fewer cars at the Ponca Low Water Bridge and proceed from there in a carpool to the trailhead. BRING A MASK.

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.

Links to Pictures of recent OSHC hikes can be seen on the Ozark Society Website at www.ozarksociety.net  Go to Chapters & Activities/Highlands Chapter and look for Frank Millett’s and Luke Parsch’s  Flickr websites links.

Upcoming Hikes:

March 16 – Sue Mabry, Branch Creek to Paradise Falls

March 19 – Lowell Collins, Smith Creek Preserve

March 26 – Cane Hill Historic Area

March 30 – JB Clark, Mtn Fork Creek, Birthday Falls, and OHT