Ozark Spring

[BrightKnight]

I spent 5 days backpacking the Buffalo River Trail along the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. It rained almost constantly and everything was incredibly green. Unfortunately, I had to keep my camera in a dry bag in my pack for must of the trip.

I took these in the Ponca wilderness area. The Buffalo National River land is razor thin in some areas. I would love to see the various Wilderness areas, State wildlife management areas, etc. combined to create an Ozark National Park.

[Celebration]

1. The Ozarks are beautiful

Sorry about the rain on the Buffalo trail. I bet the waters were raging, after all the rain this spring. Were there many people in canoes? Probably not if it was raining. That river is known to be wild and woolly in the spring!

Thanks for the pics.

[BrightKnight]

2. I canoed the river in May two years ago.

That experience persuaded me to trade in my paddle for hiking boots. I found myself whitewater canoeing in a thunderstorm. I was fighting high winds and fierce currents in a rising river littered with down trees. I know better than to try to solo canoe a wild river in the rain now.

The river was high but it was not at flood stage. The trail is usually 1K to 2K feet above the river. I had to cross a many creeks and streams but nothing dangerous. Hiking through a dense forrest in a warm rain with proper rain gear is not unpleasant. I did not see anyone or any sign of anyone on the trail. I saw an outfitter leaving a put in point with an empty canoe trailer but I did not actually see any canoes on the river. I had miles and miles of gorgeous Ozark wilderness to myself.