Planning a trip

Hello all, wondering if you could help me plan a summer trip. I wanted to do something in the Ozarks this summer in a 5-7 day trip. I am an experienced backpacker will be travelling alone. I am looking for a trail or area where i can have some solitude.

The more remote the better, but i dont mind seeing other campers and hikers as well. Additionally, if there are any areas that i could do some fishing. Sorry if this is vague, but im looking forward to exploring that region, as i have never been.

thanks a bunch

Hoon:
There are several places in the Ozarks that fit the bill. The eastern part of the OHT, part of which runs thru the Richland Valley, comes to mind. You could match that with the Buffalo River Trail that runs from Woolum to Grinder's Ferry at Hwy. 65. That would give you all of what you mentioned above.
I 'm sure there will be suggestions from others .
Good Luck ,
UL

Welcome to the board Hoon, good luck on your trip planning, in the summer in the summer may not be hard to find solitude for it gets so darn hot here. Although the die hards like myself will still be out. See ya out there.

Thanks a lot for the replies. The heat isnt too much of a concern of mine, though im sure it will be hot (and humid i presume). What can i expect in terms of bugs, and other wildlife?

hoon:
It is very common in the summer months here to have highs in the 90's and humidity in the 80's to 90's. As far as bugs - YES. Wildlife should be on the move mostly in the early mornings and late afternoons around the edges of clearings. Mostly whitetail deer and small game like squirrels. If you decide to hike the upper Buffalo area, then you may be lucky enough to see some elk herds. There are a couple of big herd bulls that hang around the Ponca area that are definitely worth a few pictures. Because of the long daylight hours, you could even hike in the early and late parts of the day, and lay up somewhere cool during the heat of the day. But any day of the year in Arkansas is better than any day in the big city.
UL

In terms of bugs… as to what ul just said… yes. Expect ALL OF THEM in the entire state to bear down on you, hahaha. Seriously though the ticks will be murder. Get some goooooooooooodddddddd bug repellent. The others can tell you what to get. I myself don’t have to worry about them. I am the cold weather hiker… lol. I am done with my season till around November into December. Call me a wuzzy but I don’t like the little critters and I hate having to wear the repellent. Lol.



Eddie

There is a company (named Ben's I think) that makes a good repellent. It is in a bright orange bottle, and has worked wonders for me. Just a thought, give it a try, and (for the weight conscious hiker) it comes in a small bottle that is both small and light.

Get a repellent with as much Deet as possible, 100% if you can. Ben's and some others make this formula, then apply heavily and often, trying to avoid bare skin contact as much as possible.
UL

Yea cause I have seen the stuff with the DEET melt ink pens in your shirt pocket... lol

Eddie

just throwing this out there because I had this problem as a kid, but when using 100% DEET formulas, make sure you are not allergic to the stuff. I found that out the hard way and had to just in the creek I was fishing on and get it all off of me. Then two days later I saw one of those Dateline type shows about it and how some people had died from airway constriction. I know I was an extreme case, and I don't have the allergy now. However, it is something to make sure of, because you don't want to find that out on the trail when there might not be any body of water you can jump into and get it off. Other than that, no worries, right!?

Yep, that's why I suggested not coming in contact with the skin, because some people, including my wife, are sensitive to it in varying degrees.
UL

Thanks for the help guys. I have used DEET and Bens and it was effective on the onslaught of bugs out in the australian bush so i'm sure it will work just fine. The heat doesnt bother me so much, but the humidity is something i worry about.

I have done about 90% of my backpacking in extremely hot and dry environments, and have not done anything this potentially strenuous in that kind of humidity. I will probably hike early and less each day (i am never in a hurry and like to take my time on the trail), hopefully taking the afternoons off to relax and reflect and perhaps fish if i can.

appreciate all the help everyone, keep the advice coming, anything youve got. i like to really get consumed with the region and its character before jumping in