Day, Date:  Saturday, October 30, 2021

Name of Hike:  Ponca Southbound on Buffalo River Trail to Running Creek Return

Location:  Boxley Valley near Ponca AR

Type of Hike:  Day-hike, trail

Hiking Distance:  5.8 miles

Maximum Elevation Difference: 525’ over 1.3 miles

Rating:  Strenuous/Moderately Difficult due elevation gain/loss, uneven tread & rocky terrain.

Features: Depart Ponca Low Water Bridge and ascend 525’ before dropping 477’ to “Running Creek.” We will cross the creek and eat lunch at this scenic spot beside the stream and return back to the Ponca LWB for a total of over 2,000’ gain/loss in just under 6 miles. We will cross private land along this section of the BRT, so please respect it by staying on trail.

Hike Leader:  Tim Mason (contact hike leader for more info).

Telephone & Email:  501-590-6837 (mobile) or tamason8794@gmail.com

Meeting Place and Time:

• Meet at Root Elementary School, 1529 E. Mission Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72701 at 8:45 a.m. for caravanning to the Ponca LWB, approximately 50 – 55 miles away.
• Stop at Marble Store 9:15 to 9:30
• Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Ponca LWB off Hwy 43 to begin hiking by 10:30 a.m.
• Car-caravan means we drive as a group in our own cars to the trailhead.  Car-pooling is OK if pre-arranged between driver and riders.

Driving Distance:   50 – 55 miles from Root Elementary School in Fayetteville to Ponca LWB

Comment:  Plan to social distance and wear a mask, especially if in close quarters.  Bring water, lunch and snacks, rain gear, gloves, insect repellent and appropriate hiking boots/shoes. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years 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.

Fall 2021 Highlands Chapter Hiking Season:  Date/Day/Leader/Hike

2 Oct 21  Sa      Tom Perry           BRT Kyles Landing to Camp Orr Return ORT, BNR

9 Oct 21  Sa      Luke Parsch        Blowing Springs Lower Loop Trail, Bella Vista

16 Oct 21  Sa      Sue Mabry          BRT Steel Creek to Ponca Low Water Bridge Return, BNR

19 Oct 21  Tu      Chris Kline           Rookery and Kingfisher Trails, Lake Sequoyah

23 Oct 21  Sa      Tom Perry           Lincoln Lake Loop Trail, Lincoln AR

30 Oct 21  Sa      Tim Mason         BRT Ponca Low Water Bridge to Running Creek Return, BNR

6 Nov 21  Sa      Fred Paillet          Pea Ridge Military Park Trails

10 Nov 21 We    Norma Senyard BRT Steel Creek to Kyles Landing, BNR

13 Nov 21 Sa      Judy Nail              Ponca LWB up Leatherwood Creek, BNR

17 Nov 21 We    Sue Mabry          Beacham Trail at Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs

20 Nov 21 Sa      Patti Heitzman  Redding-Spy Rock Loop Trail, OHT Spur

27 Nov 21 Sa      Cindy Jetton       BRT Zack Ridge Road to Red Bluff Road, BNR

4 Dec 21  Sa       open

11 Dec 21 Sa       JB Clark                 To be determined

18 Dec 21 Sa       Luke Parsch        5^th Annual Eureka Springs Urban Hike, Eureka Springs