Planning Help Please

Hi everyone, I posted this question on another website then found this site so I thought that you guys are the ones to ask. Glad to join this group. I have not hiked in AR so I'm really looking forward to a trip to the Ozarks in a few weeks. I copied my question from the other site. Thanks for any help. Michael

" I plan to drive from Illinois to Lafayette LA for a music festival in two weeks. I thought I would try to explore the Ozarks while I'm passing through the area since I've never been to AR before. I want to combine car-camping with a bp trip. My research leaves me a little overwhelmed as there seems to be a ton of good places to play in. I hoping for some suggestions for a 3 to 4 day bp trip, a loop would be good as we have one car, about 10 miles a day as I'll be with a newbie, I'm partial to water so lakes and river hikes are great maybe with some backcountry fly-fishing, and hoping to see the best scenery the area has to offer as I enjoy picture taking. Also some input as to a few of the best car-campgrounds with hiking and fishing nearby."

Let me know what area you are you are going thru in Arkansas and I will try and help you pick a trail. What festival are you going to?

David, going to the Festival International de Louisiane. Been once before and it was great. Not sure what areas in the Ozarks, its pretty open. Just got a few ideas from the other site I posted this on. Buffalo River Trail, the upper section, was suggested. I can go anywhere so I would be willing to drive to the best spot. Thanks.

The Buffalo trail would be great. The hike to Goats Bluff is classic Arkansas Hiking, the trailhead is off highway 43 north of Lost Valley, it is about 6 miles in but it is pretty dangerous on the Bluff. The trail is very narrow with a 300' drop if you slip, not children friendly. Also The Buffalo Trail System does not permit dogs if you are traveling with the pooch. The trail to Hemmed in Hollow is another classic, the hike in from the top is steep but worth it. The falls had a lot of water last weekend. If you can get a copy of Tim Ernst' Trail book it would make your trip much easier. I don't have the book with me because I'm at work but I will bring it tomorrow and get you his address. I think his website is cloudland .net

There's a link to Tim's guide books on the Homepage. Or click HERE.

You're right when you say that there's too many places to play in down here Michael! It's hard to choose. The Upper Buffalo definately has plenty to offer for what you are wanting to do.

Get yourself to Hemmed-In Hollow. You'll be glad you did. There are several different trails that will get you there. Compton Trailhead (this is the one from the top that David mentioned.), Kyles Landing, and the Center Point Trailhead.

Keep in mind that this is a pretty well known area, so there will likely be other folks out there. Especially this time of year.

Hope that helps get you started. And welcome to the website!

Well welcome to the group!

If you are interested in the Ouachitas how about the Little Missouri trail. You could car camp at Camp Albert Pike right
on the Little Missouri River and you could hike either upstream or down stream. Near by are the Little Missouri Falls area
also. Within a short drive is the Caney Creek Wilderness Area, one of the nicest places in Arkansas. There is already
plenty of info in these forums for these places. Right now the state has been experiencing high water due to at least
three spring storms so I would recomend that you keep a close eye on the weather for were ever you want to visit.
I know that the wx is a part of the wilderness experience but of late some of these storms have been life threating so
please take heed of the forcast.

By the way if you will check my pictures link below you can see pictures of the Little Mo and also the Caney Creek area
as well as Section six of the Ozark Highlands Trail.