The Ozark Society is pleased to offer the Sassafras Hiking Award to anyone who hikes the entire lengths of the following trails:
- The Ouachita Trail (Talimena State Park to Pinnacle Mountain State Park)
- The Ozark Highlands Trail (Lake Fort Smith State Park to Woolum and Spring Creek to Matney Knob)
- The Buffalo River Trail (Boxley to Pruitt and Woolum to Dillard’s Ferry)
- The Ozark Trail (Western Trailhead of Eleven Point Section to Onondaga Trailhead)
Completion of all trails are accomplished as through hikes or section hikes; and the hikes can be conducted on different trails at different times, and in any direction. Previously completed hikes qualify for the award.
Once hikers complete all four trails, they may contact the Ozark Society HERE to complete the registry form and submit $10 to cover the cost of shipping the award. The Sassafras Hiking Award is an original design created by Little Rock ceramic artist Katherine Purcell. Each individual award has its own distinctive sequential number. The Ozark Society will maintain a numerical registry of all Sassafras Hiking Award recipients on its website.
Sassafras Hiking Award recipients are not required to be Ozark Society members, but Ozark Society membership is appreciated. By accepting this award, all registrants agree, if asked, to be interviewed about their adventures hiking the four trails. Interviews may be included in Ozark Society publications, or on the Ozark Society website.Please direct questions concerning the Sassafras Hiking Award to the Hiking Award Administrator.
REGISTRY:
Name, City, State, and Date:
1. Wade Clark Colwell, Fayetteville, AR – January 2023
2. Christina Bethalee, Clinton, AR- February 2023
3. David Eddy, Russellville, AR – October 2023
4. Katherine Ellsworth, Bentonville, AR – November 2023
5. Jim Meinecke, Fayettevile, AR – December 2023
6. Jimmy Hogg, Sherwood, AR – December 2023
7. Marianne (Tenderfoot) and Shadow Bassinger, Shongaloo, LA – February 2024
8. Marantha Hayes, Gainesville, FL – March 2024
9. Ron Smith, Wichita Falls, TX – March 2024
10. Amy Nicholson, Olathe, KS – March 2024
11. Tina Standeford, Waxahachie, TX – April 2024
12. Jason Brocar, Piedmont, SD – April 2024
13. Jodie Been, Hackett, AR – December 2024
14. Kurt Bachmann, Norman, OK – February 2025
15. Chris Dixon, Sheridan, AR – March 2025
16. John Hanson, High Ridge, MO – April 2025
17. Bill Driscoll, Tecumseh, MO – November 2025
18. Evan Walden, Witter, AR – March 2026
19. Sarah Bradley, Saint Robert, MO – April 2026
20. Daniel Koch, Farragut, TN – April 2026
21. Chad Berchek, Columbia, MO – April 2026
22. Heather Koehn, Tulsa OK – April 2026
23. Steve Sheely, Fayetteville, AR – April 2026
24. Stephanie Pyland, Perryville, MO – May 2026