off topic: back country hiking suggestions

[philllll]

I got a buddy heading down from WI in late March wanting to do a 3 night back country hike with his family (wife 2 kids). Kids are middle school aged but very experienced (so tough hikes are OK, they did Big South Fork in TN/KY last spring break).

They will be eventually visiting family in Tulsa... and a loop (with no shuttle) or having access to shuttle service are a huge plus (as opposed to doing an out and back).
Elevation change is fine... scrambling around on rock and views are a priority.


also... are there any wild cave opportunities other than Blanchard Springs in the area? and has anyone done their wild cave tour?

thanks...
philllll

[kru1]

Are you serving me a softball on purpose?

I would recommend the Ozark Highlands Trail. Particularly Lick Branch Trailhead to White Rock Mountain. That is a 38 mile hike however there are so many access points on that stretch that you can customize the exact length. However, I recommend that section because you have Marinoni Scenic Area, Hare Mountain, Rockhouse, OHT Express, and White Rock Mountain. All of which are gems.

Turner Bend can handle shuttle or can at least point you in the right direction. Furthermore, Turner Bend will have a map (Arkansas' Mulberry River) that covers that section of the trail. It will be hot off the press the first or second week of March. I just reviewed and approved the proof this morning and it should be in press this afternoon (yeah!). For the record, I do not make any proceeds from the sales of the maps.

Contact me if you any questions, I know the area intimately.

kru

[dwilson]

At Erbie the Cecil Creek loop trail could be an easy tonight trip. The caves are closed in the area. Thunder Canyon is a cool side trail to see and with a topo map they could get into Hideout Hollow from the top of the loop. The old home site down on the river is another good thing to see. There is also a huge sink hole along the old road that is pretty cool. There is also a old home site with a family graveyard. The chimney is about all the structure left accept for the tombstones. Its up towards the top of the loop before the creek to Hideout Hollow.

[Owl]

The Buffalo River Trail, the Old River Trail, and other trails in the Ponca to Pruitt corridor offer far more possibilities for loop hikes than anything on the OHT and the scenery around the Buffalo National River is some of the finest in Arkansas.

The National Geographic map of the west half of the Buffalo (link below) shows the river, trails, mileages, and points of interest and is one of the best trip planning tools I've found for that area.

http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/ ... -trail-map" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hilbili]

flatside wilderness area just 30 min of west of little rock on the way to petit jean mtn st park - 7 hollows trail or go down cedar falls

flat side is on ouachita trail. I could possibly set up a shuttle or rendezvous. mucho access -lake winona etc.
google it and zackandrews? photography is cool.

[prophet]

the White Rock>Shores lake loop might work. Its not that many miles but has obvious overlooks at the top. Could even get a cabin at White Rock. Devils canyon is nearby for more overlooks and is close to Tulsa as your going to get in the Ozark NF

[Clif]

lots of good info here

http://www.backpackingarkansas.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

not sure if you have to sign up or what? Lot of spam issues. Some good folks there, tho. It favors the Ouachitas but if you look there are good reports from all around

[kru1]

lots of good info here

http://www.backpackingarkansas.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

not sure if you have to sign up or what? Lot of spam issues. Some good folks there, tho. It favors the Ouachitas but if you look there are good reports from all around

Dont think that the site has been working for quite a while.

It will take you there but there are no forums

kru

[RomanLA]

Eagle Rock Loop
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 039483.pdf
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 039482.pdf
http://www.backpacker.com/june_09_rip_g ... icle/13161

[Clif]

Dont think that the site has been working for quite a while.

It will take you there but there are no forums

kru

Yes it does. You have to sign up and log in... no visitors. What a shame, too. Had serious spammer issues. May be too much to deal with??? But lot of info there